Claud Butler Commanche (alloy frame)

[Kiwipom]

I bought this new 1996/7 and it‘s been stored (badly) in a shed for the last 15 or 20 years. Cleaned it, greased the wheel and pedal bearings and oiled the chain and took it for hopefully the first of many rides yesterday. I upgraded the (centre pull) brake and (grip) shift mechanism shortly after buying it, and it’s acquired a different seat and front wheel along the way but I have most of the original parts.

 

[TreaderSteve]

Find some trails and ride the sucker! I wish there were more around my way - being the fens near Cambridge. River paths are about as exciting as it gets. Are there more exciting trail rides where you are?

 

[Kiwipom]

Find some trails and ride the sucker! I wish there were more around my way - being the fens near Cambridge. River paths are about as exciting as it gets. Are there more exciting trail rides where you are?

I’m in NZ, so yes, but I pretty much gave up cycling when I emigrated from the UK to NZ in ‘99. My brother, also in NZ is seriously into all types of cycling and should be able to advise on where to go etc, but I will never be able to keep up with him on his many fancy carbon fibre bikes
There are hundreds of km of unsealed/gravel roads in the rural areas around where I live, in Masterton. Masterton town is luckily largely flat with no hills of significance, so I can ease myself back into it.

 

[TreaderSteve]

Sounds lovely! There's a thread somewhere on here along the lines oh 'here's where I've cycled today' - showing pictures of the scenery - be good to see some from around your way once you've been out and about.

 

[Kiwipom]

A taste…..but I was on a ADV motorbike, to get there and back is a full days cycling, more than I will be able do for foreseeable future.

 

[Commonbear]

I bought this new 1996/7 and it‘s been stored (badly) in a shed for the last 15 or 20 years. Cleaned it, greased the wheel and pedal bearings and oiled the chain and took it for hopefully the first of many rides yesterday. I upgraded the (centre pull) brake and (grip) shift mechanism shortly after buying it, and it’s acquired a different seat and front wheel along the way but I have most of the original parts.

I would be very interested in buying this bike if you would consider selling it.