newbie

[johntomjoe]

Hi
My name is John,i am residing in Swindon for my sins!
i collect bikes for a hobby,mainly sturmey archer,but i have racers and want to build a fixie from a raleigh merlin (maybe)
i have aquired a lightweight racer today,which has no identification on it,it has;
Fiamme wheels (tubular tyres) campagnolo hubs
GB handlebar stem
selle royal saddle (rubber?)
shimano 600 double gear levers
suntor front gear mechanism and rear Derailleur
weinmann 750/vainoueur 999 centrepull brakes and sr apex pedals, this is extremely light,do i keep it in one piece or sell off parts (for much needed restoration funds) how can i identify it? there are no year stamps on stems or wheels and i cant find a frame number
any help would be appreciated,and i will list my collection later (4 x 1950's4 70's,7 x 80s,2 x 90's and 2 folders
regards to all john

 

[keithglos]

John, we might be able to help when you can post detail pictures, after the first few posts. Many hand built lightweights were made using the same frame components. This bike should be far more rewarding to ride than anything with hub gears. If you wish to send me pictures by email then PM me.
The Fiamme/Campagnolo SF GS wre probably the most popular of general purpose light wheels in the 1955 to 65 era, I used to build and sell them for £6 a pair, buying the rims in crate lots.

 

[johntomjoe]

Hi Keith
i will try sending a file if i can,or i can send a link to a facebook album
thanks John

 

[johntomjoe]

i have since found '73 stamped on the top of the headstock,and the forks are chrome under the paint

 

[johntomjoe]

Im not sure if anyone can see this ,its a link to my facebook album

If your on facebook please like my page

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... b8219aba21

 

[johntomjoe]

the tyre and headstock

 

[keithglos]

John

This is a Raleigh made in the Carlton Worksop factory, probably badged carlton, but several other names were used. Guessing here about mid 1960's, but there is frame number detail available if you search.
Are the hubs Campagnolo Tipo? from the same time, but this bike was not really a racing bike, just a general purpose sports model. It should ride quite well, and better if the tyres hold air, try pumping about an ounce of water into each if they go down fast. I would be surprised if the wheels were used in this bike, the gear ratios are typical time-trial of the era.
I always saw radial spoking as an affliction.
Keith

 

[keithglos]

Just saw the front tubular, looks a bit past it, and certainly would need to be stuck on the rim, a bit of research called for.
Try inflation first.

 

[johntomjoe]

Thanks for that keith,
the guy at the market pumped up the tyre before
i saw it and promptly blew a hole in it
it holds air after a patch but the stitching has come apart,so im hunting
i will have a closer look at the wheels tommorrow and let you know

 

[johntomjoe]

Please anyone correct me if im wrong ,is this the same bike?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carlton-Corsa ... 231487c377