Original wheel size for carlton corsa?

Hi guys,

just got hold of a carlton corsa and setting up for a fixed gear build. Bought just as a frame, and am not sure what size rims to go for. (what were on it originally??)

The stickers were pretty much gone on the top tube apart from 'corsa' on it's own, no other name after it. Hope you can help me out!!

Cheers

Paul

You can tell by the number on Carlton BB's what year they were made. Usually starts with a W if made in one of Raleighs workshops.

Find out the year and you can usually work out the wheel size.

Failing that, measure the distance from centre of front axle to centre line of brake and let me know, I'll compare it with an old Carlton Criterium fork I have.

Cheers very much Chris, Ill check the bb. No forks with it I'm afraid!! Whats the overall diameter of a 700c with a tyre on approx (i know it will vary on the tyre) any one know?

Cheers!

Paul

Ok. I measured my rear (ooo err), from dropouts to centre of rear bridge brake hole. 370mm approx. If yours is the same the originals were probably 27" wheels. I run 700c's because there is so much more rim and tyre choice. You will need long drop brakes if you do this.

Cool mate, I'll have a measure tomorrow. No number on the BB though!

I want to run 700c's so this sounds like it's totally possible as they are smaller aren't they?!!?!

Only running a front brake.

Cheers

Paul

Tell a lie, I found the serial number on the back of the seat tube near the top, as follows

NE4229704.

Make any sense to anyone?!

http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/home.htm

might help

cheers i'll check that one out.

cool, got it, Nottingham in april 74. Thanks provenrad and others for help

paul

hi! i have an old carlton corsa too, and i want to change the wheels, because the original hubs are really ruined.
The bike has 27" rims, but i would like to run the the 28"-700c ones, but i think that they don't fit the frame, what do you think?
Thanks!

700c is smaller than 27" so they'll fit ok, but you might need to change the brake callipers.