Trade: 65cm Lugged Carlton Frame & Forks For 53cm (approx) Equivalent Lugged Frame & Forks

Hello everyone!

I am looking to trade my 65cm lugged steel Carlton frame and forks for a smaller, around 53cm, equivalent frame and forks.

**Pictures follow. **

Frame vital statistics:

HT: 205
TT: 550
ST: 650
BB: 68

Seatpost 25.4

As you can see, the frame has its original paint and as such has suffered from some surface rust. This hasn't penetrated however and could be polished off and will accept paint well.

At the moment, this rust is contrasted against the polished lugs which I feel works well. I would be more than happy to accept a frame and forks in similar condition as I will likely clean it up and have it powdercoated.

The bike is currently fitted with 27 1/4" wheels but will easily accept 700c.

In summery, I am looking for:

1, A frame size around 53cm
2, Lugged frame, preferably scrolled/decorative.
3, Paintwork/rust is not important so long as rust has not penetrated.
4, Obviously NO dents or bent tubes please.

If you think you have something suitable or can point me in the right direction, please feel free to contact me here or via PM.

Unfortunately I am not currently in london, but will be more than happy to post anywhere at good price.

wow that's huge! even for me at 6'5".

word of advice - for the classifieds photo, put the saddle at the correct height for someone who would fit this frame, makes it more attractive and helps you get a sale .

otherwise this is a nice frame

Thanks for the advice, I'll upload a new pic tomorrow.

I'm 5' 10 and at this config it fits me ok, although it is a little long. I prefer a little more crotch clearance and a slightly shorter frame...

For someone around 6' or over, I reckon this would make a decent cruiser; I've had a lot of fun on it.

Many thanks again; being a newbee I appreciate the support!

no worries :)

if you're 5'10 you'll probably need bigger, 56 or even 58 ctt, measure your inside leg by shoving a book between your legs as hard as saddle would press, mark that off against the wall (no shoes) and measure to the floor, I think you multiply that by 0.88(someone will correct if this si wrong) to get a guide to frame size (ie seat tube size centre BB to top). Also, what size seatpost (diameter does it take? Gives a clue if the frame is 531 it will be 27.2, and you'll find a buyer much more easily.

measuring your inside leg by what? inch? centimeter?

.887 !

It doesn't matter does it? Just gives you bike measurements in the same no?

Seatpost 25.4mm

Does that mean it's definitely not 531? Unfortunately there is no indication as to the material on the frame. Any other way I can find out?

Thanks diablo. Will do the math tomorrow without the wine...

Seatpost 25.4mm

Does that mean it's definitely not 531? Unfortunately there is no indication as to the material on the frame. Any other way I can find out?

find the serial number, do a little research

if you're 5'10 you'll probably need bigger, 56 or even 58 ctt, measure your inside leg by shoving a book between your legs as hard as saddle would press, mark that off against the wall (no shoes) and measure to the floor, I think you multiply that by 0.88(someone will correct if this si wrong) to get a guide to frame size (ie seat tube size centre BB to top). Also, what size seatpost (diameter does it take? Gives a clue if the frame is 531 it will be 27.2, and you'll find a buyer much more easily.

nah I'm 5'10" and i ride a 53x53

+1 I'm nearly six foot but ride a 56 but I have got short legs!

Bit of an update R.E. frame origins:

Serial number WL5002103

Was built in Worksop Carlton works in August 1975 and features Crespera Lugs.

The frame was from a Carlton Continental I think going by the colour, date and lug design . More details of the complete bike can be found here:

http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/mybikes/76continental.htm

Looks like tubing could be Reynolds 531. If this catalogue page is correct (and I am right in identifying it as a continental) then both frame and forks are 531.

Can anyone correct me? I'll keep looking for proof...

if you're 5'10 you'll probably need bigger, 56 or even 58 ctt, measure your inside leg by shoving a book between your legs as hard as saddle would press, mark that off against the wall (no shoes) and measure to the floor, I think you multiply that by 0.88(someone will correct if this si wrong) to get a guide to frame size (ie seat tube size centre BB to top).

A better method is to multiply your inside leg measurement by 1.09. This will give you a good starting point for saddle to pedal distance. Subtract length of cranks and saddle/seatpost combined. and voila.

measuring your inside leg by what? inch? centimeter?

Whatever units you want the final result to be in. I'm going to have my next frame measured in miles.

That's a good 40 years older...
(Post No 15).

Whatever units you want the final result to be in. I'm going to have my next frame measured in miles.[/QUOTE]

If thats the case, I'm looking for a frame around 0.000347222222 miles, top tube to BB ;-)

That's a good 40 years older...
(Post No 15).

I reckon you're probably right. Only continental I could find in a catalogue though.

Don't suppose Carlton were using 30's typography for retro appeal in the 70's do you...?

I reckon you're probably right. Only continental I could find in a catalogue though.

Don't suppose Carlton were using 30s' typography for retro appeal in the 70s do you...?

Quite possibly. They were very provincial...

I don't think it's that one because butted 531 would have a 27.2 seat tube.

This might be a better candidate actually:

Has the same Weinmann centre pull brakes as mine and a very similar crankset. Lugs are of the same design and decals appear to be positioned the same way. Brake levers are different however...

This is apparently a 1968 Corsa. I'm trying to find catalogues but am struggling a litte. Anyone know of any links?

Apart from this guy and the site you got the above photo from there really isn't much out there.
http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/home.htm and his page with links http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/carlton-links.htm and http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/carlton70/

I worked out my model by writing down my best guess for each letter from the top tube decal - I don't know if there's any left of yours.

RE tubing - it'll iether be TI or 531 I recon... although 531 makes it easier to sell, I've got to say mine is TI and is light and rides well.

You could also try this guy who used to build for Carlton... the site is a bit crap but his contact email is in there somewhere.

You could probably use my 21.5 inch Carlton Grand Prix frame which is too small for me. Interested?

From memory, the Grand Prix is either 1980 or early 1981 and red. Reasonable cosmetic condition and dead straight with zero damage.