Carlton Corsair

[David Garside]

I've just been given an old Carlton (I think a Corsair). It has 10 gears, 27" wheels and I think a 23" frame. It has a decal with Reynolds on it but most of the decals are missing so can't be sure if it's 531 or not. It's a bit tatty and it may be a bit too big for me but do you think it's worth doing up.
Thanks.

 

[biggs682]

sounds good , as for is it worth doing up only pics can tell that .

why not just make it rideable then use for a while

 

[David Garside]

Ok, I might just do that...Looking at it a bit more closely, it's from 1979 and it's 12 gears, not 10 as I first thought. When I get the chance i'll give it a good clean and service and go from there.
Thanks.

 

[biggs682]

depending on your feeling towards older steelies you might actually enjoy it over modern day bikes . if not loads of people who do would be interested in it

 

[Spokesmann]

Pictures would help a lot!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Depends what you mean by "worth" doing up.

If that means making a handsome profit on the back of a restoration, then the answer is almost certainly "no". A restored bike is rarely worth more than the cost of the restoration.

The sad news is that, depending on the make/model and components concerned, a sale will usually realise more if the bike is stripped and the constituent parts sold separately.

However, it is hugely satisfying to give an old bike a new lease of life; that being said, if it's too big for you then there doesn't seem much point: how tall are you?

There's not much about Carlton that Spokesmann doesn't know, so he'll be able to give you a better idea of the standing of your bike.

 

[Spokesmann]

Depends what you mean by "worth" doing up.

If that means making a handsome profit on the back of a restoration, then the answer is almost certainly "no". A restored bike is rarely worth more than the cost of the restoration.

The sad news is that, depending on the make/model and components concerned, a sale will usually realise more if the bike is stripped and the constituent parts sold separately.

However, it is hugely satisfying to give an old bike a new lease of life; that being said, if it's too big for you then there doesn't seem much point: how tall are you?

There's not much about Carlton that Spokesmann doesn't know, so he'll be able to give you a better idea of the standing of your bike.

As I said a picture would help. The Old Corsair can look pretty tasty if refurbed well, quite an attractive machine ( a bit of the old Criterium about it) esp. if it has the large flange hubs etc. I wouldn't mind one myself but 9 Carltons already take up a lot of room.
I wont be worth more when completed, although the ones I have seen make first class touring/commuting machines. As to whether its worth it depends on its condition now.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Quite: there's unlikely to be any financial benefit in restoring it; but if it was to be put back on the road, then that is a different matter.

However, if it is too big for David to use then that doesn't seem worthwhile: someone else might as well pick up the tab.

Either way "this thread is useless without photos"!

 

[David Garside]

Hello again all.....I've just managed to get a picture on here for you to see. Since I took the picture I've put a new tyre and tube on the front and given the brakes and gears a once over...and taken it for a 2 or 3 miles spin. It rides very nicely, smooth and responsive. It's a 23" frame and I'm 5'6" and I thought it would be too big for me but other than my crutch slightly touching the crossbar when I'm stopped, it's fine.
I think i'll just ride it for a month or two and then strip it and give it a sympathetic rebuild....not a full restoration. I didn't intend to do it up and try to sell it for a profit, I'd rather enjoy it myself.
What do you think?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Wow! That just looks like it needs a wash & polish.

23" is too big, but if you're happy riding it then carry on regardless!

 

[biggs682]

+1 Scillys comments re wash & polish

according to the rule book that is a frame size for around a 5ft 10" person put if you are happy go for it

 

[David Garside]

Yes it's cleaning up reasonably well....but with a nice patina.....As for the size, it's really good when i'm in the saddle but have to use my tiptoes a bit when i'm not....just like it was when I was a little kid and used to ride my big brother's mates bike.....maybe that's why I've got a sqeaky voice lol.....

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Glad to read that you're enjoying it.

On the subject of "patina": it will definitely be worth more (if you come to sell it) as it is, in an unrestored, original condition.

If you're planning on a large family, then I practice just putting one foot down and leaning the bike to the side...

 

[Spokesmann]

Very nice. Go for it. If it were mine Id be looking at a Brooks saddle, World Tour Tyres and new bar tape for starters...

 

[David Garside]

Ha ha...the family bit is long gone.....so no worries there.

I've rebuilt several motorbikes of the years and definitely think they're better with a bit of the age showing through. So will go down that route, maybe over the winter.