Carlton Criterium original spec

[gph1973]

Hi everyone.

I am a complete novice to vintage bikes, however, I've recently acquired a Carlton Criterium to restore to join the fun at next years l'eroica britannia.

From the serial number I think it is 1981 built in Worksop/Nottingham, unsure as I believe this was the time of the changeover. My problem is there are a couple of bits missing and so I wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction to find the original specification so I can source the correct replacement parts.

Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can give.

 

[biggs682]

firstly welcome to the world of vintage road bikes @gph1973 although some will argue 1981 is hardly vintage .

what bolts do you need ?

you might get lucky on here or other cycling forums or e bay ?

oh we need pics of the bike to drool over please

 

[gph1973]

Thanks for the welcome.

Therein lies my issue, I'm not 100% sure what I do need to get it back to its original position. It seems in pretty good condition in general however the front derailleur is missing and s couple of other bits and so I was hoping it would be possible to track down an original spec. The rear mech is sun tour vx and so I'm assuming the front is as well but I'm not sure.

I agree with your point that 1981 is definitely not vintage, as s spring chicken from 1973 there if no way something as young as 1981 could possibly be! It's feels old to me as my other bike is brand new I suppose.

Thanks

Pics to follow but as I'm new I don't think I can post any yet!

 

[biggs682]

@gph1973 you will need to do a few posts before you can load pictures.
Our resident Carlton supremo @Spokesmann will be along soon and offer advice re fr mechanism to go for

 

[mjr]

1987 is the current theoretical cutoff for vintage, isn't it? Although it seems a lot of retro is also allowed at LEB

 

[gph1973]

That's brilliant, I've never used forums before but what a fantastic way to share information! Well, for a buffoon like me to obtain knowledge more than share, unless anyone needs any tax advice!!!!

Another point is the rubber brake hoods have perished rather badly. Can I get replacement Weinmann hoods?

Also, and apologies for my constant stream of questions. Is it better to keep paintwork original or have it sprayed/powder coated to get rid of scuffs/scratches and then put on replacement decals??

Thanks, I'll stop pestering you now with inane questions!!

 

[gph1973]

1987 is the current theoretical cutoff for vintage, isn't it? Although it seems a lot of retro is also allowed at LEB

1987 is the cut off for LEB so I can only assume it must be the cut off. Everything looks old to me at L'Eroica! It's a cracking weekend though!

 

[mjr]

Can I get replacement Weinmann hoods?

No but http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dia-compe-204-202-non-aero-drop-lever-hoods-prod26453/ may be compatible.

Also, and apologies for my constant stream of questions. Is it better to keep paintwork original or have it sprayed/powder coated to get rid of scuffs/scratches and then put on replacement decals??

I prefer to keep it original but tastes vary.

 

[gph1973]

I think I prefer to keep it in its original condition as well. It's an old bike that has had a life prior to me and so you have to expect some laughter lines and wrinkles!!!!

Thanks for the link for the brake hoods

 

[biggs682]

No but http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dia-compe-204-202-non-aero-drop-lever-hoods-prod26453/ may be compatible.


I prefer to keep it original but tastes vary.

i have used those hoods to replace shimano 600 non aero ones and they fitted fine

 

[mikeymustard]

Lovely bike, I had mine stolen in the winter of '81 - it didn't come from Cheltenham did it?
Here's a link to the 1980 catalogue

 

[gph1973]

Lovely bike, I had mine stolen in the winter of '81 - it didn't come from Cheltenham did it?
Here's a link to the 1980 catalogue

Sorry to hear you lost yours. No it's been in Sheffield since he bought it as new.

Thanks for the link, that's brilliant.

 

[swee'pea99]

That was the bike that got me back into cycling (after a break of 20 years). Lovely ride. I had a good few miles out of it before passing it on to a mate, who was similarly enthused. When he also moved on, I ended up selling it on ebay for about twice what I'd originally paid for it.

 

[gph1973]

I can't wait to get it all sorted out and get it out into the road!

I have no plans to sell mine, although if I did I'd hope to at least double my money as I've managed to swap it for an old mountain bike that was left by the previous owner when I bought the house 12 years ago!!!

Just found out the colour is called fern green. Anyone any ideas the best way to get paint that will match for any touch ups etc I do?

 

[mikeymustard]

just make sure any rust is removed (either use a proprietory gel, or try coke, vinegar, tomato ketchup etc.) and wax it - laughter lines and wrinkles - remember?