Claud Butler project

[Emanresu]

As I've never been a roadie I haven't a clue what to do about this bin bike I picked up. CB Elite with 23" frame. Looks in reasonable condition for a project either to refurbish or to convert. Fancy making it gravel friendly but not sure. Suggestions welcome.

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Looks pretty much good to go. Thorough clean and a thorough service and you are in business. Enjoy the road.

 

[Cycleops]

Looks nice. I would think from the nineties/early 2000s, well past the heyday for CB but should serve you well with a tidy.
Don't think you'd get tyres on beyond 28c if you're thinking of gravel. Critical area will be between the chain stays.
Good luck with it.

 

[Sharky]

gravel friendly

The difference between a road bike and a gravel bike are minor and mostly marketing. Larger, fatter tyres would get you more of a gravel apprearence, but you will be limited with rim brakes and clearance.

Suggest you stick with the find you have and test ride over gravel routes. Change the tyres when they are due to be changed to the max the frame can take.

Good luck

 

[Illaveago]

What's this thing with gravel?
All I can remember from my teenage years was who could make the longest skid. Pedal like mad to the gravel and then slam on the back brake . Great fun then but now I try to avoid the stuff!

 

[Emanresu]

Looks pretty much good to go. Thorough clean and a thorough service and you are in business. Enjoy the road.

I had to pump the tyres but can't see anything else to do until I take it out. Brakes working. Gears changing smoothly. No sign of wear on cassette and chain which both look recent. I had to pay £50 for it though.

 

[Sharky]

Always worth changing the brake inner cables. Rusted cables are not always visible.

 

[Emanresu]

Have had the time to look at this now and can't see I can do anything other than keep it as a road bike. Have taken off an old [wired] cadence sensor. Thought they were all Ant+ these days but it's in the bin now.

Taken off the clipless pedals (Shimano PD-M520's) as am not used to them and don't have the gear so they're going in the bin unless someone wants them. Will hold back on the bin for a couple of days but if you'd like them will post them (UK only). They are pretty beat up though.