Sun Snipe Plus - c1965

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Spokesmann

Keeping the Carlton and Sun names alive...
Location
Plymouth, Devon
This is my latest acquisition, another Sun, this time a Snipe Plus go accompany my Snipe Prestige. This machine is in astounding condition, the original paintwork is near immaculate, no rust and hardly a mark. The graphics on the 23-1/2" frame are also pretty in intact too, the seat tube is particularly nice. I've still some work to do on it, but I have already replaced the seat with an old Wrights W3N I have been keeping, this was originally on my first ever Carlton back in 1975. The bike is pretty much 85% original, I need to change the seat post and handlebar stem at some point though. 5-speed transmission is by a second generation Huret Alvit mech. Lugs are very plain and simple with white lining. The 28-tooth rear sprocket should help with the hills in Plymouth, the Williams chain set is a 48 tooth affair. Mudguards are period Britannia Sprint Veloce, similar to Bluemels. The previous owner has done some work on this machine and made a very good job of it. Rims are steel with alloys hubs. I flesh out the spec details when I have had a closer look over the machine.

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HovR

Über Member
Location
Plymouth
This is my latest acquisition, another Sun, this time a Snipe Plus go accompany my Snipe Prestige. [...] The 24-tooth rear sprocket should help with the hills in Plymouth,

Stunning bike in brilliant condition, nice find! Guessing that's a 34 on the back, rather than a 24? The 27 tooth large sprocket on the back of my Peugeot is enough of a challenge around Plymouth way, especially with the single ring up front. :thumbsup:

Thanks for posting!
 
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Spokesmann

Spokesmann

Keeping the Carlton and Sun names alive...
Location
Plymouth, Devon
Stunning bike in brilliant condition, nice find! Guessing that's a 34 on the back, rather than a 24? The 27 tooth large sprocket on the back of my Peugeot is enough of a challenge around Plymouth way, especially with the single ring up front. :thumbsup:

Thanks for posting!

Ill double check, I have a 36 tooth on one bike and its huge...
 
Have you discovered time travel? Looks like it just rolled out of the factory. Stunning
 
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Spokesmann

Spokesmann

Keeping the Carlton and Sun names alive...
Location
Plymouth, Devon
Been out for a test ride this morning, only 2 or 3 miles. Nothing fell off (inc me) nothing shaking or squeaking. Rear mech need a little work as it a bit sticky getting to top gear, but apart from that its a very solid machine. Spent a good 3-4 hours yesterday building it up and setting to my position for riding. Brakes are fine and my old Wrights saddle most comfortable. I need to invest in another pair of toe clips, I can't ride without them! Ive taken a few details shots whilst riding in my local test track - Plymouth's Victoria Park.

I don't know how to describe the paint finish, it a lovely dark green flam (?), it defiantly not flat colour and not metallic, the light and dark areas around the lugs are very pleasing to (my) the eye.
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Don't you love 'S'bolts!

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The lever was a little stiff but will smooth out with use. This machine will be used, the pannier making it great for commenting (fine weather only!)
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The seat tube graphics are just of their time, when Sun was bait more than Carlton's bargain basement brand?
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My test track - the park is about 1-mile around and great for safe cycling/testing and general pootling around.
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I love this old saddle...
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This needs a little work, Ill reroute the cable first as getting to 5th was a little sticky...
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Clean and uncluttered...
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Proper Sun branded hoods
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Carlton wrap over seat stays...
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Spokesmann

Spokesmann

Keeping the Carlton and Sun names alive...
Location
Plymouth, Devon
The previous owner told me it was owned by a relative who was very much into cycling/touring in the 60s. The machine has apparently spent most of the last 40 years in a dry loft.
 
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