Carlton Gran Sport project

[TheDoctor]

Here's my latest project, courtesy of my local CTC.

A Carlton Gran Tour, in Reynolds 531DB, with some decidedly unfamiliar touches.
12 speed friction DT shifters - SunTour power ratchet, which were quite well thought of in their day.
SunTour front mech, but a Huret rear - I suspect it's not original.
14-30 six speed block, and SR 50/30 (!!) chainset. There was me thinking a 50/34 compact had a big jump between ratios...
A BB dynamo, which is coming off ASAP. As is the front rack.
I've already replaced the tyres with some Schwalbe ones from Spa - 27 by 1 1/4 tyres are a bit thin on the ground these days, but these seem OK. I'm torn about the brakes - Weinmann centerpulls are nicely period, but a complete bitch to set up. I may drop some nutted AlHonga dual pivots on instead. Not as authentic, but at least they'll work without me chucking spanners across the garden.

More posts as we progress!

 

[biggs682]

very nice indeed keep the centre pulls please

 

[raleighnut]

Ditto on the centrepulls, they should be as easy to set up as any dual pivot brake.

 

[stevevw]

Doc
I think I have a Suntour rear mech in the spares box you would be welcome too. Keep the centre pulls just look out for either levers with a quick release or hangers with the same.
A "G" Clamp and cable pullers will come in handy too.

 

[Cameronmu917772]

''they'll work without me chucking spanners across the garden.''

 

[Spokesmann]

Clean up, service and a major de-clutter! Look forward to seeing more!

 

[TheDoctor]

Managed to sort out the centerpulls, but Jeez that's a dreadful design. I've never needed a third hand tool before, still less a fourth and some ty-raps.
The lever hoods have had it - I tried peeling one back to tape the bars, and it fell to bits. Good job they're still available on a popular auction site. Tan hoods and matching bar tape, I think. Other than that, it is now ridable
@stevevw - many thanks, that's a kind offer
Once the bike's fit to be seenI shall ride over and collect the mech, if I may.

 

[TheDoctor]

Found a pair of cream coloured hoods, so they're now on.
Bars are taped, and I've taken it for a short spin

 

[biggs682]

Found a pair of cream coloured hoods, so they're now on.
Bars are taped, and I've taken it for a short spin

first of many i hope

 

[TheDoctor]

Absolutely! I'll be off to the bike shop on it soon - the LHS pedal is stick solid, and I want to replace the quill pedals with SPDs.
Authenticity is fine, but I do want to ride the thing!

 

[TheDoctor]

The LHS pedal was well and truly mullered in. Big thanks to Edd's Bikes for getting it unstuck for me