Chater-Lea bike ID please?

[lazyfatgit]

I'm doing a ride later this year which needs a steel bike with downtube shifters. As a result ive been looking out for old bikes to put one together.
Last week I was given a complete bike. I was wondering what age it might be. the elderly gent that gave it me said it was his training bike when he raced.
Frame is stamped Charter-Lea under the bottom bracket, black paint with blue infill in club or clover shaped cutouts. Universal super 68 calipers, shimano 600 RD, Suntour compe V FD, 53-44 chainset "made in France".

 

[wisdom]

I'm doing a ride later this year which needs a steel bike with downtube shifters. As a result ive been looking out for old bikes to put one together.
Last week I was given a complete bike. I was wondering what age it might be. the elderly gent that gave it me said it was his training bike when he raced.
Frame is stamped Charter-Lea under the bottom bracket, black paint with blue infill in club or clover shaped cutouts. Universal super 68 calipers, shimano 600 RD, Suntour compe V FD, 53-44 chainset "made in France".

Cannot help you unfortunately but we need pics.Someone will know I am sure.

 

[Cycleops]

Chater-Lea refers to the bottom bracket component so could be a number of makes. Would probably have come with a chain set of that name as well.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/components/bottom-brackets.html
Perhaps the old boy might remember the make?
I'm no expert but if you could post pics someone may be able to identify it. Look for a number somewhere on the frame.

 

[biggs682]

@lazyfatgit pictures please , sure Charter lea did make some Bikes but mostly made good quality components , like this crankset

 

[lazyfatgit]

Thanks all. I'll get some images loaded up tomorrow.

The head tube has a logo which looks like its pressed out or brazed on. Same relief on the seat tube. Looks like a bike seen from the front- think stylized T over an inverted Y. Please bear in mind I'm in NSW so may be a local make. Pedals are Japanese as is one rim, the other is Italian

 

[lazyfatgit]

pictures of bike without wheels.

 

[classic33]

The rear derailleur is from '76.
The pedals from '77.
The brakes from '75-76.

There's a mark above the rear derailleur, on the dropout. Not able to make it out.

 

[classic33]

Stamped or cast in place?

 

[lazyfatgit]

Stamped or cast in place?
View attachment 409151

It's cast, with a letter T and 157 stamped on the downtube lug.
Just for completeness, I've also uploaded images from under the saddle and the chainrings.

The forks look to be too narrow for the wheels he gave me. the inside dropout dimension on the front is about 94mm and the rear 113mm. I know it's steel but I'm a bit reluctant to jam the wheels in. At a guess they're 100mm and 120mm with a 13-21 5 speed block.

 

[Cycleops]

Can't help you with the rest but the Unica Nitor saddle comes from the early/mid sixties. The first plastic saddle. You can still buy them but made under licence.

The bike is a real mix of parts.

 

[biggs682]

It's cast, with a letter T and 157 stamped on the downtube lug.
Just for completeness, I've also uploaded images from under the saddle and the chainrings.

The forks look to be too narrow for the wheels he gave me. the inside dropout dimension on the front is about 94mm and the rear 113mm. I know it's steel but I'm a bit reluctant to jam the wheels in. At a guess they're 100mm and 120mm with a 13-21 5 speed block.

i would say early 60's frame and maybe older with later bits added , love the headset lug work

 

[lazyfatgit]

I really like it. Pity that it's a 22" frame and I'm 6'2". Might still be a good winter project. I've been offered a larger frame by a friend who's father collected all manner of bikes in various sizes, so may use some of the components to put on that. I'm riding the Noosa Strade Bianche in August. I might get hooked on old bikes - could need a bigger shed. Lol.

Thanks all for your help and interest. If any more info comes to light, I'll post an update.

 

[classic33]

It's not a Chater-Lea bike, unless it's been repaired at some stage.

I've two similar, but seperate years, for when they last produced a full bike, 1927 & 1937. That leaves @biggs682 suggestion as the most probable. Parts they made were used on the bike, by someone else.

A question regarding the bottom bracket, What size bearings are in there? Chater-Lea favoured larger than standard ball bearings in their designs. It may be possible to date the bottom bracket from the size.

 

[stevevw]

Chater Lea made components and frame lugs for general sale. The T head tube Braze on I have seen before but for the life of me I cant remember the builder perhaps a little digging on classic lightweights may come up with something.