BlokeFromStoke
Retro Newbie
Hey all, This is my Carlton bike that I've owned since about 2014. I paid £50 for it at steam fair as it seemed a cheap way to get into a classic racing bike. I knew nothing of the make Carlton but it seemed the right size for me so I bought it. I always fancied a racing bike from a kid. My Dad actually bought me a bronze coloured Motobecane in the 90s along with a couple of old GPO bikes he was doing up in a deal... sadly I lost interested being a child and it was chopped up. Years later, here we are...
I think it's the mass produced Cobra model made between 1968 - 1973? It had some faded black lines on it originally but over lockdown I ended up removing the paint so it was fully chrome. Heres the serial number if anyone is interested.
Although I do ride this is really not the best of bikes and I thought I'd start this thread to see if it was worth saving and if anyone can advise me how to fix it as I'd like to go riding with some friends over the summer. I've got to make sure I dont spend to much money on this I'm quite bad for buying things that need work when I should have just bought a nice one (I'll post a photo of my Ford Capri & Escort at the bottom).
The list of problems I can see in order of importance:
- Crank Arm/cotter pin exceptionally loose. About 30mm travel on one side.
- Replace wheel? Back wheel Bent which means the rear bikes dont work well at all.
- Needs a new seat (sometimes slips back)
- Is it possible to upgrade to indexed gears?
My questions in detail...
Heres the Cotter pin in question. If I stand on the other pedal which is solid, this side probably has about 30mm movement at the pedal end! Would I have to replace the whole bottom bracket? Or Could I replace the arm and pin? IF I do have to replace everything, how do you find parts or find out if parts are interchangeable between brands?
This is the chain set. seems to be about 19cm. I'm not sure if thats how you mesure it. Also If I replace the bottom bracket and crank arms, can this be reused or do you generally change everything?
The rear wheel seems to be 27" & 1/4 I think??. These tyres look old but they've just lived outside for a year and half. Can you buy these wheels new or is it easy to pick up a second hand wheel with the 5 speed cogs? I say that as I think the cogs are a bit worn as the chain will jump off sometimes while changing gear.
It's got the non indexed shifter. Can you upgrade this easily to an indexed gear system?
Heres a couple of photos from my ride today. I did 11 miles on it from my home to Tatton Park in Cheshire.
And just so you can see I'm not scared of a little hard work
This 1979 Capri has been a pain in the arse for the last 5 years but I've got it running pretty well now. One of two classics (Escort mk3 as my daily), unfortunately this one takes more of my spare cash up.
I think it's the mass produced Cobra model made between 1968 - 1973? It had some faded black lines on it originally but over lockdown I ended up removing the paint so it was fully chrome. Heres the serial number if anyone is interested.
Although I do ride this is really not the best of bikes and I thought I'd start this thread to see if it was worth saving and if anyone can advise me how to fix it as I'd like to go riding with some friends over the summer. I've got to make sure I dont spend to much money on this I'm quite bad for buying things that need work when I should have just bought a nice one (I'll post a photo of my Ford Capri & Escort at the bottom).
The list of problems I can see in order of importance:
- Crank Arm/cotter pin exceptionally loose. About 30mm travel on one side.
- Replace wheel? Back wheel Bent which means the rear bikes dont work well at all.
- Needs a new seat (sometimes slips back)
- Is it possible to upgrade to indexed gears?
My questions in detail...
Heres the Cotter pin in question. If I stand on the other pedal which is solid, this side probably has about 30mm movement at the pedal end! Would I have to replace the whole bottom bracket? Or Could I replace the arm and pin? IF I do have to replace everything, how do you find parts or find out if parts are interchangeable between brands?
This is the chain set. seems to be about 19cm. I'm not sure if thats how you mesure it. Also If I replace the bottom bracket and crank arms, can this be reused or do you generally change everything?
The rear wheel seems to be 27" & 1/4 I think??. These tyres look old but they've just lived outside for a year and half. Can you buy these wheels new or is it easy to pick up a second hand wheel with the 5 speed cogs? I say that as I think the cogs are a bit worn as the chain will jump off sometimes while changing gear.
It's got the non indexed shifter. Can you upgrade this easily to an indexed gear system?
Heres a couple of photos from my ride today. I did 11 miles on it from my home to Tatton Park in Cheshire.
And just so you can see I'm not scared of a little hard work
This 1979 Capri has been a pain in the arse for the last 5 years but I've got it running pretty well now. One of two classics (Escort mk3 as my daily), unfortunately this one takes more of my spare cash up. 
Imperial cotter pins are available on ebay.
