1946 Claud Butler

[ignatzcatz]

Originally purchased in June 1946, this is a 23" lugless Claud Butler superbly refinished in Southdown green with period transfers. The frame is in perfect condition. Re-chromed Chater Lea chainset, Campagnolo Gran Sport rear mech with NOS single Campag lever. GB coureur brakes, GB bars and stem, Campagnolo Gran Sport seat pin (27.2) with Brooks B17 narrow saddle. Wheels are Airlite large flange hubs re-built with stainless spokes onto alloy 27" rims, tyres are Specialised 27 x 7/8ths, narrow and fast. A stunning retro machine £690 ovno

 

[biggs682]

ooh very nice indeed

 

[surf239]

Re:

Hi

Is the Claude Butler still available? If so would you consider posting to US?

Thanks
Arol

 

[surf239]

Hi
Just joined. Perhaps I replied incorrectly. Is the Claude Butler still available?

 

[ignatzcatz]

Hi Arol,
Yes, I still have the Claud, although I have stripped the frame due to me getting the Campag Gran Sport rear mech re-bushed, the parallelogram was a bit sloppy. Anyway it's no problem shipping to the States, I would use Fedex normally but you may have a preferred carrier. What is your location? I should be able to get some freight prices for you.
The bike hasn't been used at all, it came to me via a non cycling friend who's father, now deceased, had bought it new just after the war and it was found in the loft of his father's house. A guy was going to buy it and wanted the frame sprayed in the Southdown green (Southdown is a local bus company, this was their company colours and he used to work for them - that's why it's green) This guy mucked me around and ended up not buying the frame. I ride a 20" frame so it's way too big for me so hence zero miles on the bike. If you are still interested, do come back to me.
Cheers

 

[surf239]

Hi
I am interested. Price seems fair. I guess it will depend somewhat on freight costs. I know England seems to be considerably higher than the rest of Europe. I have no preferred carrier so your choice is fine as long as it is well packed.
I do have a couple of questions.
Is it 23 ctt?
I presume the rear derailleur is now fine.
Components look to be in very good shape. 3 speed?
You sound like a collector. If so though I think I know the answer : do you ever come across cream bluemels?

 

[ignatzcatz]

Hi, I'm back, a slight server problem, I think. Anyway, it is 23" centre bottom bracket to top of top tube and the top tube is 23" centre to centre. For the period it's quite lively angles, of course back then it was a racing machine. The rear mech is now A1 and it can take a six speed block. I'm not a collector or dealer just a rider with a few old racing bikes as well as a few new ones. Those Bluemel guards are incredibly difficult to get hold of, the sun and just age turns the plastic to dust and they are quite fragile even when new. However there are a couple of bike jumbles (swap meets) coming up so I will keep my eyes open for any sets.
I reckon from your handle you are in CA so I'm getting some prices for the West coast. Am I right?

 

[surf239]

No New Hampshire. Actually the best surf tends to be in the winter. I would appreciate you keeping an eye out for the Bluemels although I sometimes wonder if they are worth the trouble of keeping them adjusted properly while riding. I have a friend who took more modern plastic fenders and painted them cream. They look just as good without the issues. Since you will be at the jumble would you keep an eye out for a Bluemel frame pump that would fit? Obviously these would be at extra cost.
That's good to hear that a six speed block works as I can also uee the bike for some touring with a saddlebag.
I enjoyed reading your blog on your various bikes. I ride a lot of various bikes though my interest tends to be primarily vintage British pre-1970.

 

[ignatzcatz]

Hi Buddy, I need your zip code for the freight quotes, I can't do much without it. Just a thought, would the frame on it's own be better for you, however no problem to re-build it as per the pictures.

 

[surf239]

03885
I would prefer the bike built up as is