A question for the Carlton enthusiasts

[Mark Manley]

Did Carlton ever make a flat handlebar, hub gear roadster or tourist model? I have searched the internet and apart from a couple of bikes that look like they have been modified all I can find are drop bar sports bikes with derailleur gears, I am curious as they seem to be a cut above your average mass produced bike and I have a liking for such bikes as the Raleigh Lenton Tourist and BSA Light Tourist with their Reynolds frames and light alloy components.

 

[bagpuss]

Given that Carlton marketed frame and forks only, a build of this type would not be uncommon, that said I have not seen a Catalogue picture of a factory assembled/ built one.
Off to check my Catalogues .

A pre Raleigh take over , a mixte ladies tourer with straight bars was likey .
I purchased one some years ago . It had a rare winged Carlton head badge.
It was 3 speed with straight bars .

 

[Corsa of Course]

There are loads of catalogues here http://carltoncycles.uk/1939-sports-catalogue/
In the 1939 catalogue there is the Polo and the Tourist with straightish bars. There were also a few others pre-war. There were some with 3 speed drums as well. I did like the 20 year warranty offered back then.

 

[Mark Manley]

Thanks for your replies, it looks like pre-war they made standard roadsters and a couple of 531 framed models had a flat bar option so it looks like the answer to my question is yes.

 

[bagpuss]

Carlton pictures .

Carlton Mixte Circa 1950's? FN H186 by rebalrid, on Flickr


Head badge Rare Carlton Mixte 1950's by rebalrid, on Flickr

 

[Spokesmann]

I believe they might have in the 30s when Fred Hanstock was still in charge.