Hi, I'm pretty new to steel bikes having come over from the dark side that is aluminium. I have just purchased this 5 speed Carlton Continental and was wondering if anyone could give me any further information beyond what I have managed to find by trawling about. I think the bike is around the early 1970s mark, possibly 1971 or 1972, from looking at the available old catalogues, decals and stem shape (stem looks pretty unusual but doesn't seem to have any makers marks).The frame has a TI logo on the seat tube just under the top tube.
The bike has a fair amount of rust but is in reasonable condition and seems to be all original parts, the Brooks saddle is in particularly good shape. Right now I'm in a dilemma as to whether to get it powder coated/repainted and seek out replacement decals for a thorough restoration or to service it, clean up the aluminium and chrome parts, prevent further rusting (with Jenolite or similar) and keep the steel tubing finish as it is, faded decals and all.
I have attached some pics and would be grateful for any feedback from any resident Carlton experts.
The bike has a fair amount of rust but is in reasonable condition and seems to be all original parts, the Brooks saddle is in particularly good shape. Right now I'm in a dilemma as to whether to get it powder coated/repainted and seek out replacement decals for a thorough restoration or to service it, clean up the aluminium and chrome parts, prevent further rusting (with Jenolite or similar) and keep the steel tubing finish as it is, faded decals and all.
I have attached some pics and would be grateful for any feedback from any resident Carlton experts.
