Carlton Corsair

[daccordimark]

It wouldn't make a practical every-day bike and didn't even when I had one in the early 90s.

What makes you say that? It looks very practical to me. Is it the 27" wheels?

Mark.

 

[dbmtb]

27" wheels are never practical - and neither is 5-speed rear spacing.

So for day-to-day use would avoid - would still make a pretty showbike though.

 

[Spokesmann]

27" wheels are never practical - and neither is 5-speed rear spacing.

So for day-to-day use would avoid - would still make a pretty showbike though.

In what way?????

 

[dbmtb]

Choice of 27" tyres is at best limited.

Availability of quality hubs in 5-speed spacing the same.

So you will be limited to harder-to-find second-hand parts and cheaper quality tyres.

Of course, this may not be a problem for you - but for the casual cyclist would be a major headache.

 

[BigFoz]

I just acquired a Corsair frame off eBay, badged as a Colnago. It has had the rear end set to 130mm, rendering the 5spd argument null and void. I'll be building with 9spd Campag and 700c (mudguards will fill the gap and long drop brakes will meet the rims perfectly).

Next step is to try an overspray the Colnago decals so I can badge it back as a Carlton Corsair. If this goes badly, it'll go away for a respray. I do like the current pale grey it's painted though.

 

[Spokesmann]

Carlton rebadged as Colnago - outrageous!

 

[BigFoz]

I know, but as all the other bikes in the garage bar the half built '60 Continental are Colnagos, I figured I'd better put it straight to even out the odds!

Plus it offends my sensibilities - like driving an Aston with a Ferrari badge. Would just be wrong.

 

[biggs682]

i have a mint 1980 corsair hanging in the garage at the moment , awaiting fettling ie new tyres , adjusting brakes etc etc .

they make an ideal daily use bike without any issues .

 

[roadking]

27" wheels are never practical - and neither is 5-speed rear spacing.

I agree with Spokesmann, 27" wheels/tyres are no problem, and neither is a 5 speed freewheel (or the dropout spacing): who really needs more than ten gears?

An Ultra 6 will fit in 5 speed spacing: I am in the process of refurbishing my (owned from new) Holdsworth Mistral, and have had no trouble servicing the Campagnolo hubs or sourcing a new old stock 5 speed Shimano 600 freewheel (£7.99)

Tyres no problem either: find a brand you like and buy a box full and store in the loft.

Roadking.