Yet Another Purple One - 70’s Carlton Criterium

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I think that is 73 degrees not the year mate.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

I think that is 73 degrees not the year mate.

That makes total sense

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

We need a purple bike ride
I've only got three two of those are purple parts rather than the entire bike. So you've definitely out purpled me.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

We need a purple bike ride

I like it, do it in April and call it Purple Rain! I’ll get my coat

 

[Corsa of Course]

Fab looking bike great idea about a purple bike ride,,, the nearest I have is a polychromatic crimson... Maybe time to.... Nope not buying another bike....

 

[Spokesmann]

http://carltoncycles.uk/1974-raleigh-carlton-catalogue/

It looks like centre pulls were on the 1974 bikes. Mine is a 1974 bike but has the 1972/3 colour scheme. I found what I think is a 73 stamp on the chromed headstock lugs, just to muddy the waters a little more.

Thats the headset angle.

 

[Spokesmann]

Thanks for the offer, I have already paid for a pair that just need a good clean and polish. You could well be right, all I have to go on are a few other Criterium threads and a catalogue scan. I think it’s 72 or 73. I know the later models came with center pulls, just not sure when the change happened, possibly 75? Luckily when the center pulls were added the cable outers were left uncut and they are still the perfect length for the 730 side pulls. That’s the best clue I have to go on to be honest.

This is the colour scheme for around 72/73. Earlier (c1970/71) Crits were gunmetal grey, the later ones from around 75 were poly brown.

 

[Spokesmann]

It’s a 1974 bike made in July, a few months younger than me.

Quick rundown on the non spec parts that I know of…
Brooks Vitesse 300 saddle, now swapped for a Brooks B17.
Shimano Tourney brakes, should be Weinmann 730’s I think.
Sugino GT chainset and Tange spindle, the seller gave me the original Tri arm cottered chainset with the original pedals.
That’s all I’ve discovered so far, there might be more, everything else looks right but you guys will know better than me. It does have some rather nice Michelin World Tour tyres which I was surprised to see were made in Japan. I’m not too keen on the Simplex derailleurs and shifters, I’m sure these could be replaced with something a little more classy, any ideas?

Original spec was 999 Weinmanns, Simplex Prestige rear mech. Simplex front changer. Brooks B17 saddle, GB bars and stem. Shortie Weinmann guards, QR Large flange hubs.

 

[Spokesmann]

This may be of use. I put these up on the site a while ago now.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/raleigh-catalogue-1973-and-1974-5.110238/

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Thanks for all of the info. I did check out your post with the catalogue pics. I think I’m going try to get it finished in the new year and not get too hung up on spec. If it rolls and is almost correct that will do me. Thanks again.