New Carlton Thread

Posted by: George Fredrik on 06 December 2010

Well part of my increasingly contented life is assisted in its happiness in the process of creating a great mid-1980s cycles as it should have been fitted out had the English cycle making business not been in terminal decline apart from great almost cottage-industry scale production of bespoke cycles ...

In the summer I had rebuilt the old lady with a good selection of Campagnolo running gear. However certain parts eluded me at a reasonable price - and the price has to be reasonable.

But since my return from my Polish fortnight, I have been searching diligently for good parts to finish the job. NOS - British Standard Bottom Bracket, Headset, fine used brake levers [to compliment the fine calipers already fitted], and a mint rear derailleur - all from the Record group set between 1973 and 1985. Plus an amazing gift of later "C" Record gear levers [fitted and superb] ...

The only remaining thing to do is to build some wheels on Record hubs [already in the shed from the summer-time] with Ambrosio rims ... This will wait till New Year ...

I have ordered some Brooks bar tape to match, and Christmas week [vacation by order!] will see a significant amount of further fining down details and rebuilding.

I hope that this thread may live long enough to see some fine photos of a truly finalised set-up.

Something to gladden my heart in an innocent sort of way.

Dobranoc, all, from George

PS: The cycle is daily machine as well for fun, and it is no fair weather cycle, as a commuting machine. Really it is a biking parallel to an older Bentley [without the implied weight!] so really too nice to use that way, but a real pleasure in spite of being too nice to leave tied to a lamp post if I go into town. Fortunately only cyclists of certain [veteran] age recognise it for what it is. Otherwise it is simply old hat.
Posted on: 29 March 2014 by George J

PS: Curiously the gear levers seems to fall to hand very nicely in spite of the greater distance from the handlebar than previously. Otherwise I might have considered getting some arrangement on the bar.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 29 March 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by George J:
Dear Wink,

During the fortnight's severe flooding in Worcester six weeks ago, I was forced to quit my cycle path to work, because some of it was as much as six foot under water. During this period, I made my way to work mostly on foot, as the traffic was so dreadful, because of closed roads that even driving a car was not realistic. It took longer than walking.

But I discovered something from this. Over time, my left shoulder had developed an ache at night. I put it down to age, but it went away, so I concluded that it must be from cycling, as this was the only factor that had changed. So before I could resume my cycle commute, I turned the bar the other way up to make the riding posture more upright. The shoulder ache did not return, so I shall not revert to a road-bike riding position now.

It make the cycling safer as it is easier to see what is going on behind, and I am even riding in lighter traffic again after two years of having lost confidence after the smash on 19th April 2012.

The main difference is not at normal speeds up to 20 mph, but when pressing on at a faster speed. I feel the air resistance, and like this I'll never match the speeds I occasionally did when testing myself against previous speeds.

An advantage is that I can see right over cars to observe the traffic a long way in front now. Equally i see over far more hedges on rural rides out, and that is a pleasure in itself.

In terms of the angle of the "flats" of the bar, I simply sat on the saddle [stationary and leaning against a wall] and found the angle which the hands naturally fell onto the bar. You see many cycles with this sort of set-up with the flats nearly horizontal, which leads to the wrists being permanent off line with the the arms, and is not comfortable on a long ride. And the brakes [which splay out slightly] were positioned for maximum comfort as they fall exactly where the fingers go without making any contortion. I found I could never ride for more than a few minutes on the hoods of the brakes on a drop bar without a cramp in the hands ....

Like this the coupling from saddle to handlebar is quite sort, and the bar is near enough for the hands [on the bar flats] to meet the legs on a very sharp low speed turn.

Best wishes from George

Thanks George. My ego won't let me lift the bars on my bikes. But because I have always run my summer bikes with the bars in much the same position (my winter commuter is a bit more upright) I am used to it and luckily don't find any issues with flexibility or cramping, even 7 or 8 hours into a ride.

https://flic.kr/p/fGMNLm

That's me second in line....

Posted on: 29 March 2014 by George J

Dear Winki,

 

Any ego can be beaten into submission in the wish to remain in the saddle of a bike!

 

I would not have set the bike up like this before my crash, and somehow, I have been searching for a happier solution - for me - ever since. I have found it, and yes, the set-up has upset some who have known the Carlton for a long time. Purist, it certainly is not!

 

ATB from George

 

PS: I intend to make a youtube film of the Carlton shortly, and will link it here when all is done. Jst for the fun of it!!

 

 

Posted on: 19 April 2014 by George J
Originally Posted by GML: [19.04.2012].

I've just heard from George that he has again been in collision with a car.  He has sustained a knee injury and the rear wheel of his Carlton is badly damaged.

 

He requested that I post this news here.

The second anniversary of the crash, and the cycle is still in rude health, and the owner is still uncomfortable to ride in heavy urban traffic. I'd rather walk if the traffic is dense, and in a rush. 

 

Only in the last couple of months has my confidence in my right leg grown to the point where I can run properly again, though I only have done this to prove that I can rather than ever run anywhere either for necessity or pleasure. If walking is not fast enough then set out a little sooner!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 19 April 2014 by George J

The pre-crash Carlton, actually about nine months before:

 

And as she is today - two years on ...

 

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 19 April 2014 by George J

Well, the driver of the car that drove into me two years ago brought me home with the bike. I made a cup of tea and ran a bath which I hoped would relieve the pain ... how many people have had a bath with an undiagnosed broken leg with a fracture a foot long?

 

After a couple of hours I had been taken to the A & E inn WRH, and had a X-ray. [Another story]., and kept in.

 

Full of morphine, I awaited a bed [until after midnight] on the ward ...

 

Yet I remember the whole affair as quite good!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 30 April 2014 by George J

Riding a cycle with an upright stance brings some advantages from the sheer pleasure angle. You can see so much more of the scenery!

 

And still fast on average, just not so fast flat out.

 

The other evening after work I was catching up a guy on a very smart looking [road] cycle, and instead of passing him, just slip-streamed for half a mile!

 

He was cracking on at a fair clip and puffing like a grampus! There was me on top cog enjoying the whole thing!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 30 April 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by George J:

Riding a cycle with an upright stance brings some advantages ..... You can see so much more of the scenery!

 

 

 

ATB from George

Nonsense.

Posted on: 30 April 2014 by George J

I am six inches higher.

 

I can see over fences!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 04 May 2014 by George J

The Carton looking spruce, after a good Spring dean!

 

ATB from George

 

Posted on: 04 May 2014 by George J

Another second anniversary today, I have just remembered. Two years since I moved house to my current nice little flat. Of course the move was delayed a week as it should have happened the last weekend of April, because I was a mere supervisor with a broken leg! Amazing how things always sort themselves out! Help from friends, and also Joff of this Parish, who moved the ESLs in his VW camper-van. I did not want to trust those fragile old speakers to the roughness of a commercial van!

 

Happy days are here again ...

 

ATB from George

 

 

Posted on: 31 May 2014 by George J

New boots for the bike!

 

These are the first classy lightweight tyres I have ever had. Not the most expensive from the Michelin stable, but a good training tyre with good grip and durability, apparently according to reports. 

 

Ready for my cycling touring in July. I was surprised how much the Blizzards had worn out over a summer and a half, though I had no punctures. I have bought four of these Lithions as they were on promotion. I wear out back tyres much faster than fronts, so that I can keep changing the rear one, and still keep a matched pair.

 

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 31 May 2014 by George J

As a folding tyre they are even lighter than road tyres with metal beads, and possible to take as a spare on a long ride. The reported problem with them is ever getting them on the rims. Well I managed to push them on easily with my thumbs in a very short time, so I don't know where the reported tears on this aspect came from except from people with under-developed thumbs, perhaps!

 

I have managed to find the correct pressure for weight of the rider, and that is round 100 PSI for me. I have one pump stroke over the 100 in them, but no doubt that they will go down a bit over a week.

 

They ride really smoothly and give confidence in their line of travel. They roll beautifully. I have not tried them on a wet surface yet. On my way to work the most dangerous place is an area of blue-black engineering paving bricks, which are lethal when wet!

 

ATB from George

 

PS: As a very nicely made and light tyre, I thought I'd crank the rear  wheel up on top cog [with the bike upside down] to see if they promoted any shake. None at all, and that is first with any tyre I've ever run. They go nicely on those Ambrosio rims.

Posted on: 02 June 2014 by George J

After a Sunday morning ride out and a commute to work and back, I can definitely say that these are the best road tyres I have used, including Continental Ultra-Sport, and Schwalbe Blizzard.

 

There is a reassurance about the line and the ride is so much better over roughness. And they roll beautifully - better than the Continentals or the Schwalbes ...

 

Of course I cannot know how well they will last, but compared to the indestructible Marathons [used as winter tyres] the Blizzards have not proved durable, though I never had a flat tyre. The Continental Ultra-Sports were tougher than the Blizzards, but were pretty much dangerous even in slightly damp conditions.

 

Given how well the Michelin Lithion.2s ride and how securely they grip, I'll forgive them being no more durable than the Blizzards for all that.

 

ATB from George

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 02 June 2014 by winkyincanada

I can't tell any real difference in ride or anything else between brands of tyres of the same or similar size, pumped to the same pressure. That you can perceive that one has lower rolling resistance than another is truly remarkable in my opinion.

 

I stick with Contis because they are have been reliable and durable.

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by George J

Dear Winki,

 

That fact that you say you cannot tell the difference between the characteristics of different tyres means one of two things I would deduce.

 

Either there is no difference between cycle tyres to detect provided they are the same size, and type, with the same air pressure in them. Or that you are unable to tell the differences, which is slightly different.

 

However the conclusion I draw is simple. You should buy the very cheapest tyres for your bikes that have reasonable puncture resistance. Do not buy Contis, because they are expensive and get punctures. Buy something cheap and puncture resistant, because spending more makes no discernible difference. and therefore is a complete waste! 

 

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by George J:

Dear Winki,

 

That fact that you say you cannot tell the difference between the characteristics of different tyres means one of two things I would deduce.

 

Either there is no difference between cycle tyres to detect provided they are the same size, and type, with the same air pressure in them. Or that you are unable to tell the differences, which is slightly different.

 

However the conclusion I draw is simple. You should buy the very cheapest tyres for your bikes that have reasonable puncture resistance. Do not buy Contis, because they are expensive and get punctures. Buy something cheap and puncture resistant, because spending more makes no discernible difference. and therefore is a complete waste! 

 

 

ATB from George

I get very, very few punctures on my Contis. As I said they are durable. Sure I could buy cheaper tyres, but they aren't rated to the same pressure. I pick up a few Conti 4000s tyres when I see them on sale. The cost is trivial.

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by George J

What pressure do you use for your Continental tyres?

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by George J:

What pressure do you use for your Continental tyres?

 

ATB from George

120

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by George J

Strange to say that the new Michelins are rated at 116 PSI MAX in the 700c - 23 size. 

 

The same sized Schwalbe Blizzards are rated at 110 PSI MAX. 

 

I used to run the Blizzards at one pump over 100 PSI, and am doing the same thing with the Lithions [Michelin]. 

 

When I first got the Carlton I took the bike to my LBS as I did not have a high pressure pump and they blew the Continental Ultra-Sports [700c 23], fitted already, up 120 PSI. I found this unusably hard on our rough roads. So I settled on one pump over 100 PSI as well.

 

I have never had a pinch puncture. Just thorns. Lots of them in the Contis, till I got totally fed up with them and replaced them with Schwalbe Marathons! In the Summer about three or four years ago I bought a pair of really cheap road tyres, but it was a mistake. They got as many punctures as the Contis.

 

I never had a puncture in the Blizzards, and they have done about a year [last Spring, Summer, Autumn and this Spring till now] of daily commuting use, and fun, though my mileage has been less since the crash two years ago ...

 

I did not think the Blizzards were very durable. We shall see if the Michelins are any more or less durable, or collecting thorns like the Contis used to! If I like the Michelins' puncture performance, then I shall stick with them. If they are puncture prone it will be back to Blizzards when the time comes.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by winkyincanada

I really think that some of the alleged benefits and issues of the various brands are random (a bit like cable directionality ).

 

Those Michelins seem to be about 1/2 the cost of the Conti 4000s, but as I say, I have had zero issues with the Contis, so won't be changing. No thorns here, that's a UK thing.

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by Huwge

My Conti 4000s got absolutely shredded on a hundred mile ride around the Chilterns, which has never happened on the roads in Bavaria or Südtirol, even if they may have equally interesting pot holes. That said, we were on back roads with an awful lot of mud and gravel following heavy rain so it may not be a totally fair call. I am not sure why I didn't stick to my 4 Seasons or the Vittoria Pavé. Like Winky says, there's an awful lot more in the mind than in the physics when it comes to tires.

 

Posted on: 03 June 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by Huwge:

My Conti 4000s got absolutely shredded on a hundred mile ride around the Chilterns, which has never happened on the roads in Bavaria or Südtirol, even if they may have equally interesting pot holes. That said, we were on back roads with an awful lot of mud and gravel following heavy rain so it may not be a totally fair call. I am not sure why I didn't stick to my 4 Seasons or the Vittoria Pavé. Like Winky says, there's an awful lot more in the mind than in the physics when it comes to tires.

 

I've ridden the 4000s on plenty of gravel, some of it quite terrible. No problems so far. Your mileage may vary, as they say )

Posted on: 04 June 2014 by George J

It has been raining all day in the UK, and so I had a proper chance to find out how the Lithions performed in wet and greasy conditions. Fine as it goes.

 

It was in a fair hurry coming home as I wanted to pick up a DVD of Gorky Park from Worcester HMV before closing, so no quarter was given speed-wise.

 

But I almost came off when I took a bend on the wrong line and went over a metal man-hole-cover on a lean. Nothing grips wet steel! The front wheel slipped straight out, but luckily I saved the situation ...

 

I have not come adrift for over two years and I was going a bit too fast for the landing to have been painless! I was on a different cycle path to my normal commute, and there have been some changes as it passes some deluxe new flats right by the River on the city side. That is how I got the line wrong!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 06 June 2014 by George J

It is a long time since I weighed the Carlton. Pretty much stripped down at the moment with just a proper ringing bell and only the rear light bracket that could be reasonably removed!

 

10.1 kg, or 22.2 lbs. not bad for an old timer!

 

Heavier than previously because of the Brooks B 17 which is about 400 grams heavier than the plastic saddle it replaced, but I don't mind that given how comfortable it is. But I can no longer claim a sub 10 kg figure!

 

ATB from George