My Uncle gave me his Carlton Super Python a few years back. He bought it new in 1955! It was well looked after and it has had a great life. I have used it a few times, however, it has been sitting retired for the last few years! I feel it deserves to be returned to its good old days when new! My uncle has told me alot about it and the original parts when he bought it new... Frame, stem and seat post are only original parts remaining... Number stamped into frame is 19D 64/C
Info as follows...: Carlton Super Python. New in 1955 so it's 60 years old! It had drop handlebars and steel rimmed wheels with racing tyres, 27 by 1 1/4. It had 8 gears, 4 back 2 front. It was a Williams crank and chain rings, 47 and 50 teeth. Not sure of the size of the back rings. Wheels were secured with track nuts. Not the original colour! It was bright green metallic with burgundy panels (right round) on both tubes which join bottom bracket. Tubing is Reynolds 531 (the best at the time). The saddle was Brooks B17. Gear change equipment was Simplex. Brake calipers are original.
I am wondering if to return it with gears or a single speed with single freewheel as this was available also. I will try and upload some pictures soon... Can anyone help with further information or a source of original parts? Thanks!
-- Edited by rod998 on Thursday 17th of September 2015 03:06:56 AM
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2000 Whyte PRST1 Works Special
2000 Marin Shoreline Trail
2000 Cannondale Jekyll 700 SX Left
2007 Revolution Racer
2010 Scott Scale 60
1955 Carlton Super Python
I'm a newbie on here also and saw your post just after I posted my first question. I am in the throws of restoring a couple of bikes and one is also a Reynolds 531 bespoke frame although this bike is pretty much original and with a chrome frame & forks, it's a true track bike, really light with single speed, no brakes and fixed back peddle, actually a bit awkward if your not used to it and especially on London roads. Personally I think it's nice to sympathetically restore these old beauties, meaning.....clean up as good as possible and replace a few parts that you are fortunate to know were on there originally having spoken with your uncle. I certainly would put drop bars back on it and a nice brooks saddle, these would make a huge difference, the best place to get the bits is eBay. One can go as far as they want with these projects, and spend quite a bit also, but if it's not a daily ride you can take you time with it and it's amazing what a bit of wire wool, some grease and patience can yield, but it's fun and rewarding to see things come together and especially when you have its history and sentimental value. Just lock yourself away with some spanners and music and your off!
Cheers!
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For the love of Cog
Reynolds 531 (1974), Hercules Popular 1920s, Avenue Airbase (2006), Phoenix/Flying Pigeon (20'ish years old)
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