1952 Claud Butler
This 1952 Claud Butler was brought in as a frame by regular customer Ali, who supplied the outdoor pictures. It’s a classic Clubman’s bike, from the days when the enthusiast could only afford one bike. It could be ridden to work through the week, then on Saturday the mudguards and saddlebag could come off for racing.
Ali bought it from the original owner, Hugh, who was too old to ride anymore. At some point in the past this and other bikes were attacked by someone with an axe and the top tube was replaced by Rattrys. They repainted it, and put on their “resprayed by” sticker as well as Claude Butler decals. The paint scheme with a contrasting colour on the head tube and a band on the seat tube is the best way to paint a bike.
The build is sympathetic rather than period correct. Just as well, as many old parts are a bit rubbish, especially brakes. You can have a bike to ride, or an ornament. Ali wanted this to go out for long day rides in dry weather. He has other bikes with mudguards. This was made to ride, not hang on the wall.
The wheels are 27 inch, slightly bigger than 700c. They are what the frame was made for, so finding brakes is easier. It’s geared a bit lower than it would have been originally. The SPD pedals were fitted after it left us, we would have fitted traditional rat-traps with chrome toeclips and leather straps.
Ali has taken great care in posing the bike for the picture, even going to the trouble of turning the wheels so the tyre valves are at the top and putting it in top gear.
The frame size is 25 inch, and Ali usually rides a 23.5. It still fits well as frame sizing has changed over the years. It's a lovely bike to ride.
Ali bought it from the original owner, Hugh, who was too old to ride anymore. At some point in the past this and other bikes were attacked by someone with an axe and the top tube was replaced by Rattrys. They repainted it, and put on their “resprayed by” sticker as well as Claude Butler decals. The paint scheme with a contrasting colour on the head tube and a band on the seat tube is the best way to paint a bike.
The build is sympathetic rather than period correct. Just as well, as many old parts are a bit rubbish, especially brakes. You can have a bike to ride, or an ornament. Ali wanted this to go out for long day rides in dry weather. He has other bikes with mudguards. This was made to ride, not hang on the wall.
The wheels are 27 inch, slightly bigger than 700c. They are what the frame was made for, so finding brakes is easier. It’s geared a bit lower than it would have been originally. The SPD pedals were fitted after it left us, we would have fitted traditional rat-traps with chrome toeclips and leather straps.
Ali has taken great care in posing the bike for the picture, even going to the trouble of turning the wheels so the tyre valves are at the top and putting it in top gear.
The frame size is 25 inch, and Ali usually rides a 23.5. It still fits well as frame sizing has changed over the years. It's a lovely bike to ride.