Looking for reynolds 531 DB or CF front fork for 21 1/2 " road frame.

Run_to_da_hills

Looking for Reynolds 531 DB or CF front fork to suit Carlton Pro 21 1/2 " road frame

Pref Sloping crown chrome but anything considered.

RidleyRider

If you look in happytramp's DIY to Canyon Roadlite I believe he's going to sell his chrome forks that came with his frame. They might be of some use to you?

531

Can you post a pic of the Carlton? I used to really, really love racing Carltons. Had a Corsa but couldn't near afford a better one.

Run_to_da_hills

531 wrote: »

Can you post a pic of the Carlton? I used to really, really love racing Carltons. Had a Corsa but couldn't near afford a better one.

I am the same, was always a Carlton Fanatic.

Bought a brand new 10 speed Carlton Continental in Eltoys O'Connel St in 1977 for ₤75. Sold it in on in 1979 with some modifications and bought the Pro frame from Hardings in Cork NOS. it was the 1972 Lagoon blue model with sloping crown forks, an amazing looking frame. Had it eqipped with Dura Ace and Campag. In 1982 I foolishly sold it and bought a Motorbike.

I bought another SH chromed Carlton Pro frame and sold that on to my sister. She had Shimano 600 on it, over the years the bike was cannibalised including the forks, the chrome frame has been hanging up in my old mans shed for the past 25 years showing signs of rust. This is the one i am currently building into a fixie

In 1995 I was at a market in Cumberland St and saw my first Carlton Continental for sale at a stall, recognized it by the Sugino Maxi cotterless, Suntour VGT and 32t big sprocket. Bought it back for ₤15 and restored it, still have it today although it is a heavy pig to cycle.

I will post picts of these bikes when I get back, prob Sunday.

Wibbs

My first "real" racer was a light green Carlton Criterium with a mix of allsorts but mostly budget Campag 980 back in 81. Bit by bit I bought the non budget Campag stuff to add to it and then as kids will traded in the frame. Lovely bike looking back. Hope you get your fork, preferably 531*.



PS 531 steel forks can be buggers to find, but what about Columbus or Tange steel forks in the size you need? There's defo more of them anyway.



* I say that cos I tried the CF fork on Columbus steel bike a few years ago now(so YMMV) and it was lighter alright, but a bit dead feeling for me. Wasn't the same "organic feeling"(hippie alert) as the steel. Didn't inspire as much confidence for some reason. Funny I've tried a CF fork on a more recent Columbus thermochrome steel frame and it was great. IMHO and it's just my very H O the older steels don't take to the CF as well. I've no idea why, maybe they're too stiff? Like I say RTDH YMMV.

Run_to_da_hills

Wibbs wrote: »

My first "real" racer was a light green Carlton Criterium with a mix of allsorts but mostly budget Campag 980 back in 81. Bit by bit I bought the non budget Campag stuff to add to it and then as kids will traded in the frame. Lovely bike looking back. Hope you get your fork, preferably 531*.



PS 531 steel forks can be buggers to find, but what about Columbus or Tange steel forks in the size you need? There's defo more of them anyway.



* I say that cos I tried the CF fork on Columbus steel bike a few years ago now(so YMMV) and it was lighter alright, but a bit dead feeling for me. Wasn't the same "organic feeling"(hippie alert) as the steel. Didn't inspire as much confidence for some reason. Funny I've tried a CF fork on a more recent Columbus thermochrome steel frame and it was great. IMHO and it's just my very H O the older steels don't take to the CF as well. I've no idea why, maybe they're too stiff? Like I say RTDH YMMV.

i can remember the green Criterium well, a few lads in class had them. also came in brown, they came out in the late 70's, more or less a rebadged Corsa or Contnental, the cottered chainsets and steel wheels stayed the same making these bikes weigh a ton.

The Simplex Prestiege gears and large Stormley Archer aluminium spoke protector was a horrid thing on these bikes.

I won't give up on the fork, The other option is to purchase a larger size fork cutting it back and use a thread less headset without the quill stem..

Brendan Hennessy

Hi,

I know you're just looking for a fork but perhaps to add to your collection I have a 21.5" Mercian Reynolds 531 Frame and Fork.

Good luck with your search.

Brendan

Seaswimmer

531 wrote: »

Can you post a pic of the Carlton? I used to really, really love racing Carltons. Had a Corsa but couldn't near afford a better one.

Here is mine from 1983.. its a single speed now.. The frame is a Carlton Corsair.. The forks are off a Raleigh Record Ace. the original bike was a Record Ace but Raleigh replaced the frame under warranty when the derrailleur hanger got bent and they gave me a Carlton frame.

Its in daily use. A lovely bike..however only original parts now are frame, forks, seat post and bars..

Run_to_da_hills

Finally got forks after and completed my FIXIE project.

I was over two years searching for these.

Settled for period Columbus sloping crown fork with a longer steer tube so I could accommodate a sleeved headset and clamp stem.

Brendan Hennessy

Well done, nice to see it finished. My Mercian found a good home!

Brendan

Run_to_da_hills

Brendan Hennessy wrote: »

Well done, nice to see it finished. My Mercian found a good home!

Brendan

Nice one, I will be looking for a swap soon for another 21 1/2" or 22 1/2" frame.

I picked up a complete bike on Adverts recently with a fresh 105 groupset but the frame is far too big for me.

I intend to building up a Hybrid.

The Frame tubes are made by ORIA butted Aluminium (Which is extremely rare for Oria) It is about 24" with authentic Columbus sloping crown forks. I think the bike is of Eastern Europe origin and would suit anyone over 6' tall.

I would swap the frame set for a Reynolds 531, Columbus or Oria butted frame of 21 1/2 or 22 1/2.