I've written some about the British Bicycle Club scene elsewhere on this site (See my 1953 Ephgrave); but it bears repeating that the 1950's is considered by many to be the golden age of cycling. Surely this was true in England, where this 1952 Silver Clubman, once owned and ridden by the great Nolan Bay, was made.
Founded in 1896, the Carlton company really began to flourish under the leadership of Dan O'Donovan, who turned the company's focus from roadsters to racing and club bicycles aimed at the sporting market. By 1937 the staid British roadster was eclipsed by flashy offerings with names like The Flyer, Massed Start, Massed Start Special, Super Python, Continental and Silver Clubman. Over the next few decades Carlton hand-built lightweight bicycles established a reputation for quality and refinement; so when Raleigh decided to break into the burgeoning post-war market for lightweight racing machines, one of their employees--the former star racer Reg Harris himself--suggested they approach Carlton. The deal was struck, and Carlton became a subsidiary to Raleigh in 1960. All of Raleigh's handbuilt frames for the next twenty years or so were produced by Carlton in the Carlton factory at Worksop. It is really Carlton's reputation for quality that provided the foundation for much of Raleigh's future success.
My 1952 Carlton Silver Clubman is the quintessential Club bicycle, with Simplex pull-chain derailleur, four cogs in back, Hiduminium brakes, GB Forged Hiduminium stem, Bluemel mudguards, and Brooks Swallow saddle. Note the "Hans Ohrt of Beverly Hills" transfer on the down tube. Hans Ohrt gave bicycle tours of the movie stars' homes, and rented a bike to none other than Marilyn Monroe. My friend Nolan Bay bicycled in some romantic environs!
Founded in 1896, the Carlton company really began to flourish under the leadership of Dan O'Donovan, who turned the company's focus from roadsters to racing and club bicycles aimed at the sporting market. By 1937 the staid British roadster was eclipsed by flashy offerings with names like The Flyer, Massed Start, Massed Start Special, Super Python, Continental and Silver Clubman. Over the next few decades Carlton hand-built lightweight bicycles established a reputation for quality and refinement; so when Raleigh decided to break into the burgeoning post-war market for lightweight racing machines, one of their employees--the former star racer Reg Harris himself--suggested they approach Carlton. The deal was struck, and Carlton became a subsidiary to Raleigh in 1960. All of Raleigh's handbuilt frames for the next twenty years or so were produced by Carlton in the Carlton factory at Worksop. It is really Carlton's reputation for quality that provided the foundation for much of Raleigh's future success.
My 1952 Carlton Silver Clubman is the quintessential Club bicycle, with Simplex pull-chain derailleur, four cogs in back, Hiduminium brakes, GB Forged Hiduminium stem, Bluemel mudguards, and Brooks Swallow saddle. Note the "Hans Ohrt of Beverly Hills" transfer on the down tube. Hans Ohrt gave bicycle tours of the movie stars' homes, and rented a bike to none other than Marilyn Monroe. My friend Nolan Bay bicycled in some romantic environs!
1952 Carlton Silver Clubman bicycle ©Daniel Dahlquist