1958 CARLTON FLYER - INTRODUCTION

This old and beautiful Carlton is probably of 1958 vintage, if the date code, stamped on the Campagnolo High Flange Record hub lock nuts, is an acceptable way to determine approximate date of manufacture.  Is the Carlton, a Flyer, or is it a Catalina All Chrome?  I really don't know, but I do recall that the gentleman who gave me the bicycle referred to it as a Flyer.

And, gave is the only way to describe acquiring this incredible old road bike.  Of all the vintage road bicycles that I have found, and that must exceed 1000 by now, the how I found the Carlton Flyer, has got to be the most interesting of all.  Of course, as is so often the case, the Flyer was too big for me to ride comfortably.  As my collection of vintage road bicycles grew, I had to find criteria for culling the heard.  And size became an issue.  It a bicycle does not fit me properly, it is no longed kept in my personal collection.  It is a simple as that, no matter how nice a bicycle is.  And the Carlton Flyer, one of two bicycle to receive the full restoration treatment, was really nice!

NEXT - FINDING THE CARLTON FLYER