CUSTOM PORTEUR BICYCLE PROJECT

Design Brief

We wanted to create a full chrome 1950′s porteur style bicycle. Our inspiration came in the form of Alex hatfield’s excellent handbuilt porteur bicycle which won best porteur at the Bespoke Bristol Handmade Bicycle Show this year. Unfortunately we didn’t have a spare £3500 the bicycle was later for sale for on eBay so, we decided to make our own very much cut price copy.

We spent the best part of three months sourcing all of the parts needed to build the bicycle. The hardest thing to source of the whole project was a chrome frame with front and rear mudguard eyelets. We were very lucky to find a 1970′s Chrome Carlton for sale which we picked up for a pittance and after a week of cleaning, polishing and cutting out the stuck seatpost! gave us a good base to start the build. We set ourselves are very small budget considering the Velo Orange Porteur rack, mudguards and a Brooks saddle all cost premium prices. For the rest of parts we have good old eBay to thank which threw up some amazing bargains.

Photographs:

Bicycle Specification:

Frame & Forks: Nickel plated 1970′s Carlton Frame (unknown model)

Headset: Campagnolo Nuovo

Stem: Nitto Technomic

Handlebars: VO Porteur Bars

Bar Tape: Fizik Honey finished with leather cord

Brake Levers: Dia Compe Brown Reverse

Brake Calipers:Front: Tektro Dual Pivot 520A & Rear: Alhonga Dual Pivot V.Long Drop

Brake Blocks: Koolstop Salmon

Saddle: Brooks Swift Honey

Seatpost: System EX Polished Aluminium

Bottom Bracket: Shimano 115mm

Crankset: Vintage Campagnolo with 52t chainring

Pedals: MKS  Sylvan

Chain: KMC Z610HX 3/32″ track chain

Freewheel Cog: Dicta Chrome 18t

Rims: Rigida 27″ 1 1/4 polished alloy

Hubs: Raleigh

Tyres: White CST imported from USA

Mudguards: VO polished Aluminium 45mm

Lights: Front Miller dynamo| Rear Delite 1960′s NOS. Both retro fitted with LED flashlights.

Custom Parts: Leather cable straps, leather washers, leather mudguard p-clip &  oak wooden slats + fixing kit.