My new (old) Claud Butler

kiltedcamel

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, but have been reading for a while!

I just bought a 2nd hand Claud Butler Trail Ridge, it will be used for fun and some excercise!

It has the following spec;

17" AL7005 alloy series frame
SR Suntour XCR lockout front fork
New Prologo grips
New Sram narrow chain
New head set bearings fitted
New bottom bracket with red anodised cup fitted
New 4 x v-brake pads.
New Jagwire gear cables
New Shimano Alivio rear mech
New Shimano 3 speed shifter
Oversize handle bars
New Shimano 7 speed cassette
2 x New Schwalbe tyres
New Quando rear wheel
Post Moderne Suspension seat post


I paid £100 and I really don't know if that's good value for money or not, but it has been set up perfectly and all worked great on my 1 hour ride this afternoon. I didn't know if it was a good or bad sign having so many components changed!

The only poor point I have noticed so far is the front wheel has a slight buckle which rubs on the front brakes a touch.

Also the rear V brake is a different make, its 'bikehut' whereas I think the front was 'Promax'.

It's my first bike since I was a teenager.

supersonic

For 100 quid is a nice piece of kit. Sounds like the wheel needs truing - good guides are available at park Tools website, or alternatively a bike shop will charge about a tenner.

dirkpitt74

Looks nice - welcome aboard!

You might want to consider repositioning the rear quick release lever to run along the frame - less chance of it being clobbered or damaged.

cooldad

I always have mine pointing backwards - less chance of catching something and it opening when you don't want, so...

dirkpitt74

cooldad wrote:

I always have mine pointing backwards - less chance of catching something and it opening when you don't want, so...

Good point - hadn't really thought about that.

cooldad

I'm not sure it makes much difference, just looks more aero. And I need all the help I can get.

Chunkers1980

Nothing to squeeze against though.

stubs

Looks good for £100. I lived in Hemel Hempstead in the late 80s and had lots of good times finding offroad tracks in the Chilterns, one of my favourite rides was along the canal to Tring then up to the Ashridge play around in the woods then down to the Crown and Sceptre pub at Water End for a few refreshments followed by a wobble back to town.

cooldad

Chunkers1980 wrote:

Nothing to squeeze against though.

I just use my gnarly muscles.

Never been a problem though.

kiltedcamel

Will do regarding the quick release, thanks!

I'll try and sort out the slightly buckled wheel too.

How can I tell if it's compatible with disc brakes?

dirkpitt74

Looks like you could put disc on the back to me.
Hub looks likeit'll take a 6 bolt disc and the frame has the mounting holes for the caliper.

Not sure about the front - can't tell from the pictures.

cooldad

Forks have disc mounts, but wheel looks to be rim brake only.

stubs

I wouldnt think discs would be worth it unless you plan on upgrading everything. Well set up V brakes with fresh cables and quality brake blocks will still stop you you are just losing out on the feel of hydraulics and the knowledge that if you do a lot of wet riding you arent destroying the rims.