Recreation of Marguerite's Miss Modern Claud Butler

In 1940 Marguerite signed for Claud Butler the premier Lightweight Bicycle Manufacturer. The first four of the six records set that year were on their production 'Miss Modern' Model.
Three years ago a suitable 1941 Claud Butler frame came up for sale, and so began a bit of experimental archeology, a quest to make an authentic recreation of this thoroughbred  road bike. 
Argos Racing Cycles of Bristol  were the obvious choice for frame restoration. Experts in the field, the quality of their work is second to none. I enjoyed my trips up the Bristol workshop where gorgeous freshly restored frames are racked awaiting collection or dispatch to discerning owners as far afield as the USA and Japan. The Claud Butler catalogue indicated that MW's bicycle was likely to have been Chrome Orange.(a mid orange created with lead chromate and lead  oxide). Reproduction decals were sourced from H. Lloyd Cycles, lacquer applied in a way that purposely toned down the paint's gloss in order to give the authentic period finish.

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 The Claud Butler was built by my friend George Bolton, 90 year old retired aeronautical engineer and vintage/classic bike  expert. Most of the parts were sourced from e-bay and specialist dealers. Everything is correct for the bike except for a few compromises. For example, the handlebar is a new Nito track bar from Japan - it looks close the the original judged from photos.

George gave me a  pair of Bluemes muguards in mint condition, probably from the 1970s but the design little changed from 1940.  The same applies to the new Brooks Saddle which gives the re-creation a top dollor finishing touch.   ​

Prestige Plating of Mexborough did the chromwork. They don't advertise, all their work comes by  personal recommendation. A husband and wife team, Diane takes the calls is knowledgable and very helpful, you feel confident that she knows exactly what is needed for specific vintage parts. They  re-plated the Williams chainwheel and cranks, the stem, brake levers the Chater Lee Light Bracket and some components of the Resilion brakeset.  

The Webb pedals came ready restored to a high standard.  They have larger than standard bearings (5/16") and an aluminium alloy centre spindle with a neat quick release dust cap.
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Resilion were the brakes to have in the 1930s. Their cantilever action provided powerful stopping power, although they were complex and heavy.  They are so old and complex, that I think I did well to purchase the best complete set in good condition that I could find. They do come up from time to time, but you need to avoid buying a tandem set by mistake. I avoided dismantling the cables and callipers, but was able to remove some of the brightwork for plating. Overall a good compromise I  think.

The four speed  Sturmey Archer hub gear was a rarity pre-war. I purchased several, often finding that what looked like a complete unit turned out to have a vital part missing. George had a complete understanding and expertise of theses hubs which proved invaluable. Perhaps one of the rarest parts was the Sturmey Archer pre-war 4-speed trigger for changing gear. Finding one at all is hard, let alone one that is in working order is hard, mine came at quite a price! 

Complete, my Miss Modern re-creation looks fantastic with its chrome-work and gorgeous leather saddle. It has plenty of talking points such as the cantilever brakes, the hub gears, wing  nuts for the wheels and  grease nipples on headset and bottom bracket. Despite being termed a 'Lightweight', its pretty hefty to lift.  

Whats next? An assessment of how it rides. I hope this will be the subject of future post. And......
​STOP PRESS! A Marguerite enthusiast has contacted me, and he has the original! - watch this space.

FRAME RESTORATION -Argos Cycles.

DECALS - H. Lloyd Cycles.