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You are here: Home / Tech / Claud Butler Dalesman

Claud Butler Dalesman

Published July 18, 2012 by lawsie 5 Comments

Last Updated on February 18, 2023

My Claud Butler Dalesman is the first bike I ever truly loved.

I’ve been a saddle-fan since I was very young, and I’ve enjoyed every bike I’ve ever owned (or restored) but this Claud Butler Dalesman is the first bike that truly won my heart.  I bought this Dalesman from The Bike Doctor in Ipswich for what I considered to be a very reasonable price, considering that The Bike Doctor appeared to have restored the bike and checked / fixed it mechanically.

Before becoming the new custodian of this lovely old Claud Butler I had never ridden a ‘proper’ road bike, preferring (like all kids who grew up in the late 80s / early 90s) rough and tumble mountain bikes.  After a few years break from regular cycling I got back into cycling in a big way and committed to a 100 mile charity  ride.  When ‘training’ for this ride it became clear that if I attempted to cycle 100 miles on my current mountain bike my knees, hips and thighs would likely explode.  The test ride was a total revelation, apart from anything else I was now able to cycle up hills!

I now cycle to work every day, and am fairly sure this Dalesman will be a gateway drug leading to a road bike / racer, or at least it will when I get some cash together.  My brother in law recently had his Claud Butler Explorer stolen so I thought I ought to make a note somewhere of the serial number of my own bike, and make a photographic record, just in case, so this blog seemed like as good a place as any to do just that.

Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: bicycle, bike, Claud Butler, Dalesman, photos

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Comments

  1. Mick says

    July 18, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    Nice!

    Reply
  2. Mark says

    September 29, 2023 at 9:51 am

    This is a lovely bike! I am currently thinking of buying one from 1983 with Reynolds 531st tubing that uses standard centre or sidepull brakes (not cantilevers). It was originally made for 27″ wheels, so I am hoping the clearance would be good for 28″/700c wheels.

    Could I ask if the wheels here are 27″ or 28″/700c?
    Also, what the tyre width is of your tyres – 32mm or 35mm?

    Basically, I would really like to understand what the maximum tyre width is on this model for a 28″/700c wheel plus mudguards.

    Would be grateful for your help!

    Reply
    • lawsie says

      September 29, 2023 at 1:11 pm

      Hey Mark, the wheels on this bike were 26″ I think. I found that out after a very frustrating day trying to fit some 700C Marathon Plus tryes on the wheels!

      Reply
  3. Mark says

    September 30, 2023 at 9:08 am

    Hey Andrew, thanks for your nice reply! I can imagine your situation with the wheels to be rather challenging : )

    Also, I had a look further on your site and really enjoyed your music! Listened to three songs linked to youtube. You mentioned liking My Bloody Valentine. As a teen, I was a bit of a fan of bands like MBV and -especially- Cocteau Twins, so I could relate very well.

    Reply
    • lawsie says

      September 30, 2023 at 2:58 pm

      That’s pretty much the mix I’m going for, with a sprinkling of Jesus and Mary Chain and black metal!

      Reply

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