Tom Simpson won silver at the Commonwealth Games on this bike, only to lose it in a card game

Tom Simpson, the celebrated British cyclist and 1965 road world champion, rode a distinctive Carlton Flyer to win a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. This particular bike, renowned for its advanced features and custom specifications, was a key part of Simpson’s success during his career. However, the bike’s ownership took an unusual turn when Simpson lost it in a card game to his friend Graham Plumber, a story recounted by Dave Marsh of the Universal Cycle Centre in Rotherham. The Carlton Flyer was a top-tier racing machine of its era, featuring Reynolds 531 Double Butted tubing, Fiamme rims, and Stronglight components. Simpson’s version of the bike was tailored with steep tube angles and a modified Brooks saddle to suit his aggressive riding style, enabling him to achieve impressive times on local time trial courses despite its 1950s steel frame and fixed gear setup. Simpson’s close relationship with Gerald O’Donovan, Carlton’s manager and designer, also played a significant role in his cycling career, with O’Donovan often providing bikes and support. Simpson’s loyalty to Carlton Cycles remained strong throughout most of his career, even as he later transitioned to Italian builder Alberto Masi’s frames, which were disguised as Peugeots. Carlton Cycles itself was a historic British brand founded in 1898 and later acquired by Raleigh in 1960, ceasing operations in 1981. The Carlton Flyer was a symbol of the company’s engineering excellence and a testament to Simpson’s enduring legacy in British cycling history. The anecdote of Simpson losing the bike in a card game adds a human and somewhat humorous dimension to the story of a sporting legend. It also highlights the camaraderie and informal nature of the cycling community at the time. Despite the loss, Simpson’s access to high-quality equipment was never compromised, thanks to his network of friends and sponsors, ensuring he remained at the forefront of competitive cycling during his illustrious career.