First making high quality cycling components in the UK as early as 1890, a new chapter gets under way as Chater-Lea steps back onto the bike with new Grand Tour flat pedals. Building on more than a century in cycling, a new team is bringing the brand back, having mined the classic Chater-Lea catalog for products that could be update with modern manufacturing quality & precision. It all starts with a premium pair of pedals, but there is much more in store…
Chater-Lea retro classic Grand Tour pedals, Made in UK
If you know the Chater-Lea brand at all, it probably holds a place in your mind as a high-quality British classic. If it is new to you, Chater-Lea is set to re-school you on British-made cycling components, with a level of fit & finish designed to last a lifetime. These aren’t meant to be components for your latest aero carbon race bike, but are more likely to adorn a timeless retro steel or titanium ride around town, or even off on tour.
The new Chater-Lea’s first product is a classic ‘rat trap’ design pedal called the Grand Tour, inspired by the brand’s ubiquitous past pedals. The idea was to start with a simple, yet iconic product, as a direct descendant of the original. And the new pedals carry over the classic look with the CL logo laser cut into the pedal body, but now backed up by some meaty teeth for solid grip underfoot.
Flat pedals haven’t really evolved so far from the brand’s early days, as you can essentially thread a half century old pedal into almost any modern crankset. Chater-Lea also said that with the benefit of being able to analyze their pedals that had been in use for 80 years, it have them the opportunity to even improve on the classic design.
Like their long running pedals, the Grand Tour features fully serviceable, open ball bearings packed with modern waterproof grease. They are machined from the most corrosion-resistant 316 & hardened 17-4PH stainless steel, now entirely made in the UK on much more modern machinery.
The new Grand Tour pedals are definitely a premium product, and come with the matching £250 / 290€ pricetag to prove it. A redeeming bit, Chater-Lea is entirely confident in their modern British craftsmanship & attention to detail, and the new pedals come with a lifetime original-owner warranty. The new pedals will be the first product available from the new Chater-Lea, and will be sold consumer direct only in four weeks.
The Grand Tour is only the first in the pipeline for the rebirth of Chater-Lea. A matching set of toe-clips & straps will be the next addition, giving you good foot retention (maybe for an Eroica build.) Machined crankarms and chainrings based on modern standards are also expected this summer.
