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Discussion - Balloon Tire Bikes

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Messages:

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I know this probably belongs in the wanted area, but here goes anyway... Does anyone have a set of canvas newpaper bags? For that matter what would a good set be worth? They (it?) would make a nice touch on a Schwinn I've been putting together. Thanks

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I'm looking for some one that would restore a bike for my grandmother in Iowa. Please email if you have any information.

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Could you give me a ball park price on a Zephry Bicycle?

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Hi: I have to clear out my inventory. I took two months off from my job to get rid of over 60 bikes. These must move. I've listed them on the Schwinn Buy, trade, sale page. Also on my own web page; URL is http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/9457 end of URL. I have so many balloon tire bicycle and middle weights. Roadmaster, Shelby, Schwinn, Huffmans. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours! Bob Siegel

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I am interested in finding out the value of this bike. The paint is faded, but it is in excellent condition.

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I have come across a bike I'm guessing from 1940s that has a New Departure front internal expander hub on it. This bike has regular spacing on the chain (not a skip tooth) and it looks like it is a Western Flyer. if anyone has info or perhaps a schematic of this hub I need to know how it connected to the fork. The way it is now, when I apply the brake the thing just tries to spin. Thank for any help, John

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I have a 1937 Hawthorne Duralium in good condition. Asking $500.00

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Does anyone know how to read the serial number code for J.C. Higgins bicycles t determine, model, year, etc.? Also do you know if the large headlight on the 1956 Jet Flow models have flat cut glass, or blubbled molded glass lenses? Thanks for any info!

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Here in Sacramento we have just come out from weeklong sub freezing temps which is unusual for this area. So as it warmed into the 40's, my honey and I decided to hit the American River bike trail in our "oldies." So, I took "The Betty" for her first ride along our beautiful river trail. "The Betty" is a blue and cream unrestored 1946 Hartford which has been reunited with a chainguard (from a close cousin Columbia), a Delta Winner horn, and a NOS chrome 50ish rack. So altho a mongrel, she looks good. And once these babes get moving, they fly quietly except for the rush of air under the fenders. So my advice is to get these oldies out in public and ride. Caught a few amazed glances from the people looking like praying mantises astride the multispeeds. And I burned off a few Christmas calories, since on these babes you pedal constantly.

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I want to know if Schwinn built a balloon tire bike with the 26"X2.125 tires, but without a tank between 1962 and 1967? I would like to buy one of these if they were ever built. In particular I would like to buy one in the bright lime green or blue like the Sting Rays were painted. I have a 66 Schwinn Traveler that I've had since I was in grade school. I love the old Schwinns and would like to add a cantilever frame to my diamond frame to start a collection. Thanks in advance for any and all help with this search. Wayne

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I have two unrestored balloon tired mens bikes and many ladies. They are listed on my home page; http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/9457 I am beginning a new job and won't have time to fix them up. Take a look to see if any of the interest you. Schwinn DX, Deluxe hornet; Huffman Men's 47; Ladies Hawthorne; Western Flyers, etc. Bob (703)569-5240

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I hit the old rail-trails on a regular basis here in Ohio. (Last year on my '57 Roadmaster, aka The Roadsmasher.) I'm planning a vintage bike run at Black Hand Gorge trail (Near Newark, OH) for about June 26. 9 miles (4.5 each way) along the scenic Licking River and through rock passageways cut for a sandstone quarry and the interuban trains. (Another nearby trail (Mere yards away on the opposet side of the river and less than 2 miles long.) is for hikers only but goes through a LOOONG tunnel and you can explore an abandoned canal lock.) Also planning a picnic lunch (possibly potluck), prizes for favorite bikes and an open-trunk parts swap. I'll have maps and more details very soon. (BTW - I'm planning on making this one FREE with pre-registration!) E-mail if interested.

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Item: 52369556; End date 01/05/99; Not one scratch on bike $225.00; SCHWINN Bicycle Mens 26" American(PIC); NR Item: 52367063; End date 01/05/99; SCHWINN Bicycle Mens Mark II Jaguar; PIC NR Item: 52368396 End date 01/05/99 $ 300.00 Restored SCHWINN Bicycle; Mark Jaguar; PIC; NR Mens Item: 52376113; End date 01/05/99; ROADMASTER Bicycle 26"Balloon tire;(PIC) NR Item: 52377307 End date 01/05/99; $ 400.; SCHWINN Bicycle ;Mens Deluxe Hornet(PIC)NR Item: 52378792 End date 01/05/99; $ 400.00 ;SCHWINN Bicycle Mens DX 26"; un-restored (PIC)NR… Item: 52407981; End date 01/05/99; ROADMASTER Bicycle Ladies; 26" prewar(PIC) NR

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Looking for information on Monark Rocket. Age-Value-Websites

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I just brought home a Columbia "Twosome" tandem. Good paint, surface rust on the chrome that is coming off. My guess the bike is from the late 60's or early 70's. Good decals also. Does anyone know anything about these "Twosome"s? Years made etc. It has a Bendix 2-speed automatic rear hub. It also needs new seats. Can anyone recommend a good supplier? Thanks

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Yes, these bikes are great for riding, particulary on boardwalks, city streets and rail trails. They don't have to be 100% correct or original. Just keep them waxed and greased and they'll provide many miles of fun riding. I love the comment a few replies back about people looking like praying Mantis (Mantii?) on their newer bikes. An old ballooner just can't be beat!

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I am still searching for a prewar Colson tank like pg 148 Evol. I. It is the "snap in " type with 3 horizontal ridges. Any tips appreciated.

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I have done a complete restoration on my 1949 j.c. higgins and i would like to locate this item.any info would be appriciated thanks

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i'm restoring a mens 26" bike but the paint is all gone, if anyone has one restored or original and can get me some pictures please let me know. i'll pay for developing them. thanks

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found an old evans bike. it has an unusuall springer fork, rectangular aluminum fenders, 26 in, baloon tires. need any info on these brand of bikes and value thereof. thanks

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In the near future I would like to buy a Monark Super Deluxe. I don't know alot about them. Which year has the train light on the front? I would like to find one that needs restored. How much would a complete one cost me that is in need of a restoration. Thanks

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I've been trying to piece together an old tandem. I'm tayloring the bike to my own needs. I started with a bare frame, and I mean BARE! I'm down to needing a shifter cable and tires. I contacted Tandems East n New Jesey via e-mail with a few questions because I know little about tandems. When Mel of Tandems East found out that I wasn't putting together what he thought was a cool bike, I received an insulting e-mail, dubbing my bike "The eighth wonder of the world" and ignored my request for the correct parts. I had bought parts from him before and now I'm sorry that I did. I didn't realize that asking a few questions would be such a pain for him. I will never buy from Tandems East again. I found what I needed at a local bike shop, and was well received.

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i'm still trying to find out how to paint this bike. it's a boys bike and the paint is all gone. if anyone has one or knows where i can get some pictures it would be a great help.

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Anybody interested in middleweight bikes should enjoy renting "The Truman Show". There are lots of glimpses of mint middle weights (and perhaps heavy weights). I suspect most of them were Schwinns, at least the one Jim Carey was riding was. Can anyone guess the specific year and model?

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I sorta thought they were all repops.

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Hi, I am searching for info on the 1948 Westfield Cadillac-badged bikes. I have only seen one of these, and I own it, but I have seen 4 or 5 of the headbadge in a badge collection. The rumour is that they may have been given away by New England Cadillac car dealers as a promotional item. I have found a picture of the bike in sept. '51 Pop. Science where it is used to model the New Departure 3 speed hub. I bought the bike with the wrong wheels, so I can't tell that way. The connection between GM Cadillac and GM New departure division is very convincing. If anyone knows anything at all about it. I would love to hear from you!! It is closest to pg 59 Evol.2 at bottom, but red w. white trim, no tank,chainguard or rack Thanks very much. Tim Moore

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While working in a LBS (Colorado Springs) in the 70s I purchased and rebuilt an old (50s?) ladies J.C. Higgins Color Flow (26" wheels). At that time I just replaced bearings, NOS chain tread whitewalls, tubes, etc. The bike is in good original condition with some rust on the rims, somewhat faded and scratched original 2-tone green paint, tank (horn), rack, spring fork, script pedals, etc. The chaingaurd is creased from the crank contacting it. One of the little reflectors on the rack is broken and it has no grips. I'd like to sell it and am asking for your opinion of fair market value.

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I recently bought a skip chain Elgin, that looks to be from the late 40's or early 50's, painted fenders ser.#3151380 to restore for riding. No special features really, just regular zirk type grease fittings on the bottom bracket and head tube. Wondering about the age. Value would be interesting. Can anybody help?

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Scott - it helps if you fill in your e-mail address. Elgins were made for Sears by a variety of companys - primairly Columbia and Murray. Sounds like you have a Columbia frame. E-mail me with a return address and I can e-mail you a couple of pictures showing the two. Not overly rare but a good start for a classic ride.

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Does anyone have an exploded view or other pictures showing the internals of a new departure two speed hub. It's from a Hawthorn comet, about a 1939, and is shifted by cable from a lever mounted on the top bar. It shifts fine, but I'm restoring the bike and want to clean and repack it. I would like to hear from someone who has worked on one of these befor I open it up. Thanks

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I purchased a 39' Elgin Skirt bike last summer. Since then I have cleaned it up and made it a daily rider. I'm also interested in any web sites or pictures for Elgins. Also any source for reproduced parts.

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I need a head badge for a Western Flyer. Please reply with a pic.

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Many whole bikes and accesories, NOs and otherwise...All nice all at move it prices. Nos rear racks, Nos grips and more, all Schwinn.

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There's an Elgin skirt bike for sale on Ebay right now. It's gonna go for huge bux.

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I have an old Rollfast which I am trying to save after a fire. It has the 26" balloon tires and the light on the front tire. It was in excellant condition with the exception of a lead based white paint. It originally was blue. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what the bike was worth?

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JAFCO might be a good bet for finding reproduction parts. He hakes fiberglass reproductions of tanks and chainguards. His web site is: http://hometown.aol.com/jfkiller53/collect/index.htm . I've got an early picture of my winter restoration project - a men's '38 Elgin Murray frame. on My web site - http://web.beol.net/kitsune in the bike section. I bought a good Columbia-made Elgin of the same vintage for parts and have quite a bit left - Mainly the frame, sprocket & crank, seat, and fenders (although the fenders don't look like they were original to begin with.) I can e-mail a picture of the bike with prices if anyones interested. If I get the pictures back from the mail-order developing company, I'll post anything left for sale on ebay.

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Is there no one out there who knows about weastern flyers or there date codes???? I dont have a way to scan a pic. of my bike. but that should not be needed just to give me some date codes or a link to a web site that has some history or date codes HELP!!!!!!! PLEASE !!!!

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About a year ago I bought an old bike at a garage sale. The bike, an Iver Johnson is in pretty rough shape but ist is nearly complete except for the seat. Any info I can get on it would be

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Are new, 26 inch, 40 hole rims still available? If so, where?

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Nevermind, my local Schwinn Shop can order them.

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I've got a 1940s Columbia bike. It's a man's model and has truss bars. The problem is the paint, it is oxidized badly. Should I try to restore the paint or should I go for a professional repaint? Also, how much would a decent (not show quality) paint job cost? Thank you.

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I have 1 Schwin Roadmaster Reproduction, and 1 of the first 1000, 7 speed Harley Davidson (Gt bicycle) originals with all seven speeds inside the rear hub (I have both of the original boxes for them). I need a buyer for each or both of them. Anyone that reads this and is interested could you please e-mail me at my above mentioned e-mail address. THANK YOU

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I've turned up a male Schwinn Phantom III(S/N C043808) in average condition. Seat is in good shape. Sturmey-Archer 3 speed, Front/rear center pulls, Horn/tank, decals are 90%, original front and rear carriers, Light green. Two questions: When was it made and value estimate? I didn't find any Phantom IIIs in the Menotomy price list(or any place else for that matter). Would like sell this one.

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I have a mid 50's JC Higgins Junior Lightweight, 24". The bike has all the original parts including tires. It is a boys frame and there is some rust on the top tube. The chrome cleaned up perfect. Any ideas on current worth? I estimated $50. Thanks.

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Have 5- 26"x1.75(1 3/4)RIM ONLY for s6 or s7 wheel new old stock can any one use them? best offer.

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5-Schwinn S-6,S-7 RIMS ONLY 26"x1.75(1 3/4)new old stock. best offer.

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I don't think Schwinn made a Phantom III. I know they DID make a PANTHER III. Maybe that is what you have.

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I am conducting an online research into the Westfield Manufacturing Company, does anyone know of a good resource (website)?

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does anybody have picks of an orig. or restored WF. X53 I have one and need to know what they orig.looked like THANKS for any help DANNO

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i need help in finding out the year, model os a sears bike i got for free. the numbers i found were by the back tire 502-451713-598013. this is all that was on the bike. if someone knows or can help me please email me at jjtobey@juno.com THANKS

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I am restoring three Schwinn Balloon tire bicycles. I need 20_ 24 Schwinn Balloon Carrier Rack(s) Please contact me if you have one to sale or trade! Thanks, Bob (703)569-5240

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Oops! Thanks Kath. I mis-typed the bike name. It is a Panther not a Phantom. Here's my posting again with the right name. I've turned up a male Schwinn Panther III(S/N C043808) in average condition. Seat is in good shape. Sturmey-Archer 3 speed, Front/rear center pulls, Horn/tank, decals are 90%, original front and rear carriers, Light green. Two questions: When was it made and value estimate? I didn't find any Phantom IIIs in the Menotomy price list(or any place else for that matter). Would like sell this one. Anyone? Anything?

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Your panther III is a 1960 model. If it has the 1/2 tank it is relatively scarce (although they still made a heckofa lot of them). there is one on the schwinn forum priced ~ $2-300.

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I'm looking for a copy of literature on Wards Harthorne Bikes from 1923-1927. Hey, I'll even pay!

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I am looking for literature on Pre WWII balloon tire bicycles, such as the Evanrude, Shelby, and Daytona. If you have any you would like to share please e-mail at CEhda@aol.com. Thank You

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Since they're still in business finding info on them is easy. They are no called Columbia Manufacturing, Inc., and they are located in the same plant as Westfield Manufacturing in Westfield, Massachusetts. See http://www.columbiamfginc.com/ Contact: Ely Library Western Ave Westfield, MA (413) 572-5231 Westfield State College 577 Western Ave Westfield, MA (413) 568-3311 Westfield Historical Society Westfield Evening News 64 School St Westfield, MA (413) 562-4181

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does anyone have the address email or snailmail for chestnut hillow or memory lane or any one that makes repop parts THANKS FOR YOUR HELP DANNO

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I have an early 60's Corvette "blue collar" bike, as it was given to me as a basket-case. It is now VERY ridable. I had all new chrome spokes, tires, tubes, liners, put on it, and thanks to this list, found someone who would sell me an original "S" seat for it. Although that seat is black/white and I really should have RED/WHITE, I'm still happy. Anyway, with the polished chrome fenders, and chrome rear rack, it looks pretty good *EXCEPT*.... The paint is pretty ratty. I'm on-the-fence if I should paint it and have it prinstriped to look original again, or leave the battle-scars the way they are... The red paint is not only worn, there are a couple of oddly placed "rust bands" that look to be the result of extreme heat. There are no "wrong" answers here, and if anyone could elaborate if I'd be making a mistake or not, let me know. P.S. I'm a rider, not a collector. I'm just wondering if it is smarter to leave it or if I should make it pretty but not original. If I were to paint it, I think I would try to powder-coat it, to make it hold-up better. Comments encouraged! Thanks! This is a great forum! Regards, Buzz

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I forgot to mention (if it matters): I also had the crank/bearings and single-speed hub cleaned and rebuilt, as well as new chain installed. I've already likely spent more on this than the bike is woth, so, I'm not looking to get rich on this one. So, I've really done all I can mechanically; cosmetics (paint) is all that's left. Oh, and wouldn't I *LOVE* to find a mouse-trap for the front of it! Anybody got one to sell me? thanks again! Buzz

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yea it's me again I'm looking for parts for my x53 they dont have to be perfect just useable repop nos or orig. I'm trying to find some decals for this mod too.any body got any links or snail mail addresses? I keep reading of these people who say that they're out there WHERE I'm told that murry parts 53-58 will fit Ineed some good chrome fenders espc. the front one HELP !!! please email me if you have info. or parts THANKS for any help DANNO

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Where doing spring cleaning, litterly thousands of parts, mostly middleweight and lightweight era(1901-1965) Fender sets, decals, litrature, hubs, NOS and used. All of the highest quality. Email for what you may need.

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I was wondering if the aprox. age can be determined by the designation #8 on the pedals.Are all the #8 pedals the same or were their any changes.

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i have a monark twin bar or 5 bar, it's a 1939-40. there is no paint left and i'm in need of pictures so i can paint it correctly. does anyone have one of these . help!! email me

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I recently bought a bike that has a skip tooth sprcket and camelback style top tube. The Emblem has an Inadian on it and it reads "Hiawatha." It also has a pivot, double suspension front fork. I'm reallywondering if anyone knows what company made this bike and approx. year or era. Thank you Josh.

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That guy Zack Sudderth (dlxjaguar@netmagic.net) who advertised a "Spring Sale" a few messages back, is a well known sleeze with a terrible reputation. You can find out more about him on this forum's "What draws you to old bicycles?" section. You can also read about him on Schwinn's web site. He's gone by many different email addresses over the past 2 years (muscle@musclebike.com, webmaster@musclebike.com, zack@netmagic.net and about 4 other email names.) He's also gone by several business names (Second Time Around Bicycles, musclebike.com and currently 'Q & A Sales'). He also recently tried some kind of bicycle auction scam, but I think he's already in legal trouble for that. Anyway, just a warning for unsuspecting buyers. He also has a habit of getting web sites to delete anything bad written about him. So more new unsuspecting bike collectors get ripped off by him. If you don't beleive it, just put a message on the Schwinn page asking about him.

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I'm sorry to hear that Zack ripped you off, too. It looks like I'm not alone. I feel better now, because misery loves company.

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today i came across a girls Roamer bike that i'm thinking of buying.Here's the rundown, The bike is blue & white with 26in wheels,tank with horn,rear rack,front truss rods,skip tooth,drop stand,new depature rear hub and a delta torpedo front fender mounted light. This ballon tire bike has a small schwinn feather type chainguard on it,and the headbadge has a big red R in the center with the word roamer under it. I've never seen a bike with this name before, Any one out there have an idear of its age or value? The guy that owns it wants a c-note for it.On a scale of 1 to 10 i'd say this bike is a 8.5 the paint is really nice,the tires are toast.Any help on this bike will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dave

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I am looking for anyone who collects or has knowledge of Roadmaster Whizzers. Regular Roadmasters or purpose built 226-WH Roadmaster Whizzer frames or web sites pertaining to these bikes.Thanks.

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WANTED TO BUY:New departure two speed hub (model DD) with shifter and cable. Top dollar paid. write

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I am a bike shop owner in Red Wing, MN with a customer who wants me to repair his old (45+ year old) Schwinn. The problem I am running into is that it has a Bendix coaster brake/2-speed hub on it that I have never seen before. It uses a brake lever type shifter rather than the "kick back" shifting that I have dealt with in the past. i am wondering if anyone can get me or direct me to any information or parts for this hub. I have no model number on the hub as nothing is stamped into other than Bendix on the coaster brake arm. Thanks for the help1

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I have a question for anyone who might care to respond: Where does one go to find a skip tooth chain (new or usable)? Are these also identified by pitch?

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The easiest place I can think of to find a skiptooth chain is Memory Lane. As far as I know they are not different by pitch. I can't remember the web address for Memory Lane but their phone number is: 1-419-832-3040. There is a link to their page on the BIKEICONS web page. (I have a link to BIKEICONS from my web page: http://web.beol.net/kitsune in the bike section. I've also got new pictures of my latest project - '39 Elgin.)

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Any info on John Deere bicycles? Found one that resembles an English 3 speed; Sturmy-Archer rear hub, full fenders, etc. Any idea on what I should offer?

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A friend just aquired a balloon tire bike with the head badge "Royal". It is almost identical to a Black Phantom. Did Schwinn produce this bike under a different Badge?

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Purchased the above bike at a bike show Sunday. Missing the headlight, battery tube, handgrips, and rear reflector, and drop stand. Would like to add a rear carrier as well. This bike is all aluminum, no paint, polished finish. Know nothing about these bikes, would appreciate any information and parts. Thanks, Larry

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In 1965-66 my brother got a Schwinn bike I have not been able to find on-line (name or photo). The frame was shaped like a Stingray but had a tank (black w/ thick white stripes on sides - "Schwinn" under stripes). It had full fenders (also w/ thinner white stripes) Silver/aluminum headlight on fender. It had the "S" seat. [His friend had identical Schwinn but it was copper in color] Please send any info to: kenlawpi@aol.com

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I am having a hard time finding fenders for my 1950 Schwinn Hornet. I am looking for a maroon and white set to match my bike. Does anyone know where I can find some. I have tried Memory Lane, Kieth's Bikes, and several other Web sites. The fenders do not have to be perfect, but I would like them to have most of the paint on them, and no rust holes. A few scratches, dings, and a little surface rust is to be expected on fenders that old. Please e-mail with info.

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i am looking for info on sears spaceliners. mine apears to have been badly repainted, it looks like it might be a crome frame. any info would be apriciated. thanks. ivan

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Recently, someone posted that there was a SCHWINN PAGE that a person could post messages and request information to just like this one. But, I'm too new to know what one he was talking about. I don't think it's http://www.schwinn.com. Can anybody tell me what it might have been? I tried to reply to him, but the mail bounced. (He was warning us to watch our for "ZACK" somebody about bad-deals or something. Thanks a lot! Buzz

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I know, doesn't everyone? I was just wondering if anyone has a mousetrap they might sell me. Cosmetics are NOT important so long as it still works and can be painted. My "blue collar" restoration of my Corvette would not care if it were not "mint". If you have one you'd sell, let me know what you would need for it. I'd pay a more-than-fair price in all likelyhood. Let's chat. Thanks! Buzz

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I am looking at building on this old 26" cruiser frame from Shapleigh's of St. Louis (Hardware store I beleive). Just looking for any info/history of brand. Did someone else build this frame for them, are the well known? I seems to be a quality frame, ?brass welded? Any help would be appricaited.

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Ten Commandments for the Bicycle Collector 1. Thou shalt not store thy bikes out-of-doors. 2. Thou shalt not deceive thy spouse that thou art going shopping, when indeed, thou art going to look at another bike. 3. Thou shalt not love thy bikes more than thy spouse. As much, but not more. 4. Thou shalt not allow thine sons or daughters to be married during the Holy Days of Copake. 5. Thou shalt not promise thy spouse an addition to thine house and then use it to store thy bikes. 6. Thou shalt not despise thy neighbor’s Huffy, nor his Elgin, nor even his Murray. 7. Thou shalt not surf Ebay during company time less thy employer make it impossible to continue thy collection. 8. Thou shalt not tell thy spouse the cost of thy latest restoration project…at least not all at the same time. 9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Phantom. 10. Thou shalt not buy thy spouse a fender roller for Christmas.

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If you want to see these in the originally designed format check it out on my web page - http://web.beol.net/kitsune/bike.html

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Does anyone know why most Schwinn cruisers had cross bars across the handlebars before WWII? They were mounted just ahead of the handgrips and extended straight across from handlebar to handlebar. Sometimes a speedometer was mounted on them, but not always. The cross bars seem to have faded after the war, but I haven't a clue why they ever were popular in the first place. Thoughts or comments?

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I need information about a bike I bought last week. The badge on the fork tube says "Heidman Works, Hanover." It has two lions and =HWH= in the middle. There is a sticker on the seat tube that reads "made in Western Germany." The seat was made by Bruninghaus. Tires are 2.00x20 Continentals. It has a single-link chain and a set screw adjustment on the rear axle with a Centrix coaster brake. Age, value, etc?

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Does anyone have info on this bike I've got the head badge says Rocket in big letters then in the corner it says Monarch manufactured by Silver King Chicago Ill. Any info/insight would be greatly appreciated.

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Back in the mid-60's I was a proud owner of a Columbia bike. It was black & white with chrome fenders and a tank. It was stolen but I would love to but another one. Does anyone know of one being available? Thanks, Dob

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Need info about a Pennet Scout. Skip tooth chain,26in. boy's model. Leather seat. Last patent date on bike 1915.

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I found out an answer to my question, and share it here for the good of the order. The reinforcing bars, or cross bars, on old cruisers were simply an imitation of the bars that were found on many motorcycles of the time. The cross bars continued for awhile after the war, but quickly fell out of favor by the late 1940's.

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Looking for any information on an Old girls Bike Evan products the bike is called a sonic scout ..

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PARTS FOR 1950s SCHWINN TIGER. Parting out rusty, but complete, 3-speed middleweight. Also, old and NOS rear racks (carriers) for balloon bikes, apparently aftermarket. E-mail me.

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I am restoring a '72 red boys schwinn bantam I found in the trash. I am doing this for a school project. It has rusty fenders and flat tires. It had some white paint spilled on it. It has all of its parts except the rear reflector. Where do I start? My mom and I have looked at lots of websites, but don't see anything about 72' schwinn bantams anywhere--not even on the schwinn site. We need a mentor! Please help. You all seem to know so much about fixing up bikes.

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Here at my college just about everyone owns a bike. However, most of the students who come as freshmen don't actually own bikes... They buy them at the semesterly bike auction, held by the school's bike co-op. Now when a senior graduates, he will often leave his no-longer needed and oh-so-hard-to-transport bike at the school-- either sell it to a freshmen or leave it chained to a bike rack. After graduation, security cuts all the locks on the abandoned bikes and donates them to the bike co-op. Now this leads to an interesting situation. Since bikes largely never end up leaving campus, many of the bikes on campus are way, way old... Mine is a 1957 Murray which I am not going to be giving to a freshman. During the summer it is getting restored in a severe way. But we have 70's muscle bikes here, bikes from the 60's, 50's... some of the ones I've seen must be 40's or earlier. These old puppies make up probably half of the bike population. It's wonderful seeing all these old bikes. My favorites include a pink and white Schwinn girl's frame with a petite tank, a teal green Western Flyer, many, many old three speeds, and my absolute favorite is an old skip-tooth of undetermined make and age, whose rear wheel is encased in some kind of wacky combination of a rear fender and slatted cage. However, it's also extremely frustrating. I would love to just walk up to these bike owners and offer them a lot of money for their mistreated antiques, but that's not the way it works here. I'm trapped in a horrible combination of a living antique show and a place where a beautiful vintage ballooner is left to rust out in the rain between classes.

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I've posted test messages here, just to see what kind of people responded when I ask about the value of a bicycle. You'll not see a lot of answers here, but if you've got a rare bike, the collectors who read these forums will email you and make a low-ball offer. SO DO YOURSELF A FAVOR: PICK UP SOME KIND OF PRICE GUIDE!! There are 2 collectors who read these forums who must be working together, because they both gave the same offer ($75) on a bike that is worth 10 times that much. If I was an unsuspecting seller, I would have said: "Hey, two different experts said it's worth $75, so I'll sell it for that"..... Watch out folks, don't sell your old Stingray or Dad's loaded balloon tire bike based on a price told to you by a BIASED BUYER!

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What kind of bike did you post? Have you considered that it may only be worth $75.00 ???

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Dad must ride a girls bike, loaded...with rust. :) In all fairness though, there is a difference when you OWN the bike and when someone else wants to BUY the bike.

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The Bicycle Blue book, which was last printed in 1995 (my copy, that is) lists it at between $700 and $850. Evolution of the Bicycle listed it higher.

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If you knew this bike was worth $700. to $850. why did'nt you just put a price on it,instead of looking for offers? As far as the evolution of the bicycle book prices go thats not a good refrence for prices.Becase whoever submited the pictures of the bicycles submited there own prices also.It's a good picture refrence but thats it.So as for your rare whoopty doo $850.+ dollar bicycle next time post a price insted of playing the old, duh i dont know what its worth, make me an offer bit.This is'nt a flea mkt here.Post your rare bike on ebay and if its the jem you say it is you'll get your big bucks! But other than that i hope that your bike gets all rusted up and falls apart. Have a nice day!.

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The Bicycle Blue Book is not a particularly acurate price guide either. There are MANY factors that need to be considered. (condition, color, year, scarcity, and most of all DEMAND) If you post a bike for sale with no pictures and little information noone will offer top dollar for it. Only the best original (and in some cases restored) bikes command those prices and only reputable and knowlegable people can get top dollar selling over the web. If you doubt this just compare the blue book values to the completed auctions on ebay.

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I have a Schwinn Typhoon that is in perfect condition. It is a 26" bike and I want to turn it into a lowrider. Do you think 20" wheels would be to small for it?

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I'm not going to tell you what the bike was, 'cause then you'll be able to tell who I am, and you're probably one of the well known collectors who tried to low-ball me! Suffice to say, I've been collectiong for a number of years and know the value of my bikes. I just wanted to troll and see if people were really helping each other, or if the experts were fleecing unsuspecting sellers. BOTTOM LINE FOR YOU NEW COLLECTORS: know the value of what you are selling. Don't rely on a potential buyer to tell you what it's worth.

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i have an old rollfast bike.i dont know much about it but it's black with white pinstriping ,says rollfast on the front and bar, and has white painted spoke wheels. im guessing it's in the late 50's early 60's. anybody have any info please let me know.

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I have been collecting bikes for about 6 years now and have a pretty nice collection (several Krates, prewar Cycletruck, 2 Deco 30s Elgins, ... about 30 in all). If you look in the guide books these bikes are supposedly worth a small fortune. But in reality...most bikes do not sell for those high prices. I have never paid more than $200 for any bike initially (average about $40-50) and after repairs and repacement parts the most I have in any bike so far is about $400 (average $1-150). I believe this is true of most collectors. There are still plenty of good deals out there and only premium bikes command top dollar. I would NEVER offer top dollar for a bike off the internet, sight unseen from a questionable source. So stop your whining mister name withheld...If your bikes are so valuable then sell them on EBAY.

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I'm not whining, I'm WARNING people. Try reading for comprehension. I wasn't trying to sell any of my bicycles, I posted a question like: "I have an old XYZ bike, what's it worth?"... That's when the collectors swooped in and told me it wasn't worth much and then offered pennies on the dollar. THAT is what I'm warning people about. Granted, the bicycle price guides may not always be perfectly accurate on prices, but they do show the RELATIVE value of bikes to eachother. For example, "Evolution of the Bicycle" which someone mentioned above. The prices in that book are high, but ALL of the prices are high, so you can get an idea of one bike against another. I don't even use the price list in that book. It is better just for identifying bikes and makes a good coffee table book. The point I'm trying to make with this all is new collectors should do a little research when trying to find out what a bike is worth. Don't just post a message to a board like this, and then accept what someone says it's worth, especially when they then try to buy the bike from you.

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One good way to assess the value of a bike is to check recently completed auctions for similar bikes on Ebay. In most cases, you have the final auction price, a photo of the bike, and the description of anything special about the bike (e.g., condition, features, year and model). This won't work for extremely rare bikes, but it is pretty good for some of the famous bikes like the Phantom, Jaguar, Corvette, Columbia 5-Star, etc.

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I drive or ride by OSU campus on the way to work, and over the past couple of years I've noticed more and more MWs and balloners, though the ballooners are usually repops. Any else noticing that these bikes are gaining in popularity among people other than grouchy middle-aged and older collectors?

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Well, just read through the thread and saw Mr. Withheld's post as well as the follow-ups. Not sure I get his point - unless it is to point out the obvious. My guess is his motive was sour grapes and not a sincere intent to help his fellow collectors. This especially in light of how he jumped down at least one guy's throat for disagreeing. And the "I'm not saying who I am or what I have" thing really lends credibility. I think you want the Schwinn collectornet forum.

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Would like to sell 1936 girls Schwinn bicycle. It is all original and in great shape (still has the original string skirt guard). The seat is crackled but no holes or tears. Chrome is good too.

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I posted a request for information here on April 14. I didn't get any replies, which makes me wonder. Is this bike extremely rare or is it so common everybody thinks I should already know all about it? I sell these things at meets to avoid shipping them. I'm not trying to sell here, I just need information. I'm not a collector, but I have to admit that I find old bikes to be very interesting. Let me back up a minute. I'm not a BICYCLE collector. My weakness is vintage motor scooters. Howard

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Thaught I would take a shot at answering your question since no experts stepped forward. I have never heard of the company and it is not listed in any book I have seen. My guess is that it is not common (at least in the states) and unless it has some unusual feature it is not very collectable either. Hard to say when it was made because European bike technology was ahead of American early on.

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Thanks for the reply. I'm sure you are right about the value. When I see something old I always start wondering about it's age and origin. I guess that's what makes so many of us collect antiques. Howard

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On e-bay now, don't miss it. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=109480758 Thanks

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I need an Elgin BADGE and FRONT "AIRCOOLED" HUB.

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I am looking for a set of forks for a 1950 monark super cruiser. Any one with any info ???? thank you.

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Can anyone out there tell me how to find out the age, value and avaiability of parts for a Triumph ladies bicycle, probably 1940's to 1950, excellent shape but faded paint. It uses 28 by 1 3/4 tires and both a coaster rear brake and a front brake that is linked with a rod and pulls up against the inside of the rim. A lovely bike to ride and still in use, inherited by my sister.

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Post your question to the "Engish Roadster" topic

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I am looking for some information on an old bike. It is a mens balloon tire bike with a double bar, similar to "old" schwinn cruiser. It has a serial # of co1902. I am guessing it is a a columbia but I am not sure. It has a skip tooth sprocket, adjustment on the rearwheel mount, large fenders,and a leather saddle. I would appreciate any resources available.

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What size are the tires? Look for a similar bike on Menotomy's Picture Database and tell us all what it looks closest to.

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I'm looking for someone in the St. Louis area to restore my Schwinn Debutante (circa 1960) to its original splendor.

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All of the forums,(fori?) I follow include a lot of questions on the value of a bike someone just found, just inherited, saw and wants etc. Its not that it is a genuine concern of folks who are new to the game but the fact is, there is no good answer. The old cliche is; its worth what you or someone else is willing to pay. I used to get this question asked of me a lot in the antique and classic car hobby and I always dreaded giving an answer because, of the previous statement on value and also, if I gave my best opinion, the questioner was often insulted because he saw where an antique car was worth a million bucks and I said his rusty 55 plymouth was worth $x. I'm not into really high buck bikes(how in h--- can a kiddy Schwinn be worth so much to some folks?), but who in the heck knows what a bike is worth to anyone but yourself?

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I found an "unknown" tandem bicycle in a junkpile recently. There is no logo on the steering stem (although it DOES have the rivets). It appears to have been a single speed bike with dual-chain drive (front sprocket to back sprocket (double sprocket on the rear pedals) back sprocket to rear wheel). I'm guessing it's from the '60s because of the high-rise handlebars. It had no fenders - appeared to be a "bare-bones" model. Anyway, what I need to find are ball bearings for the steering head, and some advice on whether or not it's practical to have the sprockets re-chromed. Finding parts has been a pain, but Murray and Huffy parts seem to fit. Your comments are appreciated.

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Fred: In recent days I've gotten into a bit of a debate (I think) with another Brit 3-speed fan, so the idea of values looms large in my mind. I think the law defines a reasonable price as follows: The price set between a buyer, who is under no compulsion to buy, and a seller, who is not being forced to sell. In other words, it's case by case and therefore largely guesswork. I've been into bikes for some years now, and also other "vintage" hobbies, including fountain pens, pocket knives, watches, and camaras. In each case I've encountered three tiers of people: 1. Enthusiasts who are in it for fun and who just really like the stuff; 2. Genuine historians and "serious" collectors who collect for investment; and 3. Dealers who are in it for profit. I'm not against profit, and there are honest dealers out there. I think the prices I've seen at Menotomy, for example, seem very reasonable. But there are people out there who will rip you off. Always bear in mind that dealers and serious collectors have a vested interest in seeing prices go high, and even honest dealers need to buy low and sell high to stay in business. When they publish books, it may artificially inflate the value of their own collections and trade. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that book values on collectable tend to be inflated, and I'd only pay one-half to two thirds of what is listed even if I really wanted a particular item. And this country is glutted with old, used bikes. If you're willing to do the footwork -- thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales -- you will eventually find some gem for next to nothing. But to amplify Fred's sentiments, buy what you want for what seems fair to you, depending on how badly you want it, I suppose. If you feel uncomfortable with the price, trust your insticts. We live in a society that's going through a nostalgia craze right now, with a great economy driving it. A lot of extra income chasing the toys of yesteryear, including bikes, and people deluded into thinking they'll send their kids to college and retire early by paying top dollar for old junk on Ebay. There ought to be a balance, the old bikes are really cool, I love them too, but they're mostly mass-prodiced items, not one-of-a-kind works of art.

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Thanks for the comentary. I might add that prices vary widely in different parts of the country. Where I live, it is difficult to sell any bike for more than 100 bucks. Antique dealers will not carry bikes at all. And I agree...If you are willing to do some leg work, there are some GREAT deals to be found.

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Does anyone know what would be a good thing to use to clean white grips? I just want to take them off and soak them in something but I dont know what would be the best thing to use.

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Does anybody know anyone who can restore a vintage Schwinn in Washington DC. Please email me at nealdrob@hotmail.com

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I think there's a little bit more in determining a bike's value than only "What is it worth to me?" After watching these pages for the past year or so, I think a lot of the people who pop in here asking "What is my bike worth?" are asking because they just want to get the most $$ for an old bike they found in the cellar, or Grandma's garage, or a neighbor's yard sale. I think they are not bicycle collectors, but are just people who've found something which they suspect has value, and they'd like to get a fair price for it.

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want all information to get a good idea on the age of the bike, also looking for goodyear double eagle tires, 26x2.125 the serial no# starts with a w. all information will be greatly rewarding to me since this is my first bike to restore

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want all information to get a good idea on the age of the bike, also looking for goodyear double eagle tires, 26x2.125 the serial no# starts with a w. all information will be greatly rewarding to me since this is my first bike to restore

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want all information to get a good idea on the age of the bike, also looking for goodyear double eagle tires, 26x2.125 the serial no# starts with a w. all information will be greatly rewarding to me since this is my first bike to restore

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Wanted...Chainguard and Badge for a 1960 Schwinn Cycletruck.

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OK, opinion poll time. How do you big kids feel about streamers on your bikes? Personally I can't stand them and have never bother to keep them but I just got a bike with streamers that may be original and just don't have the heart to yank them out.

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If the streamers are original, or appear to be, leave them alone! Sting-Ray fanatics pay 20 bucks a pair for them.

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I don't like streamers either. What about those little plastic beads that slide up and down the spokes as the wheels turn? Should I leave them on? I've found them on three or four bikes from the 60's and 70's

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What I got was a spaceliner with red & White streamers...and yeah, they look original and will stay. (On my web page at: http://web.beol.net/kitsune/bike.html ) While I've seen the beads (and the people who will abuse them by lining 100s of them along every spoke.) I've been blessed not to ever had then on any bike I've gotten...save me the time of removing them. A good headlight, taillight and horn is all the accessories I need.

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Is there much of an intrest in Silver king bikes out there? I have a girls bike that's fully loaded with delta battery tube, locking forks, headlight with horn and jewels,triangular clipper speedo made by stewart warner , large jeweled rear glass reflector -all in great shape with a few minor dents in fenders and headlight.Original seat has no tears. Interested?E-mail me.$450.00 You pay shipping.

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Streamers are COOL!. I love them on any old bike, 'specially on a balloon tire bike. Ballooners should be LOADED with doodads and geegaws (unless you've got such a nice original ballooner that you don't want to mess it up). But for your average balloner... load it up! (plus ballooners are sooo much cooler than those little stingray kid's bikes....)

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Does anyone know of a good source to find the mettalic red paint used on early '60s Sears bikes including Spaceliners?

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I'm trying to date a Schwinn bike, the serial # is stamped under the crank hanger so I know it is 1951 or earlier. It does have a skip tooth sprocket, up to what year did Schwinn use this sprocket? The serial # is G122699, but I understand that there is no sequence to this number for a year determination. Any ideas? Thanks.

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I have just acquired a female Evans Colson bike. It is a tanker and has a rear carrier. The original paint scheme was silver with red. I am looking for the correct year. I am also looking for a male frame and any of the goodies that may have come on the bike. I am also wondering if the bike is balloon tire or a middleweight. The numbers on the frame are FO 74451 G26. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. John

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I am looking to buy a man and womans bike from the 50's and 60's If you have one or both please email me with particulars and a picture . Thanks

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can any one help me get info on older mid size tandoms. I bought one at a local swap meet in Boston, and would like to get it looking great for next years 4th of July. It has no grears and some body painted the whole thing with white spray paint!!! even the tires and a little of the chain.I'm in it for real short money and wonder what I up against? WHERE CAN YOU TALK ABOUT RALIEGHS? THANKS John B.

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I would like to know a little about a mens double bar ballon tire bike with LaFrance on the front of it.

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I have just got 1957 columbia speedliner complete except for handle bar grips and seat the bike is all origanl and in good condiotion I don't no how much it is worth and i amm trying to get 200 for it. is this to much? let me no with your help and if you are enterested buying it

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Ive owned 2 bikes that caughr my fancy 1-was Schwinn tornato, the other was a Columbia. both were 26" mens middle weight bikes both peddled like dream. Where or or how could I ever replace 1 of these great bikes? Respectfully Submitted David Feld

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Looking for age of Schwinn Hollywood-original paint-white and 'fushia pink'-26" tires-found at antique shop-serial number K991717-original seat white and pink-very little rust and scratches-what is it worth?

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David, check the "For Sale" section of Menotomy's discussion pages. I've seen both Tornados and Columbias offered there.

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I am in need of some information about a 1951 Black Phantom I plan on purchasing. Approx. how many produced that year, and how rare are they? What should I be aware of so I don't get burnt? Thanks for any help you can give. This is my first purchase in the balloon tire world, so please be kind. Scott

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I am 9 years old and I just purchased my first vintage bike. It is a girls J C Higgins. I was told it was from the 60s. I am very interested in learning about old bikes. Any info you can give me would be appreciated. I would like to find a light that would fit my bike. Can you tell me how I can find out what year my bike is? Thanks Tim

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Come on people, help this young enthusiast out he is the future. Tim, you already have a good line on learning about bikes by gettin involved with this forum. There are others, just follow the links trail and all will be available, but please don't get so hooked on the internet that you neglect other things like school work and helping out around home. There are a lot of books available that can be read free at bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Books a Million etc. Unfortunately not many cover old bikes. Your best bet is still the internet. Good luck and have fun, Fred

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Hello people out there... I collect, kinda novice and this is a new sport to me... so I hope you don't try to pick me apart... Any one know if this Mark II should have a springer fork? Anyone know a price Range for these things in very good condition? I got this sucker working good... But it has this two speed hub, and the gears slip like crazy.... I took this sucker to a pro a few years ago... he charged me 50 to take it a part and shove it back together... It still didn't work... I took that animal apart, cleaned it out, lubed, made sure all planetary gears and such didn't have excessive wear... so this might be the 7th wonder of the world? What about matching paint? Any tips? can I call schwinn and go like... SEND ME PAINT? Any help... that would just make my day! I know it's a lot to ask of you people out here... But just a tid bit-o-help can go a looooooong way... Thanks... Dave

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I bought an old bike at a yard sale. It has the skip the link chain. The head badge looks to read Scout or Scott. It is hard to make out. Anyone have any information? It would be much appreciated. Someone told me that it was pre 1945 because of the chain. Thank You

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I'm trying to find some fenders for my '62 Schwinn. I think it's a Typhoon, anyhow the existing rear fender on the bicycle is metalic green with a thick white pinstripe. The overall measurement is 2-5/8" wide with no frame dimples on it. I would like to find some original painted steel fenders, any color just not bent or smashed to complete this bicycle. Can anyone out there help me? Thank You.

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I enjoy reading the messages posted and sometimes obtain information. It would be a lot of help however if the answers to questions were posted instead of e mailed to the party inquiring. Other people also have same questions and a little public feedback would be helpful. Thanks Nadine

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Last evening my wife and I went to a free concert as we do every week in a park in a village nearby. We take a couple of bikes, stop at Mickey D's for a bite and then ride for an hour or so in this beautiful county park on the banks of the Susquehanna river. Our bikes for the day were a ladies Schwinn World Tourist,a particularly attractive bike, and a man's Schwinn Suburban. Both are 10 speeds with free wheeling cranks. The World Tourist is an index shifter while the Suburban has friction shifters. They weigh 30.5 and 35.5 lbs. respectively. I have owned these bikes since last fall but had never ridden them more than a mile each just to see if they worked. I have done nothing to them but replace the petrified brake pads. What a joy they were to ride. Upon asking my wife how her bike felt compared to her lightweight 1989 Schwinn Traveler she commented that it didn't feel heavy at all and that she liked to be able to shift without pedalling-just like a 3 speed. I was also impressed with the Suburban which is a variation of the Varsity. Although the Suburban is a friction shifter it is not fussy and finding a quiet gear is no problem. All in all a beautiful ride in a pastoral setting on two thouroughly competent and enjoyable bicycles. When I can I will bring out a pair of Raleigh Sports and do a comparison. A tough job but someone has to do it. Did you ever notice that when you want to back up a bicycle the left crank is always against the kick stand?

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I just hauled home a Schwinn Majestic s/n G23048 and I am now in the information gathering mode. If I read the s/n info correctly the bike is a 1952 vintage. It is in good shape but is missing some items and some other parts do not appear to be original. If anyone out there is familar with this bike and willing to share this knowledge I would appreciate it. Thank you.

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I've got an old balloon tire bicycle setting in my parent's attic. It's a German Balloon Tire bicycle made for the Marshall Fields Department store and is called a Black Hawk. I'm considering restoring the bicycle but am not sure if I'm going to have a lot of trouble getting parts for it. When I was a kid I'm afraid I used brush paint to cover up the original burgundy and beige color scheme & I'm sure the chrome fenders & tank need some work. Any ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated.

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I have a 1960 (approximately) Schwinn Wasp model #H-150998 in used condition. I am looking to sell this bike. Could anyone make me an offer

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just picked up a Huffy Mainliner from an antique dealer for $20. Is in need of much restoration, but i can't find any info on it, such as age and value...the dealer didn't know anything about it-just needed to get rid of it to make room! please e-mail me if anyone knows anything about this bicycle! thanks all!

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Provide more info about the bike. Tire dimensions, features (tank? rack?) etc. If people provided more info it would be easier for us ole bicycle lovers to help.

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I need 4 Schwinn tires for my 2 Suburban bikes. Can anyone tell me where i can find them ?

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wanted: 4 Schwinn Suburban tires.

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Re: Schwinn Wasp. Please email me. I might be interested in your bike.

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Friends of the bicycle community... I come here to write this serious question that has really been bugging me (I like to talk to you people when I get frustrated :) Well accross going over these machines of two wheels... I found something that spun my head around and gave me whip lash... A fender brace... This thing is really getting to me, it's bent, and I want to replace it, I have the CORRECT brace, but I don't know the go abouts of how to get that thing off, drill the rivets out? Cut the insides with a dremel? and then what after that? how do I remount them? just with a regular pop rivet? I was going crazy looking at this menace... Will some one please inform me on how to go through this procedure? either e-mail or a post here. Thanks :) Dave

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I was at a thrift store and found this little bike and noticed it was a Schwinn. I took it to the counter and asked the gentleman how much he wanted for it. He said about 10 dollars. I said the seat is broken can i get it for five?? He said that fine. So now i have this Old childerens bike, its called a Lil Tiger (schwinn). Its in pretty good condition! I fixed the seat, took the rust off the chrome handles and tire shields (or whatever you call them). The paint is in okay condition. The seat is a small banana seat with rainbow colors. The wheels are made of solid rubber. No tubes. It still has the training wheels on it too. And to get to the point I am trying to figure out how much this bike is actually worth! Can anyone help me out???

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I NEED TIRES FOR COLUMBIA PARATROOPER FOLDING BIKE 26 X 2.125 ORIGINALS WERE MARKED WAR GRADE ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOW OF ANY THANKS

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Yes, drill/dremel it out from the bottom. Keep the head and take it to your hardware store. Find a close match. Put it on using a hammer and punch or rod, bucking the exposed side on your vise, covering the vise with thick cloth to avoid scratching anything.

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I need two tires for my AMF Roadmaster "Skyrider" 24 inch bike (circa. 1963). What size tires would I need, and where can I get them? I would appreciate any information!!!

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I'm restoring an old bike for my grandfather and was wondering if anyone could help me find out what it is. The bike looks like a 1962 Sears Flightliner, but has a different paint scheme. On the tank where the headlights are there are five four-pointed stars on both sides and on the headlight bezel itself there is a foil triangle with the word "Thunderbolt" under a jet. The triangle has a gold outer ring followed by a red inner ring with a white triangle in the middle that has "Thunderbolt" and the jet in red. The bike is red with white scallops on the tank and chain guard. the chain guard says "Deluxe" above the sprocket gap. I don't know if this means anything, but it has original "Goodyear Goodfoot" tires and tubes.

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Columbia made the Thunderbolt in the '60s. On the top/center of the light housing there should be a narrow paper label that says 'Columbia'. These have a very bad habit of coming off over the years.

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I'm seeking information on a bike supposedly built in Italy for promotional,modeling or display purposes( the advertizement bike for Famolare Shoe Co.). This bike is up for sale but it's valuation is uncertain. Supposedly there were only a few made in the early '70,s and this one is a couple notches down from mint condition, but has been garaged. The bike has a graceful design with a single frame tube from it's headset to a yoke in the rear that a small rear wheel is mounted to. Another curved frame member runs below the seat (big and on a hinge with a spring) and connects with the crank hangar. Short chain stays go back to connect the rear wheel yoke. The Famolare bike has a single speed free wheel, caliper brakes, chromed headlite & taillite,fenders a bell and a generator.Lavender frame color. I think the bike has exceptional stylish, noticeable appeal as perhaps was it's main intent.What would I do to get a fair appraisal for it's owner who; as I, have no clue?

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Help! I've started a new project and am in unfamiliar territory. I want to restore my wife's 1949 Dayton and will need a few components. The project is especially important to me since my wife was riding by my house on the Dayton the first time I ever saw her. The bike is solid and un-dinged/un-bent but has a few parts that I would rather replace than spend a fortune restoring. What I need is information on sources for parts e.g., complete crankset, New Departure coaster hub, handlebars and stem, fender mounted light, grips and pedals. I would settle for close rather than expect identical. Thanks in advance. Fred

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Memory Lane Classics is your best bet for parts. Their web page is at: http://www.memorylane-classics.com They are not good at returning e-mail but you can get their phone number on the page and they are very helpful. The New Departure is very easy to get. You might have a slightly harder time finding the other items. I'm not sure about the stem but remember that Dayton became Huffman became Huffy. If you can find an earlier bike they might not have changed. I don't know if they used a special headlight or not but a Delta Winner headlight would not look out of place. These are fairly easy to get on Ebay and usually sell for around $75.

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I have a monark 2-seater manufactured in Dayton Ohio with the word Daisy on the chain guard with 2 music notes next to it. Any idea where I can obtain a name plate? this one is barely readable.

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I am looking for a tank, chaingaurd and any pics or info on my new project. A 1953 Colson. I really never was into Colson stuff but got a real good deal and now it has grown o me. And it rides real well. Any help would be great. Thank You S.T.VanMAtre

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I am looking for a tank, chaingaurd and any pics or info on my new project. A 1953 Colson. I really never was into Colson stuff but got a real good deal and now it has grown o me. And it rides real well. Any help would be great. Thank You S.T.VanMAtre

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I'm looking for information about this old bike. All I know is it was bought new sometime between 1946 and 49. On the front forks it reads B.F Goodrich. Any ideas... The bikes in pretty good shape, but I would like to restore it.. thanks, jack

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Any suggestions, hints on where I can buy new Schwinn balloon tires 26 x 1.75 for my old coaster bike?

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Any suggestions, hints on where I can buy new Schwinn balloon tires 26 x 1.75 for my old coaster bike?

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Hello Friends! I've been pulling out my hair wondering if my Schwinn DX is some sort of throw together rednecky job or if it is some sort of prototype. You see I found this bike in Galax Virginia in an old barn. It has no tank, carrier or light. (Bummer) It does have Large spoke wheels with a morrow rear hub and one of those drum brakes on the front. The strange thing about it is the springer.(Its all chrome so it can't be a backyard weld job) It's got a more beefy spring and larger stirrup than the usual schwinn. The fork bars are joined from the spring and go down and connect to the main fork which is on a pivot. The truss rods are in their usual place , but are twice the diameter of the regular schwinn struts. --Anyone who could help -I sure would appreciate it. Thank you . Ps. any bike lovers coming to southwest Virginia -I'll be at the Hillsville VA fleamarket this laborday weekend.

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i have a 64 corvette 3 speed and do not have first gear. the hub looks like it is not together the whole way. on the sprocket side it looks as if it could go together about 1/4". is there a trick to get it together? i tried loosening up one side and putting it together but no luck. does anyone have a schematic or an idea how to fix this problem? thanks

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I have a friend with a 1930's coaster brake red & white bike.I is a Crown, New Departure model. She is the original owner. The bike was bought from Farrel Osmond & Kirk hardware in St. Paul by her Dad. Does anyone have info on this brand-is it worth anything? Thanks for your input.

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HI EVERY ONE, I HAVE A QUESTION I'M LOOKING TO MAKE MY CLUNKER INTO A MULI-SPEED AND WANT TO KEEP THE COAST BREAK THE TIRE SIZE IS 26 X 1.75 AND A SURE IT'S AN AMERICAN BIKE EVEN THOUGH SOME MORRON PAINTED IT ALL AND I MEAN ALL WHITE {INCLUDING THE CHAIN} E-MAIL ME PLEASE AND THANKS TO FLIPPNDAVE FOR ALL HIS HELP IF ANY ONE KNOWS HIM HE GETS BIG THUMBS UP FROM JOHN B IN BOSTON!!!!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP JOHN B

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There are several options...Bendix 2 speed kickback hub, 3 speed Shimano or Sturmy Archer coaster hub, or theres a 3 speed transmission that goes in the botton bracket. The rear 3 speed would likely be the cheapest option.

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i am looking for various parts and info on where to get balloon tires for a 1950 or older bicycle. if anyone can help me on this it would be greatly appreciated. even better if i can get the parts in ontario. :-)

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I just bought an old bike and I don't know what make it is. The head badge is missing, the only markings left on it is the word Sterling on the chain gaurd and the serial number found on the left rear drop out. The number is S408719. The tire size is 26 X 1.75. It's a boys cantilever frame. Any help would be great. Thanks. Bruce O.

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I've already learned a lot about Hawthorne's by reading the archived discussions, but not enough to know for sure when the one I have was made. I would appreciate any help with a posting on this site or an email in return. What I have is a men's Hawthorne with 26x2.125 inch tires, a skip tooth crank, big wide handlebars with pointy grips. Also, the rear wheel is placed into the dropouts from behind and the dropouts have screws in them. The rims are painted red, as is the bike, and there are white painted details(stripes and more pointy things) on the frame and fenders. It has a flat leather seat with a rocker mechanism in it, and it has thin red bars that go from under the handlebars to the front hub, where a springer would be. The nameplate says "wards Hawthorne" and there is no chaingaurd, or any evidence it ever had one. Thanks in advance for any help in determining when it was made. Bob

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Based on your description I'd say 1938 to 1946.

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Hi, I'm trying to help a guy at work that wants to restore an Elgin bike. He wants to find the original paint colors, I haven't been able to find such detailed info for him yet. Any ideas? Thanks.

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Thanks for the prompt response to my question. Is there any way to pin down the year it was made? Would more details, or the serial number help? Thanks, Bob

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There's a good book avalable on ELGIN, JC HIGGINS, and HAWTHORNE bicycles. It has catalog pages with pictures of every balloon tire model and discriptions. Memory Lane may have it or there are copies for sale on EBAY.

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Help! I just received a '66 Panther via UPS and they really did a number on the box. The bike received a dent in the left side of the full-length 1/2 tank, dents in both fenders and is missing one bow pedal. Could you all supply me (and the sender) with estimates on the replacement values of these parts? The fenders both have good chrome and the tank only had some paint damage from the front rack. Not sure of the condition of the missing pedal, but its mate has a little road rash on the cap. Copy your replies to GVHolland@aol.com if you don't mind as they have to start the claim process. I appreciate your assistance in this matter. Thanks, Bob Hufford bhufford@mail.orion.org

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Hey Joel, thanks a bunch for the book tip. One more question... can you give me a title or partial title? Maybe I can find it locally at Barnes & Noble or something. Thanks again.

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Bob, was the bike insured? If it was, you shouldn't have any probelm getting that amount of insurance, and they'll return the damaged bike back to the seller. If not insured, they'll want proof of the cost of the bike (what you paid - fair market value) and may settle based on that.

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I am trying to bring out the beauty in two old schwinns that was given to me. One is a boys 1949 typoon that I think use to be a gold in color but it has been painted so many times and the other is a 1956 girls bike that use to have white rims that has been painted silver and the body use to be a nice color of blue.The bike is missing the chain guard so I don't know the model but the serial# 7E47956. If anyone can send me pictures of bicycles like I got so I can paint them the way they are suppose to be and if anyone can help me I.D the girls bike by model, it would be great. The serial# for the boys bike is F22592. Any help would be great.Please email me for any info or pictures, thanks John

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looking for original or repo parts for 1950s boys monarch silver king, need chain guard,fender headlight, and horn tank

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Are they going to make good on it?

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We have an old Admiral bicycle which is approximately 40+ years old. It is in need of complete restoration, but I don't know if it is worth anything. My husband was going to sell it at a garage sale, but I thought I would see if anyone could give me any idea of price range on its value.

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The seller has to make the initial contact and they have done so. They'll return from an extended weekend today, so I hope to hear more soon. I'll keep you posted.

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Here's how the box with my '66 Panther looked upon arrival. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lake/4975/ups.html

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Looking to buy a 1950 Columbia 5 Star Superb Head Light (i think in chrome??) Also what tires did this bike originally come with?? Thanks

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Anyone had any problems with MLC misrepresenting their products? I bought a supposedly NOS Silver King sprocket. When it arrived it was obviously a new, stamped-steel repop, not even the same thickness material as an original. Comments?

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Wanted lavender & white Schwinn seat for girl's 26-inch middleweight Debutante, circa 1960. Will buy or trade for my excellent white and red Schwinn boy's seat, identical to the blue and white one on the Wasp in "The American Bicycle" and "Schwinn Bicycles" books.

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Hi, My name is Craig Kelchen, and I am a graphic Design student at the University of Northern Iowa. For one of my classes, I have been assigned to design a 'zine. 'Zines being defined as low-budget, special interest, limited quantity magazines. I am interested in doing a zine about old bikes, which I am very interested in. I have 2 Schwinn middleweights and an AMF middleweight from the mid '60's. I am asking for your help in this endeavor. I would like to request any stories, essays, anecdotes, etc. that you folks would be willing to submit about old bikes. Any old bikes - musclebikes, ballooners, middleweights, etc. Any good material will be included in the final print. Tell us what you ride, and why. Stories about your first bikes. What you love (or hate) about old bikes. Anything that would be interesting. I will also consider putting in a few photos of bikes, provided you can e-mail me a high-resolution photo of your bike. The format for this project will probably be about 20 5.5 x 8.5 pages, so I don't have a whole lot of space for exceedingly long stories. The ideal length would be between 1-4 paragraphs for stories. I would also love to have a few 1 or 2-liners for some filler or margin material, so send any good quotes or observations. If I get enough good material, and if I enjoy doing the first, I may do a second issue, and possibly keep going beyond that. It just depends on how much good stuff I can come up with and I can get from other collectors. I would appreciate any help you can provide. Please send only stuff that you have written personally, instead of other people's stuff you have copied from forums such as this. This way I can credit the material to you, which by the way, I plan to do. So if you do send material, please include your name and city. If I use your material, I will send a copy of the 'zine to you, so also include your mailing address. If you are interested in contributing material to this 'zine, which as of now I have settled on the name "headbadge" (if you have any better ideas, please let me know), please e-mail me at: headbadge@yahoo.com Also if you have any questions direct them to the same address. Thank you very much for any help you can give me. Craig Kelchen

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Been checking out you discusin group.seem to end in Jan 99. Habve you taken a sabbatical as you said you might? What is the story I have noticed you may have ceased with your discussion groups. please advise if you have quit?

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I've spoken to the owner of Menotomy and he says they're expanding the web site. They won't sell bikes or parts anymore, but are going to expand the pictures, books and discussion areas of the web site. Sounds like they have some great things in the works! I wish they'd put up a big "bicycle links" page, though... Is anyone at Menotomy listening???

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I wish to find this a proper home. I have a large skip-tooth front crank and sprocket. It is the Schwinn Sweetheart marked A.S. &CO. the chrome plating is perfect. This is a beautiful sprocket!!! leave a message here with a phone number or address. I will never use it and it is too nice to go to waste.

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I wish to find this a proper home. I have a large skip-tooth front crank and sprocket. It is the Schwinn Sweetheart marked A.S. &CO. the chrome plating is perfect. This is a beautiful sprocket!!! leave a message here with a phone number or address. I will never use it and it is too nice to go to waste.

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If the crank is the dog-leg style I could probably use it and the sprocket on my 1930s Schwinn Henderson. Please let me know. Kevin Cullen (765) 429-6247 or email.

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Yeahbut should it be chromed? I'd expect a different plating..??

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Isn't it great when you tear into something that hasn't worked in 40 years and you make it work? I'm in the planning and buying stage of restoring my wife's 49 Dayton. Itching to dirty my hands on it, I took the horn out of the tank to see if it would work. It didn't but after fooling around with it, got it to click when the juice was applied. I then bent back the little tabs that hold the horn together and found that a rivet that fastens the contact arm to the case had popped its top. I replaced the rivet with an 0-80 screw, put the thing back together and after fooling with the adjustment screw, It beeped but not reliably. I then did the same number on the button and found rust to be the problem. All the rusty bits are now soaking in a bath of Oxalic acid and tomorrow they will be squeaky clean. I'm confident that the horn will beep as new after I put it all back together. That was easy, now all I have to do is strip the whole thing, Paint and stripe it, spend a bundle on new parts, get some plating done, assemble the whole thing and I'm done. Piece a' cake.

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Fred-- Dean A.A. Potter would be proud of you. Go Boilers!

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I have a 1951 original Monark S. Deluxe, boys.One of the features that I love about the post war Monarks, are the deep ,deep fenders. Tis particular bike I have is a solid #8 original, rust free, dent free,absolutly gorgeous bike. The thing about it is it has the deep fender on front with rocket and gold & cream pinstriping, BUT the rear fender is not the deep type but is like ones used on the 48'-49' super deluxes. It is a Monark fender and the color is exact to rest of bike but with silver and cream striping. I have been told by collectors that this sort of thing did happen from time to time. Anyone out their have a similar thng happen to an original bike??? Anyone with a Monark with this "problem"? Any thoughts on this wold be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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I will call and arrange this with you.Thanx-

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I have what I belive to be a Schwinn Motobike? It's a skip chain heartgeared beauty sporting a locking fork, huge spring seat, and an even bigger bar with a cross bar.It has 26x2.125 tires, rear facing dropouts with set screws to adjust the chain. I'm having trouble finding a number on it as it's been repainted. Someone said to me that the rear hub may be a kick back but the bikes not ridable for the moment. Thanks for your time and please give me any info you can. Oh also this may help to. The frame has a curved top tube, a straight middle and down tube. I just thought it was odd. Thanks again!

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It might be a Motorbike, but more details are needed, because the same frame was used for other models. The Motorbike had a tank, luggage carrier, headlight and other deluxe features. I have a 1934 Schwinn Henderson, with the same frame, handlebars, locking fork, truss bars, sweetheart sprocket, saddle, etc., but no tank or headlight. It's sort of like the difference between a Phantom and a Wasp; one is all bells and whistles, the other is pretty much Plain Jane. Regardless, I love to ride my Henderson.

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Thanks, I think your right Because this bike has no tank or headlight. I started to clean it up today and found the serial #. It reads P18327. I hope that helps. I also found the word Morrow in script on the coaster brake. Thanks again you have been a great help.

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Please see the schwinn at the website listed here in this message. i know it is a 1952. Notice the twinbar that is straight. The bar is un cantillievered. I found the serial number on the rear drop out and it is a 1952. http://geocities.yahoo.com/SouthBeach/Cape/6622/schwinn.html

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i have found an old ballooner that i cant figure out what it is. all that i can find on it is the word "moss" stamped under the crank. it has the big handle bars with the cross bar on it, diamond frame,and a huge springer seat. if anyone has ever heard of this bike or has seen one please give me all the info you can. i would guess this is from the 40's or maybe even pre-war. please post your info as i do not have an e-mail address. thank you.

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Looks like a Speedster to me. Also looks like it's waering reporduction Wald fenders and a repro springer, too..

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I need help with what I think is a girls Schwinn Spitfire. The chaingaurd is missing some of the decale, all that is there is Spit..... The s/n is L89483. I date this to 1956, could this be right?? The bike has 24X1 3/4 painted S7 rims. A hard flat white seat. The bike is in good shape I'd say about a 6 or a 7 out of 10. It is unrestored. The handle bars are Walds with thick black grips with the Schwinn sript on them. I would like any info and a possable value on the bike. I'm looking at buying it from a coworker and want to be fair to him. Any info would be great. Thanks. Bruce O

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My daughter recently came across and old "cruiser" type bike with a tank that mounts between the upper bars. I can find no identification material on the frame at all. I am looking for repro parts for the old tanks; like horns, horn button, lt switch, decals, etc. If any one has a source for repro parts I would appreciate the e-mail. Thanks

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Mike: Look at Memory Lane's site at: http://memorylane-classics.com/

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can anyone help me, I looking for crank arms for my scwinn tandem cruzer Im told its a 1952 frame. If you have or know where I can find these that would be great. thank you

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I have been plundering this one old shop,buying up all kinds of goodies. I am about to wrap it all up and move on to fresh territory. Before I do,There is these blasted cogs and front chainrings! He has a good amount of skip tooth stuff lying around stuff that has been there for 60 years and longer. This one that I got today has two front chainrings, one very large and a smaller one it is not homemade.He said it was to an old tandam.I see New Departure rear cogs everywhere and they are all gathered up and I am about to begin haggling with him over it. MY QUESTION IS, DOES THIS STUFF HAVE ANY VALUE? WHAT DO PEOPLE PAY FOR SKIP TOOTH STUFF? Schwinn, new departure etc? PLEASE ADVISE ME. THANKS

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The same old shop that I have been unearthing goodies in has this green ladies Schwinn bike 26X 2.125 painted white rim (With no decernable knurling) post war non-skip tooth chainring with a New Departure coaster (possible model D hub) Blacked out handlebars wide ones, green fenders with white, origonal paint, front fender is crincled a bit.I love English bikes not old Ballooners.I need advice.This thing is driving me nuts!! It is a nice bike, albeit a ladies model. I can get it for 50.00 What is this worth? Talk to me.

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Hello again! I've gotten a pretty good response to my original post. I'm still compiling stories, etc for this old bike 'zine I'm working on, and planning on getting it all put together in the near future. I'd love to have more stuff from even more people interested in old bikes, so I can fill out the first issue, and even possibly do a second! (or more) So again, here's my original post. Again, if you submit stuff that I use, I'll gladly send you a copy free of charge. It's a low-budget publication, laser printed and photocopied, but I hope to have a good time doing it, and if I get enough interesting stuff, hopefully people will have a good time reading it.. Thanks again, Craig Kelchen ------------------------------------ ORIGINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES..... Hi, My name is Craig Kelchen, and I am a graphic Design student at the University of Northern Iowa. For one of my classes, I have been assigned to design a 'zine. 'Zines being defined as low-budget, special interest, limited quantity magazines. I am interested in doing a zine about old bikes, which I am very interested in. I have 2 Schwinn middleweights and an AMF middleweight from the mid '60's. I am asking for your help in this endeavor. I would like to request any stories, essays, anecdotes, etc. that you folks would be willing to submit about old bikes. Any old bikes - musclebikes, ballooners, middleweights, etc. Any good material will be included in the final print. Tell us what you ride, and why. Stories about your first bikes. What you love (or hate) about old bikes. Anything that would be interesting. I will also consider putting in a few photos of bikes, provided you can e-mail me a high-resolution photo of your bike. The format for this project will probably be about 20 5.5 x 8.5 pages, so I don't have a whole lot of space for exceedingly long stories. The ideal length would be between 1-4 paragraphs for stories. I would also love to have a few 1 or 2-liners for some filler or margin material, so send any good quotes or observations. If I get enough good material, and if I enjoy doing the first, I may do a second issue, and possibly keep going beyond that. It just depends on how much good stuff I can come up with and I can get from other collectors. I would appreciate any help you can provide. Please send only stuff that you have written personally, instead of other people's stuff you have copied from forums such as this. This way I can credit the material to you, which by the way, I plan to do. So if you do send material, please include your name and city. If I use your material, I will send a copy of the 'zine to you, so also include your mailing address. If you are interested in contributing material to this 'zine, which as of now I have settled on the name "headbadge" (if you have any better ideas, please let me know), please e-mail me at: headbadge@yahoo.com

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I bought a repop train light unit for one of my S. Deluxes from MLC, and it looks similar to original but much cheaper construction. It bolts alright to the fender and the train light cover seems to fit onto it pretty good, howevr, when I want to put some btteries in so the light will work, I can't get the cover on, it just will not fit.Anyone else have this same problem. Also the unit itself has already come apart due to cheap construction. If yo need a train light unit for your Monark, I suggest waiting to find an original in good condition and paying a little more. The originals were much heavier and better constructed, and you can actually put batteries in them. If anyone has had this same problem, I would love to hear from you. Bill

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Does anyone know how to get in touch with CCM?

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Of course that old ballooner stuff is worth a lot. Can you post your email or phone number.

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I just aquired a firestone cruiser.It is in good shape. I would like info and value of the bike and if anybody would like to buy it. It looks cool

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I have a girls/womens bike it is a 18 inch frame (top of seat post to middle of crank) . It has a Marrow coster brake, a Persons (made in Worcest Mass) 3 spring seat. The rear wheel hub was made by the Eclipse Machine company, Elmira, New York and has the markings G< 36 13 on the hub. The tires are 26 x 2.125 "The Special IRC Balloon Tire" The serial number is "23825F" (on the first line) and second line is "H8". I bought this at a yard sale. No head tag. It was orginally painted blue. I would like to know the manufacture, make and year(s) if possible

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I have a Schwinn 5 sp with bmx styled fork.It is a chicago frame, but did they make the fork or is it made out of country?

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Thanks for your reply! I have gathered and bought it all. including a green and white Schwinn ladies bike and I was GIVEN a black mens Schwinn bike with 26 X 2.125 rims and Lightning-Dart tires! I have no phone or E-mail but have no fear, I am going to get E-mail soon. I have snapped up so much stuff that isn't up my alley simply because it's there, and It's my guess that its worth my money. Usually I am right. What is a good used pair of rims going for these days? Can you still get new rims from Schwinn? I hear they were sold a year ago and are doing very well. I wish I could shrink someone down and go in these old places and have him wisper in my ear and advise me. I go out looking and I have to tell you, because of the popularity of Schwinn and old baloon tire in general I do not see these old bikes langushing in old shops. With only TWO major exceptions I seldom see this stuff. It's already gone a credit to the collectors who went before me. So often I saty with dismay"AAUGH, IT BEEN PICKED" This last place, was like going back to 1952! As if I unsealed a time capsule. I will have to go back to bike school and take ballooners 101! I will post a E-mail address and be shedding some of this stuff soon.

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I was in a shop today looking for parts for my 49 Dayton and saw a NOS, in the box, with instructions, Delta Rocket Ray light exactly like the rusted out one on my bike. The owner wasn't there and the mechanic wouldn't set a price. What would be a fair price to pay? Memory Lane's catalog shows one but it is not available yet and isn't priced.

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If you could get it for $75, you'd be gettin' a good deal and the seller might be happy, too. How many people walk into his shop wanting a light like that?

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Thanks for the information Jimmy. I talked to the folks at Memory Lane yesterday-they list the light as not available yet and no idea on price-and Larry said it could be over a hundred. He also commented that he hadn't seen one in a long time. My dealer has a lot of stuff in his showcase that he won't sell. I just hope the light is not one of them, Otherwise, I will have to resurrect the original which looks like chinese lace on the bottom half.

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I BOUGHT THIS BIKE FROM A GUY AND HE SAID IT WAS A 1958 PANTHER. THE NAME DECALS ARE NO LONGER VISIBLE. IT HAS ALL CHROME FENDERS AND ALL CHROME CHAINGUARD,2SPD. BENDIX,NO TANK,PICTURES I'VE SEEN DON'T MATCH UP.BUT NONE HAVE BEEN OF A 1958.DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT WHATIT IS FOR SURE ?THANKS, CARL

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I suggest you go to the website for starters.

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hello fellow bike nuts! i need some info on my hawthorne. it's a girls hawthorne, all chrome except for green tank and green at very bottom of chrome forks, and also the rear carrier is green. the headlight is chrome and mounts to the tank. the tank also has the built in horn and is intact. i dont know what the tire size is because i am missing the rims. it also has truss rods up front. on a scale of 1-10, i'd give it a 7 except for the missing rims. the serial number is H374000. i would really like a date for this beauty and if anyone has a value estimate, i would appreciate that also. thanx in advance!please post your reply because my e-mail is screwed up.

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Check it out

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I want to give a big thank you to the person that answered my request for balloon bike parts vendors. I just received a big order of parts from Memory Lane and am delighted with the quality and service. I just can't put the parts away for admiring them and I am anxious to get on with the chassis restoration so I can hang them on it.

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I picked up a bike looks to be from the 30's Headbadge says Scout. I was told it could be a Colson. Does anyone have any info, on this bike. It is a mens 26" great original condition.

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I am looking for a photograph of a 1953 Roadmaster Jet Pilot bike. I got this bike when I was 8 and would like to put it back in orginal condition as possible. Tips on part would be helpful

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I found an Firstone cruiser. Can anyone tell me about it? I looked around and I have not been able to find anything.

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Recently acquired a "complete" WF X53, including 2spd bendix rear and proper functioning WF speedo, which will keep me busy this winter. "Cool, stylin' rider as is." Does any body have available, decent pictures for proper frame and fork paint/graphics or reference to known X53 experts for guidance? Not all necessary decals seem to be available from the regular sources. Any help, guidence and referrals will be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Glenn Phillips Portland, Oregon