WTB: old,old,old bikes

weekend-fun · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 05:36 PM

hey all!
i want to "purchase' a old, old bike. The older the better. If you live near STL that would be great, but if you can ship it that's okay with me!
Email:
Sf.fraley@gmail.com
or pm me
or reply here!

silverbear · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 10:31 PM

There are lots of old bikes out there, but what do you intend to do with it? Generally older bikes were well made, but not all are suitable for an in frame motor if that's what you're thinking. Get an idea of what appeals to you. I'd suggest spending some time on eBay to look at pictures and be able to ask sellers questions. On ebay look up offerings for pre war (meaning WWII) bicycles, balloon tire bicycles, Monarch, Elgin, JC Higgens are just a few. Old Roads is a vintage bicycle site on the net where you can look at pictures and ask questions. Go to the library and see what you can find. In other words, become informed. A good way to buy an old bike is to buy just a frame of one which appeals to you. Then buy new wheels, new handlebars, seat, whatever... it will still be an old time bike because of the frame. It is like someone with an old 32 Ford they want to make into a hot rod. They change the engine, the rear end, front suspension, transmission, reupholster, chop and channel or whatever... it is still a 32 Ford. Same with your old bike. I hope you end up with exactly the bike that rings all your bells. Good luck and let us know what you find. It is like treasure hunting, only better since you get to build it and then ride it and by then it is all yours.
Silverbear

silverbear · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 12:41 AM

I'm still thinking about this thread... I'd like to refer you to some photos of 1930's Elgins I posted a few days ago under "The Tavern". It is called 1938 Elgin Bluebird. Once you get older than the 30's they get very pricey. As long as you are willing to start with a frame and add to it from what is available today... there were some absolutely stunning, well made bikes made in the 30's. 1940's are pretty much a wash because of WWII. The 1950's also had some great bikes and there are more of them still around. By the 1960's the heavy older bikes that make such great cruisers were no more. Middleweights which were lighter and had narrower rims and wheels were what was available and among them are a number of appealing bikes. My own preference is for fat tires and heavy, well made frames... I think they lend themselves best to adding a motor. There are certainly some light weight bikes here on the forum which look great and appear to work well for their owners. That's why you need to do some research to see what suits your purposes and tastes best and is within your budget. Check out my favorites, the old Elgins which were sold by Sears by mail order, so there were a bunch of them out there and they were among the best designed in my opinion... also had frames made by Cleveland Welding. But there were lots of other really cool bikes. You'll find one! Right now I'm working on a Worksman paperboy cruiser, a 1940 Schwinn DX cruiser, a 1960's American step through and this winter hope to dig in to two 1930's Elgin step through cruisers. I just finished a newish made in China Huffy for sale and another just like it awaits a new motor. They don't count if what you like is the old stuff.
Silverbear

weekend-fun · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 08:47 AM

thnks for the advice ill have the nanny take me to the library today

weekend-fun · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:11 AM

Electra Rat Fink Cruiser bicycle - eBay (item 110440530227 end time Oct-07-09 07:52:39 PDT)
this isnt vintige but.,......
iwas thinking of making a Board trac............
hummmm..........

silverbear · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weekend-fun

thnks for the advice ill have the nanny take me to the library today

I'm not too sure what that means, but it sounds like I may have offended you. If so, sorry about that. I was trying to be helpful.
Silverbear

weekend-fun · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbear

I'm not too sure what that means, but it sounds like I may have offended you. If so, sorry about that. I was trying to be helpful.
Silverbear

no no no you didn't at all. See, I am 11, and my nanny (Sharon) usally takes care of me after schools.
But today i am with dad so he can take me.

weekend-fun · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 04:44 PM

like so? 1930s Antique Elgin Shapleigh Hardware store bike

weekend-fun · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 04:49 PM

this is EXATCTLY what i am wanting to mod:Vintage 1940-1950's Elgin Sears Roebuck Mans Bicycle - eBay (item 320428787525 end time Oct-03-09 20:18:19 PDT)

silverbear · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weekend-fun

no no no you didn't at all. See, I am 11, and my nanny (Sharon) usally takes care of me after schools.
But today i am with dad so he can take me.

Well, then that's good. That's the last thing I want is to offend. I was talking with a friend here in the forum today about a classic old bike he won on eBay. On the inside Fasteddy and I are really 12 years old (when it comes to bicycles), but on the outside we're both old guys. You may understand what I mean already as you seem to be a precocious and bright young man,but someday when your body gets old you will experience for yourself how you are the same person on the inside you always were. These motorbicycles help to remind us who we really are without the disguises. Fasteddy's bike is a really cool one. If you can find it at the library, look up Monark (not sure of the spelling) and the model is Silver King deluxe... what a bike! Have fun...
Silverbear