Merkel tribute

Russell

Russell

Well-Known Member
Not as fancy as some replicas but still a fun build.
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Nice! I'm with Curt, please tell us about the engine!
I know you've done some interesting antique tweaks in the past...
 
I love that its a "convertable" like my POPE. Looks fantastic! Need a build thread on this one because very little of what I see here looks off the shelf.
 
The engine is a 1930 model D, Gravely single wheel tractor engine (2.5 HP). It requires a separate oil tank. Cast iron cyl & head (heavy). Bosch magneto.
Velodrome said:
I love that its a "convertable" like my POPE. Looks fantastic! Need a build thread on this one because very little of what I see here looks off the shelf.
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Not much I can do for a build thread as I do not take many photos and no vids. however here are a few photos I have. This was a 26" frame but cut it down to 24" due to my short stature.
 

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Gravely certainly not a light weight engine, but totally nails the vintage look. It's also been one of the most dependable utility motors ever made. Great choice for your Merkel!!

Rick C.
 
Somewhere I read that when Gravely made his first walk behind tractors he used a Harley Davidson engine. It was later he designed an manufactured his own engines. Probably based it on the HD engines. He was one of the few garden implement manufactures that also made their own engines.
 
I love that gravely engine!

I remember some talk on this forum a couple of years ago about making a gravely work on a bike, but I thought nobody ever pulled it off.

Congratulations!!

I love the vintage look and vertical cylinder.

I looked for a 4 hp model locally, but I guess gravely did not sell a lot in California?

Anyway, super awesome build, and now I know it can be done, so the hope is still alive.
 
I've a friend who prizes the old Gravely and has rebuilt garden tools of all types powered by them in his collection, but none are ever for sale...sadly.

Yours is the first Gravely I've seen on a bicycle frame, though one was mounted on a Simplex frame and that looked and sounded awesome. It also sold a couple of years back reportedly fetching more than $10,000. Though they are rated at low horsepower, the horses are Clydesdales not Shetlands...huge torque & pull a load at idle!

Video may still be up on youtube.

Rick C.
 
That's a really beautiful bike!!! MUCH RESPECT!! (^)

That engine looks perfect in your frame!

There's only one thing I would do different... I would paint 'Russell' on the tank (instead of Merkel)...
to give yourself some much deserved credit. ;)
 
indian22 said:
I've a friend who prizes the old Gravely and has rebuilt garden tools of all types powered by them in his collection, but none are ever for sale...sadly.

Yours is the first Gravely I've seen on a bicycle frame, though one was mounted on a Simplex frame and that looked and sounded awesome. It also sold a couple of years back reportedly fetching more than $10,000. Though they are rated at low horsepower, the horses are Clydesdales not Shetlands...huge torque & pull a load at idle!

Video may still be up on youtube.

Rick C.
Click to expand...
I have noticed that because of the low RPM, to get 2-1/2 HP you need good torque. And you notice the great torque on hills.
 
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