- Joined
- Sep 13, 2020
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I know…. I know…. nothing like the last minute for an entry. I don’t think my class two will be done for the time line with my present life’s schedule. i have built several bikes as of late, but I did t really feel like throwing them in the ring. That is until this past weekend, I found one worthy. More like it found me.
I was at the OBC swap selling some of my collection, the vendor next to me had a bike he insisted was a 1918 HD mens bike. There were some things that were admitted like after market sprocket. About a half hour before the show ended, he threw me a price I couldn’t refuse and a bit of trading, the bike was mine. i did t plan on picking one up, but I came home with another bike.
I started diving into the research and discovered that it wasn’t an HD motorbike. Contacted seller and we worked something out to both of our satisfaction. Lesson here is…just because someone says it is…doesn’t mean it is as such.
Bottom line is the bike turns out to be a 1919 Schwinn built Hawthorne Deluxe Flyer. Not really a disappointment, and worthy bastardizing for the RRBBBO Class 1.
i begsn to tear it down and get through what will be saved and what will be sold to recoup some of the investment. I threw a few different wheel sets on it and am thinking that I will run 700c wheels with old school hubs. modest tread for some gravel riding if needed. I plan on riding this as much as my other bikes. First thing is the fake HD chainring. It isn’t even machined to proper dimensions that a chain would actually work on it…..definitely would have been skipping teeth. So the chainring will eventually become a part of a guitar or bass.
I picked up several items at the swap meet. I decent Akisu fork. A haro fusion stem, takagi MX crank, some other miscellaneous BS that will possibly end up on the bike. I threw a set of Araya on the bike to roll it around on the ground. I think the 28s will keep the ancient vibe on the bike.
Here is the funny part of the entire story.I went through the sellers badge collection that was for sale, and grabbed the Deluxe Flyer badge. Only because it was in great shape and I loved the Americana feel it had. Well, after I worked things out with the seller, I started bicycle forensics. Removed the Hd badge that had been poorly anchored and secured with silicon. I started to sand and scrap to reveal the remnants of a white oval and found the location of the original mounting rivets.
I then began some more research and found this image at the Cabe. Had some help from Beric as well on this Hawthorne catalog for 1919 displays the bike exactly as it sits color graphics and I found another reference for the badge.
low and behold, the badge I had purchased was the correct badge for the bike. What are the odds.
so I messed around a bit more. And put tougher a roller with the 26 wheelset. I’m thinking the fenders need to be incorporated somewhat. Therefore, the 700cs will replace the steel clad wooden 28s.
I have an aftermarket Shelby tank that will get sectioned for fitment.
Now I have to get busy and get this done in a month. But I think I can accomplish that.
stay tuned….
Mike
I was at the OBC swap selling some of my collection, the vendor next to me had a bike he insisted was a 1918 HD mens bike. There were some things that were admitted like after market sprocket. About a half hour before the show ended, he threw me a price I couldn’t refuse and a bit of trading, the bike was mine. i did t plan on picking one up, but I came home with another bike.
I started diving into the research and discovered that it wasn’t an HD motorbike. Contacted seller and we worked something out to both of our satisfaction. Lesson here is…just because someone says it is…doesn’t mean it is as such.
Bottom line is the bike turns out to be a 1919 Schwinn built Hawthorne Deluxe Flyer. Not really a disappointment, and worthy bastardizing for the RRBBBO Class 1.
i begsn to tear it down and get through what will be saved and what will be sold to recoup some of the investment. I threw a few different wheel sets on it and am thinking that I will run 700c wheels with old school hubs. modest tread for some gravel riding if needed. I plan on riding this as much as my other bikes. First thing is the fake HD chainring. It isn’t even machined to proper dimensions that a chain would actually work on it…..definitely would have been skipping teeth. So the chainring will eventually become a part of a guitar or bass.
I picked up several items at the swap meet. I decent Akisu fork. A haro fusion stem, takagi MX crank, some other miscellaneous BS that will possibly end up on the bike. I threw a set of Araya on the bike to roll it around on the ground. I think the 28s will keep the ancient vibe on the bike.
Here is the funny part of the entire story.I went through the sellers badge collection that was for sale, and grabbed the Deluxe Flyer badge. Only because it was in great shape and I loved the Americana feel it had. Well, after I worked things out with the seller, I started bicycle forensics. Removed the Hd badge that had been poorly anchored and secured with silicon. I started to sand and scrap to reveal the remnants of a white oval and found the location of the original mounting rivets.
I then began some more research and found this image at the Cabe. Had some help from Beric as well on this Hawthorne catalog for 1919 displays the bike exactly as it sits color graphics and I found another reference for the badge.
low and behold, the badge I had purchased was the correct badge for the bike. What are the odds.
so I messed around a bit more. And put tougher a roller with the 26 wheelset. I’m thinking the fenders need to be incorporated somewhat. Therefore, the 700cs will replace the steel clad wooden 28s.
I have an aftermarket Shelby tank that will get sectioned for fitment.
Now I have to get busy and get this done in a month. But I think I can accomplish that.
stay tuned….
Mike
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