I wouldn't be surprised if the fork and the chain ring were modified all the way back in the '60s or '70s. I'd seen that mod in photos, but rarely have I seen it in person. Thanks! I'll do my best!
Bike from the Dead's Freshly-Exhumed Finds (Everything I've dug up since 6/15/21)
- Thread starter Bike from the Dead
- Start date
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Well, even though I didn't sell or trade for much at Buddy's Pedal Fest this past Saturday, I did score a few items I'd been wanting for a while. Ate up a sizable chunk of my expendable funds, but I think it was worth it.
First, a chain guard for my Murray Eliminator-type muscle bike. I think it says "Lancer" on it, but most of the graphics have worn off. No problem, as I can just put whatever I want on it now. Don't know if I'll use it just yet, but it's a nice part to have. I actually traded a different chain guard for this one.
Next, a repop 26" Monark springer fork. I plan to put this on the Murray muscle bike, but I might even put it on one of my other projects.
Next, a piece I had almost given up ever owning: a Dana 3-Speed Bicycle Transmission! I was stoked to pick up this bad boy at the swap meet! I'm not 100% sure it's complete, but it has the shifter, 2 cables with the ends still attached, and it spins freely. I don't know what bike I'm going to use it on just yet, but I got a Bendix 2-speed kickback coaster brake wheel and 2 3-speed coaster brake hubs I'd love to combine this with! 6 to 9 gears on a single speed chain! Just imagine the insanity of a 9-speed coaster brake bike!
Anyone know what that clip thing is for?
First, a chain guard for my Murray Eliminator-type muscle bike. I think it says "Lancer" on it, but most of the graphics have worn off. No problem, as I can just put whatever I want on it now. Don't know if I'll use it just yet, but it's a nice part to have. I actually traded a different chain guard for this one.
Next, a repop 26" Monark springer fork. I plan to put this on the Murray muscle bike, but I might even put it on one of my other projects.
Next, a piece I had almost given up ever owning: a Dana 3-Speed Bicycle Transmission! I was stoked to pick up this bad boy at the swap meet! I'm not 100% sure it's complete, but it has the shifter, 2 cables with the ends still attached, and it spins freely. I don't know what bike I'm going to use it on just yet, but I got a Bendix 2-speed kickback coaster brake wheel and 2 3-speed coaster brake hubs I'd love to combine this with! 6 to 9 gears on a single speed chain! Just imagine the insanity of a 9-speed coaster brake bike!
Anyone know what that clip thing is for?
But as sweet as a Dana 3-Speed Bicycle Transmission is, there's one other item I brought home from the swap meet that tops all of that, at least for me anyway. It's actually a bike that, like that Murray muscle bike I bought a while back, is on my "bicycle bucket list" of bikes/ bike frames I want to own, due to its unique frame design. I ended up trading the MX bike plus an additional $125 for this bike, but I feel like it was worth it.
Check it out! It's a Western Flyer Newsboy Special! I knew this style of frame as a Columbia Firebolt, but this isn't a middleweight; it's a heavyweight! I didn't even know they made a balloon tire version of this bike; I just thought they were all middleweights! I don't know what I'm going to do with it just yet, but one thing I know for sure is this bike isn't staying the way it is. I already have a build name for it, but I need to start a build thread for it. This is just a mere sample of all the pictures I shot of it after bringing it home. I took so many that I'm going to need to break it down into a few separate posts in order to share them all.
Check it out! It's a Western Flyer Newsboy Special! I knew this style of frame as a Columbia Firebolt, but this isn't a middleweight; it's a heavyweight! I didn't even know they made a balloon tire version of this bike; I just thought they were all middleweights! I don't know what I'm going to do with it just yet, but one thing I know for sure is this bike isn't staying the way it is. I already have a build name for it, but I need to start a build thread for it. This is just a mere sample of all the pictures I shot of it after bringing it home. I took so many that I'm going to need to break it down into a few separate posts in order to share them all.
MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
What a cool design. That kickstand mount is insan-o! So burley!
I know! My favorite thing about it is the nicely integrated rear rack that doubles as a pair of straight bars! They even have a slight rake to them!
This Newsboy version was one year only (maybe 2). It's the Heavy Service/Duti of Columbia.
Great score!
Great score!
You know, the guy that sold it to me said something similar. Did they make the Firebolt for a few more years than this one, or what that one a pretty limited run as well?This Newsboy version was one year only (maybe 2). It's the Heavy Service/Duti of Columbia.
Great score!
Definitely makes me glad I bought it if it really is a 1-year only bike.This Newsboy version was one year only (maybe 2). It's the Heavy Service/Duti of Columbia.
Great score!
The middleweight Firebolts in that style went from about '61-'66. I think the Newsboy Firebolts was '63.
If you want to area true masterpiece in that style, search for a '64-'65ish Fire Arrow.
If you want to area true masterpiece in that style, search for a '64-'65ish Fire Arrow.
You referring to this kind of Fire Arrow? I saw one of these on Marketplace a couple weeks ago.
Looked it up...two years on the Newsboys...
Yes! But with tank and spear points... masterpiece.
That Fire Arrow is definitely a unique bike. Maybe a little too unique for my tastes, though. Thanks for sharing!
I bet you're right! Thanks!
MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
I agree. I prefer the straight line all the way to the racks
I'm pretty sure it would have had a front fender, based on a few pictures of similar ones I've found online.
Thanks for the offer, but I actually traded my MX bike for the Newsboy Special I just got.
