Columbia Army Bike

[jerrykr]

Last weekend a friend and I drove down to Midland, TX. to attend a "Live Drive" of one of Jim Halls Chaparral Can-Am race cars. Jim and Hap Sharp pioneered the use of winged downforce and car body aerodynamics among other racing innovations.

http://www.petroleummuseum.org/Gallery/ ... ibits.html

Anyway, we arrived in early afternoon, and had time to visit the Commemorative Air Force Museum (Formally the Confederate Air Force, which moved to Midland from Harlington a few years ago).

http://www.commemorativeairforce.org/

They have an extensive military museum as well as the vintage airplanes.

I spotted this Columbia Army Bicycle in one of the exhibits.

I'm not sure, but I don't think zip ties were invented by WWII.

.

 

[mrbill]

I do like the fender flashlight .
If I ever start my rat seems like a good way to go.

cheers

 

[yoothgeye]

Flat tire, poorly adjusted handlebars, I really wish the fork was on backwards.

 

[jerrykr]

wasn't exactly "combat ready" was it?

 

[Buck Masterson]

Don't you see the bullet hole in the tire???

 

[deorman]

The angle of the seat and bar is somewhat bizarre. :?

 

[B607]

Here's what the real ones look like. These are Westfields. Gary

 

[Anonymous]

Way Cool post

 

[yoothgeye]

Here's what the real ones look like. These are Westfields. Gary

Those bikes really make me doubt the autenticity of the Columbia! You must remember though that alot of museum pieces (not just bikes, but everything) are nothing but props.

 

[Spincycle]

Forgive me as I know nothing about military bikes or vehicles for that matter. It seems odd that the military would waste any time or money on tank plates. Wouldn't the reflectors be a bad thing in a war situation? I do find the double bent crank unusual. Also seems like thier just running a coaster hub. Wouldn't a multispeed be better like an internal 3 speed?

 

[deorman]

WW2 military bikes were (officially at least :wink: ) used on bases and airfields mostly for moving paperwork, MP's, and sentries around, not as field equipment. Very basic, no gears.