The Renaissance Man
__CERTIFIED DIVER__ (Open Water & Open Dumpster)
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I have a newly acquired Columbia that I'm trying to determine if it is a specialized model or not.
I got the bike from the original owner (Don) with an interesting story. He remembers buying it in 1978 or maybe 79. The sticker emblem is correct for that year. Here's where the story starts getting interesting... Don saw the bike at a local lock smith & lawn mower shop while having some keys made. He was drawn to the over sized spokes and overall heavy duty appearance of the bike. After inquiring about it, the shop owner informed Don that he ordered this type of bike specifically to sell to the large Steel Plant that operated close by. It was to be used for workers to move about the plant that sprawled over many acres of property and many different buildings. It impressed him enough to fork out the $70 (or so) and take it home. It has been in his possession ever sense!
Don told a few other side stories about his neighbor without a car who would borrow it at will to go off and get drunk, but thats for another time!
Here's what I know: It is mostly original except for the handle bar and grips and the brushed on paint (compliments of Don himself). The saddle may or may not be original. He couldn't remember for sure. It's a 26" and has a two speed automatic rear hub. The name on the coaster brake is TORPEDO SCHWEINFURT.
I've never seen a frame constructed like this, but I know that there are endless frame designs and I'm not that versed in how Columbia built theirs.
So... there lies my question, is this just another '78 Columbia bike, or is it something more uncommon?
Give me your thoughts and insights!
I got the bike from the original owner (Don) with an interesting story. He remembers buying it in 1978 or maybe 79. The sticker emblem is correct for that year. Here's where the story starts getting interesting... Don saw the bike at a local lock smith & lawn mower shop while having some keys made. He was drawn to the over sized spokes and overall heavy duty appearance of the bike. After inquiring about it, the shop owner informed Don that he ordered this type of bike specifically to sell to the large Steel Plant that operated close by. It was to be used for workers to move about the plant that sprawled over many acres of property and many different buildings. It impressed him enough to fork out the $70 (or so) and take it home. It has been in his possession ever sense!
Don told a few other side stories about his neighbor without a car who would borrow it at will to go off and get drunk, but thats for another time!
Here's what I know: It is mostly original except for the handle bar and grips and the brushed on paint (compliments of Don himself). The saddle may or may not be original. He couldn't remember for sure. It's a 26" and has a two speed automatic rear hub. The name on the coaster brake is TORPEDO SCHWEINFURT.
I've never seen a frame constructed like this, but I know that there are endless frame designs and I'm not that versed in how Columbia built theirs.
So... there lies my question, is this just another '78 Columbia bike, or is it something more uncommon?
Give me your thoughts and insights!
