This is a 1938 or so Hiawatha built for Gambles Dept store by Shelby. Most of what is pictured here is original to the bike. I am kind of scrolling through all the old frames trying to zero in on the best fitting frame for my daily 5 to 10 mile rides. This one differs from my others in that I did not build up the wheels from scratch. I had these wheels that I never broke down because I liked the look of the rims as is and the spokes were pretty tight - almost usable. I decided to give them a whirl on this project.
The Shelby built wishbone frame with the curved down tube is usually found badged as a Hiawatha.
Original crank, chainwheel, and guard, later Schwinn pedals, and my trademark built-for-speed 26/9 gearing...
Original lobdell saddle... long on springing... short on padding
I like a down stem on my bombers, this one is prewar Elgin I believe...
BIG original handlebars...
The wheels came from a prewar Elgin, the brake arm tells the tale. Most of the spokes were stuck, so I strategically broke and replaced the ones necessary to turn in order to true the wheels. :wink: The tires are old Kendas with the BFG tread style.
The Shelby built wishbone frame with the curved down tube is usually found badged as a Hiawatha.
Original crank, chainwheel, and guard, later Schwinn pedals, and my trademark built-for-speed 26/9 gearing...
Original lobdell saddle... long on springing... short on padding
I like a down stem on my bombers, this one is prewar Elgin I believe...
BIG original handlebars...
The wheels came from a prewar Elgin, the brake arm tells the tale. Most of the spokes were stuck, so I strategically broke and replaced the ones necessary to turn in order to true the wheels. :wink: The tires are old Kendas with the BFG tread style.
