Widowmaker. 1930 Colson Flyer motorbike…..Klunkers.

[Palepainter]

Eh, what the hell. Acquired a few frames since starting the shelbinator. Both were motorbike era frames in really rough shape. I got this frame on Saturday. Seller didn’t really give me much on identity of this frame. It was badged as a Lawlor‘s Sporting Goods bike Having done some research, I discovered Schwinn was one of their biggest suppliers. When I got the bike, the badge looked suspicious. Definitely wasn’t Schwinn built Upon further research, it appears it is a 1930 Colson Flyer. I tossed a bunch of stuff at it to get a feeel of what I would want on this. I’m not going to hold back on the parts for sure. It will be similar in style to my Schwinn Build Delixe Flyer.

The frame arrived and I gave it a good inspection and only found one freeze fractures, Surprisingly, the seat post that was in it didn't not have issues coming out of frame. I cleaned up the badge for entertainment.

I started with a chrome BMX style fork that needed to be cut down. Installed it after cleaning up threads. Found a headset and crank races that fit nicely. Going to with a set of Black Widow cranks on it. A set of Primo Tenderizers will keep my feet happy. A nice lightly sprung seat will keep my buttocks happy. 70s BMX double clamp for now Along with a set of alloy motorcycle bars. I like the geometry on it so far. not certain on wheel set yet. I have many to choose from. Multi speed coaster hub likely. V brake adapter up front. All nice and pretty with paint when done. Working on mock-up as I write this.

 

[Tallbikeman]

Love the look of the Motorbike frames. Good work so far.

 

[Palepainter]

Rough conceptual sketch.

 

[Palepainter]

Love the look of the Motorbike frames. Good work so far.

Me too. They have a modern look with out all the curved bars.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

I was eyeballing that frame & had a similar picture in my head of the build up! Nice!

 

[Slow-Rider]

looking nice so fare.

 

[Palepainter]

Hustling along on this build so I can get everything from this and the Shelbinator to the blaster and then start to paint. Bikes will be using the same colors for the most part. Save some paint and time.

My buddy Tarek chilled with me as I re laced this drum brake nexus hub into a nice black araya wheel. I also worked on front brake set up for an efficient v brake.
Hope to have everything to blaster on Friday.

Tweaked rendering a bit more.

 

[Palepainter]

I got it all assembled with another set of coaster brake wheels. Threw it together for a ride and was a great roll around the block. It’s kind of growing on me with out all the custom paint.

 

[Tallbikeman]

Hustling along on this build so I can get everything from this and the Shelbinator to the blaster and then start to paint. Bikes will be using the same colors for the most part. Save some paint and time.

My buddy Tarek chilled with me as I re laced this drum brake nexus hub into a nice black araya wheel. I also worked on front brake set up for an efficient v brake.
Hope to have everything to blaster on Friday.

Tweaked rendering a bit more.
View attachment 218632View attachment 218633

Tarek is in the middle of a mind meld on the humans he controls. Love your conceptualization for this frame. That will be a sharp looking bicycle. Amazing that bicycle standards were the same then as now on many things. Nowadays there are so many orphaned and little used bicycle standards that many of today's latest and greatest bicycles may not be serviceable in the future.

 

[ingola]

I got it all assembled with another set of coaster brake wheels. Threw it together for a ride and was a great roll around the block. It’s kind of growing on me with out all the custom paint. View attachment 219046View attachment 219047View attachment 219048

Don't get me wrong you paint it it will rock but I love the old mixed with the new. I have a CCM motobike I've been thinking of making an off road and this has made up my mind.

 

[Palepainter]

I have always admired the Powerlite cruiser frames. Doubt I will ever find one at a price point I can afford. This old Colson frame was quite close and works. I’m going to build a tank panel for it and give it some color to tie the red elements in,

 

[Palepainter]

Tarek is in the middle of a mind meld on the humans he controls. Love your conceptualization for this frame. That will be a sharp looking bicycle. Amazing that bicycle standards were the same then as now on many things. Nowadays there are so many orphaned and little used bicycle standards that many of today's latest and greatest bicycles may not be serviceable in the future.

You must know cats. . He is a bed hog as well. I wake up with his foot in my mouth often as he likes to have some kind of contact with me or my wife. Can’t get him to stay on my shoulder when riding. He’s about 22 lbs of Norwegian Forrest Cat.

 

[Captain Awesome]

I have always admired the Powerlite cruiser frames. Doubt I will ever find one at a price point I can afford. This old Colson frame was quite close and works. I’m going to build a tank panel for it and give it some color to tie the red elements in, View attachment 219069View attachment 219070

If I was going to set up a jig and replicate a cruiser frame that would definitely be at the top of my list. We think alike my friend

 

[JA331]

Nice work on that Colson. Looks like a fun but tough ride.

 

[Palepainter]

A little bit more of cosmetic updates. Waiting for Brooks.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Cool Klunker!

 

[rgrrbt]

Love the red wheels/white walls look. Great klunker!

 

[Palepainter]

installed the Brooks saddle. Going to sit on it like this for a while, It rides great. Dig the geometry. Changed the gear ratio around to taller gearing. Quite happy with it. The patina growing on me as well.

 

[OddJob]

Really diggin' the patina frame with the red / black parts , chrome fork, and ww tires! Strong off-road / hot rod combo.

 

[metalchewy]

Looks great. I bet it rides like a Big sized BMX. Love it.