Have some sleuth work to do. Moved the Newton Historical Society out of Storage and into their nicely re-vamped site on Waverly St. last week and got a second chance to photograph a really early, full on (as in I doubt there was an off the shelf part available at the dawn of cycling) hand built bike with some really familiar “innovations” that have only reappeared on high end bikes in the last 15 years. Wild to imagine what the state of cycling technology would be had the wave of innovation applied to the construction of the most efficient machine man has ever adapted not been stifled by the dual combustibles of world wars and engines that burned up the bright promise of true transportation freedom. The US patent office had its own department to process the wave of inventive solutions people had to take the nearly perfect form of transportation that much closer. Ball bearings, pneumatic tires, macadam roadways, assembly lines, and successful human flight there was nothing auto about the mobiles that inspired their creation.
Pics forthcoming, need a bite to eat than a bit more sun to process some much needed spring time vitamin D before I can stand another minute at the computer. The head badge is missing, but this bike is sporting straight pull spoked wheels, fat red cyclo cross treaded tubulars(destroyed, on wood rims) out board bearing cranksets, seamless gas welded frame and you wouldn’t believe how little this sweet fixie weighs, I’d estimate it at about 20lbs.
Wondering if anyone out there in the ether will be able to help me identify the make and origin of this bike? The ladies gently cracking the whip at us movers today were pretty excited when I professed knowledge of what was going on with it and are interested in finding out as much about it as it had just sat in the attic for decades. Not sure it is the best course but they also expressed interest in getting a working set of tires on it, the more I think about it I think it might be impossibe to find anything to fit the rims I measured at about 25 & 1/4″ (only a crude english measure tape at the job site). Thought I’d put it out there and ask if anyone knew a resource for period correct parts for this kind of bike? they want the bike displayed as they are pretty sure it’ll make a fascinating demonstration of this region’s history of technology and innovation, I say right on.
Lean back geometry is the only feature not since regurgitated.
- Outboard bearing bottom bracket with oil port in the shell.
- Sweet Minimalist dropouts with chain tensioner.
- “Messenger” brand leather saddle with woven relief cut out for the pudendal artery
- The machine shop that made these hubs to receive straight pull spokes may precede electric distribution, take that CNC.
100 years before viagra.
You’ll be able to see it for yourself here soon, at the Durant-Kenrick house and grounds. http://www.historicnewton.org/ Would love to help these guys make an engaging display for what amounts to so much more than just a bicycle. Even more interesting about the place than the bicycle is that it was the site of the orchard that first fostered most of the fruit grown in New England.
