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This is an archive of Vintage Bicycle Information.
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which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, brake types, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your old bicycle.

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which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your vintage bicycle.

Archived: Hi-Wheeler, Boneshaker and Safety







AGE / VALUE:   my new hi wheeler posted by: calorchard on 12/19/2000 at 7:02:38 PM
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=251525&a=8072967&p=35809034 go to this link & see if you can tell me the make & yr of this 52 inch penny farthing , thanks !!


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   my new hi wheeler posted by Teun on 1/25/2001 at 1:40:48 AM
Hi calorchard,

It is a Columbia Expert of somewhere between 1884 and 1888. Good, solid bike. If you will be restoring it look carefully for any cracks round neck+head, as these are the weak point par excellance of this bicycle.
Look for any numbers etc. by sanding away rust carefully around the neck.






AGE / VALUE:   Handlebar stem posted by: Greg on 12/10/2000 at 3:18:47 PM
Any suggestions on how to secure the handlebar stem on a
High-Wheel besides simply tightening the bolt? I have done
that, but I'm afraid it's going to work loose due to the lateral
stress you put on it climbing hills and mounting. Would be nice
if they were designed with slots or something that would hold
it secure. Thanks, Gp







MISC:   Museum of Natural History posted by: Culture on 12/6/2000 at 9:47:03 AM
Check out the info on this exhibit:

http://www.thebicycletakesoff.org







AGE / VALUE:   Well, I couldn't leave it there!! posted by: ChristopherRobin@starmail.com on 12/5/2000 at 9:36:10 AM
This is totally useless to me but I had to have it. Don't ask me why. I think it was the cool U.S.Rubber logo that got me and besides the guy threw it in for me.
For sale: $10.00 plus shipping One United States Rubber Company Giant Chain Tread 24 inch singletube tire in excellent shape. only one. It's old.


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Well, I couldn't leave it there!! posted by ChristopherRobin on 12/9/2000 at 9:25:38 AM
This nice lady wants it. Yea! Sold






FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by: Tom on 12/3/2000 at 6:51:33 AM
Older "Boneshaker" with wishbone style rear fork, nice shape. Priced to sell fast! Email me for photos.


   RE:FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by Ray on 12/6/2000 at 1:44:30 PM
I may be interested if it is a true boneshaker.There is a lot of re-pop stuff going around with that name. A true boneshaker is a type of bike not the name of it. If you have a metal bike with a hi wheel and a boneshaker name tag on the front then it is a re-pop.

   RE:FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by Ron Pauli on 12/20/2000 at 2:44:16 PM
I am looking for a high wheeler just for decoration in our craft room does anyone know where I can find one, doesn't have to be operational.

   RE:FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by nik t. on 1/31/2001 at 4:19:13 AM
i am interested, please send me the pictures for considerations and making the decisions.
thanks.

   RE:RE:FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by Leesa on 2/9/2001 at 8:44:07 PM
Hi...I might have one of those re-pop bikes you mentioned here.....found it in a junk yard...it says "Boneshaker, Cleveland Ohio + a serial no. It a big wheel...too big for me, Im only 5'2"....whats the scoop? Is it a 70s knock-off? It seems to have a heavy cast-iron body...fairly new seat, little rust, hard rubber tires...no brakes YIKES! Its fun to look at tho....

   RE:RE:RE:FOR SALE:   Boneshaker High wheel posted by Marty on 6/22/2001 at 11:33:49 PM
Sold: I purchased this 1988 RBR Boneshaker today, wheels were in excellent shape, frame need re-paint, so I dropped off the frame with Greg Barron at RBR, it's going out for a new power coat face lift. This will be boneshaker number 2, I supose if I collect any more, I will have to give them names...

Thanks, Leesa.

Marty






AGE / VALUE:   Copper Highwheeler posted by: david on 12/1/2000 at 11:43:54 AM
I was wondering if anyone new anything about highweeler being all copper from the late eighteen hundreds and if so what it is and the value.It may not be all original but the frame is all copper and there is no headbadge, it is a 48" I think. Thank you


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Copper Highwheeler posted by Ray on 12/6/2000 at 1:46:57 PM
It is unlikely that the bike you saw was all copper. Copper is too soft to be used in bicycle construction. A copper alloy or brass is harder but not common. It is most likely a copper plating or color. Take a magnet to the frame and see if it sticks. As for the name and value, a photo will help determine this. Your description is not enough information.

   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Copper Highwheeler posted by Brian on 12/8/2000 at 9:57:26 PM
Rideable Bicycle Replicas is currently making a copper plated high wheel replica.






AGE / VALUE:   Pierce Bicycle posted by: david on 12/1/2000 at 9:17:58 AM
I have the opportunity to purchase a Pierce bicycle from the early 1900's. I do know the history of the Pierce bicycles and was wondering if anyone could give my an estimate of what the value may be. It is black with excellent paint, may need rechroming. Not shaft driven but skiptoothed. Has leafspring front fork and softail rear end. Its beuatiful headbadge says "Tried and True" the Pierce slogan, definitely in museum condition and all original, even has the lamp. Thank you


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Pierce Bicycle posted by Ray on 12/6/2000 at 1:39:28 PM
I have a Pirce also but not the leaf spring front end, mine is a piston springer in the stem. Anyway I have seen the type you are talking about go at auction for around $800 - $1000. If it were a shaft drive that really boosts the price. Also the headtube badge determines value. Angola NY is of a lesser value. Buffalo NY is the more desireable. Hope this helps






AGE / VALUE:   McIntosh - Huntington posted by: matt on 11/26/2000 at 8:19:38 PM
I have a lady's bicycle that was given to me by the original owner's son. It was purchased around 1895 and has McIntosh Huntington, Cleveland Ohio and "Stella" on the headbadge The bike is totally complete except for tires, It has the original cork handlegrips, leather saddle, wood chainguard with cords, wooden rear fender with cords, fixed cog and no brake, the only accessory is a bell. The wooden rims are stamped "Plymouth Indiana 1893" The bike is currently on loan to a local museum and is in great shape, from the nickle plating on the handlebars to the black paint. I did put some old sew up tires from a modern 10 speed on it to keep it off the floor and I even rode it in a local parade about 23 years ago. But the route was hilly and I was afraid I was going to hit the 1930 Cadillac in front of me since I had no brakes. I was wondering if any one had heard of this manufacturer and what value it may have (for Insurance) I currently feel it has a value of $750


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   McIntosh - Huntington posted by Carl on 11/29/2000 at 5:02:00 AM
I'm not familiar with the name, but at the turn of the century there were hundreds of 'mom and pop' bicycle companies in the US.

As for value, $750 sounds like it is on the very low side, considering it's condition (good enough for a museum) and the fact that you know some of it's history.

I would insure it for 3 times that amount, and I'd try to get in touch with the original owner's son and try to get more info on it.






AGE / VALUE:   Bicycle swap meet December 3, 2000. Swansea, Massachusetts posted by: Joe on 11/14/2000 at 8:29:41 AM
Bicycle swap meet December 3, 2000. Swansea, Massachusetts, free to vendors and the public. Interested in attending please email me.

Thanks Joe.







WANTED:   Tas-Spitz bike Motor Info Or Parts posted by: Chris J on 11/4/2000 at 10:53:49 PM
i am looking for info or parts on/for a tas-spitz bicycle motor.it is a front mounted motor. NEED INFO !!!!!







WANTED:   HIGH WHEEL BIKE posted by: STEVE HAMILTON on 11/1/2000 at 7:40:12 PM
LOOKING FOR A HIGH WHEELER TO RIDE IN LOCAL PARADES. WHOULD BE INTERESTED IN ORIGINAL OR REPLICA.


   RE:WANTED:   HIGH WHEEL BIKE posted by Annette & Greg on 4/24/2001 at 5:15:05 PM
We manufacture and sell replica hiwheel bicycles. If you are still interested in purchasing one please contact us via email or call 510-769-0980.
Thank you


   RE:RE:WANTED:   HIGH WHEEL BIKE posted by Robert Kam on 5/4/2001 at 2:19:18 PM
I am also interested in a high wheel reproduction Bike.
I believe a 48" will be best for me, I am 5' 10"
And very regular bike rider.
Can you tell me price ranges you offer.
Thanks






MISC:   Glue for Singletubes? posted by: dave on 10/28/2000 at 8:03:06 PM
what is the best glue readily available for gluing a single tube tire to a wooden rim? what else do I need? (i.e. rimstrips?) I am starting to look for an early 1900's bike. I found the 28x1.5 tires at coker.com. are these good? They aren't cheap. Thanks for any advice......dave


   RE:MISC:   Glue for Singletubes? posted by Brian on 11/5/2000 at 8:52:39 PM
Originally tires were cemented onto rims with shellac. You can use the same type of glue used for 10 speed sew up tires. No rim strip needed. The Coker and other repros I have seen are hollow core rubber - you can't fill with air. The valve stem is a dummy. They are rideable but very heavy unlike the originals. You are right they are expensive. You might try wired on tires like on old style wheelchairs. That tiring is available in bulk - try a wheel chair dealer they may have a source and should be able to install for you.






WANTED:    posted by: Thomas M. Edfors on 10/27/2000 at 3:42:39 PM
Always seeking good original high wheel bicycles and hard tired safeties. Especially would
like a 52" Columbia. Am currently also actively seeking a good orignal boneshaker (velocipide)
with brake(For my wife.Really!).







FOR SALE:   Bicycle Auction, Friday October 27 in Maine posted by: MaineMan on 10/23/2000 at 3:09:09 PM
This is a real auction, not like that other auction frequently doubleposted on this site...

Aegis Bicycle Company's vintage bicycle collection Auction Catalog, Friday, October 27, 2000

Details at: http://thomastonauctions.com/featurecatalog.html







AGE / VALUE:   48" Ridable Replica posted by: Greg on 10/22/2000 at 5:51:35 AM
Just took my new R.R.Boneshaker for the first day ride, about
10 miles. My only complaint is my sore posterier, due to
the hard saddle. I think it is a good product, even though
many seem to critized it in this forum. What cualitative differences in others
would justify paying significantly more for either an original or
other brand? Thanks, Greg


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   48 posted by T-bike on 12/12/2000 at 4:16:59 AM
simply because the bike you have now is an insultm to high wheel bicycles, especially from a rider's point of view. I' ve been riding high wheel bikes for more than 17 years now, have won world titles and set records with them. the value of a decent quality build is immediately recogniseable, even with eyes closed. the ride is more responsive, the steering much more direct. the tubing is less prone to breaking and bending. important to you: on a decent penny one sits less 'in the saddle', but is more connected to the bike: legs, back position, hands anfd arms play a reate role in steering the bike and thus will get sore a lot less quickly - believe it from someone used to doing 60 miles four days per week...

   RE:RE:AGE / VALUE:   48 posted by Greg Barron on 2/23/2001 at 5:20:42 PM
I may be biased because I build them, but the message left by T-bike is way out of line. Usually I don't respond to jabs like this from an elitist snob with no concept of what it takes to do what we do but this man singled me out and named my company so here I am.
According to T-bike, reproductions like the Rideable Replicas Hiwheels are an insult to hiwheel bicycles. That is his opinion and he is welcome to it but after 27 years of riding these kinds of bikes I have to say that not only are they not an insult to hiwheel bikes, they are a true service to an antique, outmoded and obsolete style of cycle. T-bikes opinion is an elitist, snobish view. Maybe he can afford a $3500 (cheap)dollar bike that he can't get parts for, might break from stress and age, is pretty much scarce as hens teeth and is tough to ship if you can find a decent example, but most people cannot or will not because they have more important uses for their money. For those people that want something like this then that is where we come in. We have been making Boneshakers now for 27 years, in that time we have promoted ALL hiwheel use. We supply a relatively inexpensive resonable facimile that is practically bulletproof and has a lifetime unconditional warranty on the frame and fork, if it breaks we replace it. He says my bikes break? Show me one! Of all the bikes we made, we have never, ever had a frame failure. Not Ever! Where do you get off T-bike? Show me a failure on one of my frames, I dare you! As far as the fork goes, I will cop to 5 failures, that ain't bad for nearly 5000 bikes made. All our parts are easy to get and easy to service. We, on average, make between 75 to 300 cycles a year. Who else on the planet can even come close to that? I have spoken with met or know about most of the repro people on the planet and we don't have a problem with each other so why must Mr. T-bike bum rap us like that? It seems to me that the service we provide to those people that are learning to ride, can't afford or can't find an original or don't want to risk breaking their original bike is a very valuable commodity.
I know a few Wheelmen that think the same way as I do and my opinion is that we have done more than anyone else to keep this style of cycle alive and viable than any other commercial entity in the world.
I don't appreciate the comments I read about my company and product. We have never tried to represent our bikes as originals or better, my bikes are reasonable facimiles done as inexpensively as possible to make them affordable, they are not cheap in any sense of the word and if there is anyone else out there that has a bone to pick, well, they can try to do a better job themselves. My bikes are a GOOD value for the money, let's see Mr. T-bike do a better job.

Sincerely,
Greg Baron
Rideable Bicycle Replicas
2329 Eagle Ave
Alameda, CA. 94501
510-769-0980