OldRoads.com

This is an archive of Vintage Bicycle Information.
For current Discussions, go to our main site: OldRoads.com

If you are trying to determine the genealogy of your bicycle by it's features, go to our Vintage Bicycle Price Guide
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, brake types, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your old bicycle.

If you are trying to determine the make and model of your bicycle, go to our Vintage Bicycle Picture Database
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your vintage bicycle.

Archived: Hi-Wheeler, Boneshaker and Safety







WANTED:   The Wheelman HIGHWHEELER-where can I get one? posted by: Erik on 9/28/2003 at 5:07:46 PM
Does anyone know who sells the "The Wheelman" Highwheeler?
I believe they were or still are manufactured in Chatanooga, TN.

Best regards and thanks in advance.

Erik in Los Angeles, CA.


   RE:WANTED:   The Wheelman HIGHWHEELER-where can I get one? posted by marcello on 9/28/2003 at 10:28:53 PM
hi Eric u might check with coker tire 1-800bigbike.com I heard they are not making that bike anymore but I am not sure , u might check it out for urself, the price was about 400$ of course + S&H they are nice cute bikes. there are other site that u might want to check as well www.hiwheel.com they make boneshakers they are very durable and srong bikes as well. GOOD LUCK






AGE / VALUE:   Need new rubber tire on my Hi Wheeler posted by: Ron on 8/20/2003 at 5:05:05 PM
I live in New Hampshire I have been trying to find someone locally who can replace the solid rubber tire on my Hi Wheeler Its a newer copy of a 1883 Star. It got real loose and the wire broke . I would also like to purchase the tool for putting the tire on if anyone has one for sale.


   RE:AGE / VALUE: Need new rubber tire on my Hi Wheeler posted by Mike on 8/22/2003 at 3:48:15 AM
http://www.hiwheel.com/
Rideable Bicycle Replicas - www.hiwheel.com

   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Need new rubber tire on my Hi Wheeler posted by New tire on 9/5/2003 at 6:54:18 PM
I can sell you tire and wire but the problem is you being able to install it. It takes special tools and technique that if you don't have, make it difficult to do the deed. I can point you to someone a little closer to you that may be able to help out. His name is Carl Burgwardt in Orchard Park, New York. His contact addy is bicyclemus@aol.com, he can help you if anyone can in your part of the country.
No one that I am aware of makes the tool for tire installation anymore. I could be wrong though, it's just that I haven't heard of any available in a while. If you have some metal skill and some time I could tell you how to ake a tool and then all you would need to do is figure out the technique. A couple practice trys and you would probably get it. Luck.

Greg Barron
RBR Inc.






MISC:   Staighten Wooden Wheels posted by: Mike Patterson on 8/18/2003 at 10:21:01 PM
I have recently aquired a couple of wooden wheels for my 'teens bike and one of them has been missing a spoke for a long time and has an abrupt and deep ( in it. The other is de-laminating slightly. I will need to chang the hubs and re-spoke these wheels but I wanted to know if there is a simple or complicated way af straightening these wheels so they run true.
Also, is there any where one can purchase new or recent wooden wheels for track use? Thanks


   RE:MISC:   Staighten Wooden Wheels posted by Greg Barron on 9/5/2003 at 6:56:22 PM
You may be able to contact Jacques Graber through the Wheelmen, as I understand it, he has wood rims available in a couple sizes.

Greg

   RE:MISC:   Staighten Wooden Wheels posted by bill on 9/25/2003 at 3:04:14 AM
I use a large metal box with about an inch of water in the bottom to steam rims. I place the rim on firebrick in the box and put a simple lid on it. You want the rim above he water, not in it. place it on an OLD electric stove and let it steam for an hour and twent minutes and when it is soft and pliable I clamp it in between two sections of heavy plywood with blocks around it to keep it round, and then let it dry for 3 or so days. be sure that the stove is old because all of the newer stoves have electronics in the top of them and the heat reflected down will fry them in a heartbeat. voice of experience there!!! a propane grill might do it as well. you are looking for the heat and steam to do the softening of the wood. Heavy leather welding gloves help in moving the hot rim! After it dries you will probably have to reglue the joint and the refinish it too but it can be trued as a normal wheel. a lot of work but it can be done. I use titebond 2 glue with good luck since it is water resistant.






WANTED:   Penny Farthing plans wanted posted by: Michael on 8/14/2003 at 10:42:29 PM
Does anyone know where I can acquire the design specifications for a Penny Farthing style of bicycle? I would like to build one from scratch.


   RE:WANTED:   Penny Farthing plans wanted posted by teun on 8/19/2003 at 7:11:50 AM
Try the Velorama bicycle museum in Nijmegen. They have the most extensive libary of all.
But to be honest: building a bike from a plan is nearly impossible. Takes most builders years to come up with a ridable design.
Best to use your own highwheeler and experience at riding and then refining it's design to suit your needs.

If you decide to build anyhow and need pointers will be glad to help. You reply via email (link).

   RE:WANTED:   Penny Farthing plans wanted posted by Bill on 9/12/2003 at 5:42:03 AM
Plans are a little hard to find. There are a lot of images of highwheels on the web and these can be helpful. The main problems are getting spokes long enough and what to use for tires. I have recently built a highwheel from scratch--not a work of art, but quite servicable. My rambling project log can be found at:

http://patheon.yale.edu/'whr5/oridinary.html

That being said, unless you are quite handy, have access to metal working and welding equipment, and have a lot of free time, you might consider buying one. If you want a beautiful bike those are availible for $2-3000, if you want a big wheel and a little wheel that you can ride they're in the $800-1200 range. I love tinkering, so even if I'd failed at my project, it would have been a good excuse to play with tools. Be certian you know what you want before you start out. It's amazing what alittle imagination and a lot of elbow grease can produce!

Greg Barron at Ridable Bicycle Replicas (www.hiwheel.com) is a good resource for various level bikes, parts, and general hiwheel community awareness.

Dive in!

Bill

   RE:RE:WANTED:   Penny Farthing plans wanted posted by Bill on 9/22/2003 at 7:47:54 AM
Sorry, mistake in address. Correct one is as follows

http://pantheon.yale.edu/'whr5/ordinary.html

   RE:WANTED:   Penny Farthing plans wanted posted by Russell Calder on 11/28/2004 at 12:43:48 PM
I would like to build my own Penny Farthing here in Australia. Are there 'plans' or 'designs' available on internet that might help me? thanks RC






MISC:   Columbia Fork Measurements Needed posted by: Mr Bob on 8/9/2003 at 1:39:25 PM
Can someone please help me with the fork measurements (on the drawing) for a Columbia Hi-Wheel bike. I am trying to build one but I am an Expat living in Thailand. There are no Hi-Wheels over here. Thanks, Bob
Here is the Drawing:
http://tallbike.com/measure.html
PS, the Columbia seems like a good bike to model my "TallBike" after. It seems very basic and Classic in looks. I personally like the Straight handlebars. Is there another more popular bike to model my bike after? I need to keep the costs down. There are many out there that want a Classic looking High Wheel for under $500 usd. I am trying to do this so please help if you can, again Thanks, Bob


   RE:MISC:   Columbia Fork Measurements Needed posted by Teun on 8/12/2003 at 9:54:56 AM
Mr Bob,

Got a columbia Light Roadster (highwheeler) myself so i think i can help you. Please contact me directly for measurements (will need to measure up my bike first).






AGE / VALUE:   boneshaker high wheeler posted by: Randy Berscheid on 8/8/2003 at 1:27:22 AM
I have owned 2 high wheel bikes for 12 years and use to ride them in parades. Any info on this would be appreciated. The plate on the neck says "Boneshaker" and at the bottom "Cleveland, ohio" Also a sn#--4801802 Please e-mail me.
Thanks in advance for your help.


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   boneshaker high wheeler posted by marcello on 8/8/2003 at 2:52:48 AM
u need any info . go to www.hiwheel.com Greg is making those bikes, he will help u with any info that u need. good luck






MISC:   Across America posted by: Rif Addams on 8/6/2003 at 5:18:26 PM
Hi All,
I just wanted to update you on the Wyman Centennial Run of 2003...
I made it home alive, Even with being clipped by a semi truck and sent careening off the road at 35 M.P.H., with the rear wheel losing its 'Tensegrity' and turning into a poytato chip stop sign shape, and with the frame of that 100 year old bike breaking in two and falling out from underneath me.
I made it to the New York state line when the frame gave up the ghost. The bike is now sitting in my shop and I will probably not look at it for another few weeks. Thank you to all of you who gave me advice, and/or support for this historic recreation. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime.
Some of the photos can be seen at our new website:
http://a.1asphost.com/wyman/
I have just finished scanning some more photos and will be adding them shortly. We also have posted some of the newspaper articles about the trip from across the country.
Thanks again for everything.
Keep the Tire Side Down,
Rif Addams







AGE / VALUE:   racycle posted by: dave brown on 7/31/2003 at 2:04:39 AM
Hi Can anyone date my racycle bicycle . The model # is 165 Thanks for your time


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   racycle posted by Brain Doanor on 12/3/2003 at 9:10:20 PM
Dave, I think your Racycle dates from 1911. Racycle changed their model numbers annually. The Model 50 through 55 series was produced in 1900, and each year the model numbers increased by 10 for the 6 individual models they offered. Thus, the 100 through 105 series was produced in 1905, and the 150 through 155 series was produced in 1910. My source for this is a series of catalogs that I have from 1900, 1905, 1908, and 1910. The numbering is consistent throughout the period covered by the catalogs, so I don't see why it would be different for 1911, when the 160 through 165 series should have been produced. The last digit signifies the exact model produced. A zero (e.g., 160) would designate the top-of-the-line Racycle Pacemaker with its 40-tooth inch-pitch front sprocket. A one designates the racing model, and numbers two through five designate Racycle roasters with progressively less flashy equipment bolted onto them. In your case (and in mine, as I have a 1908 Model 135), you have the basic Racycle bicycle, which the manufacturer loudy proclaimed was superior to any "bicycle". So I suppose congratulations are in order!






FOR SALE:   Used 48" Standard Model for sale posted by: Greg Barron on 7/17/2003 at 8:34:39 PM
Hello all, I was rumaging throught the back shop areas and found enough old parts to put together a used 48" Standard Model hiwheel. It has a rebuilt front wheel and new tire as well as a new rear wheel. It will be a sound bike but the frame and fork are quite cosmetically challenged though nothing a can of Krylon wouldn't fix. If you are interested then let me know. I'm going to offer it here first at $450 plus shipping with shipping running up to $190 for the East Coast. If I don't get any bites here in a few days then it goes to Ebay with a $450 opening bid. If anyone is interested then email me at gbarron@hiwheel.com or call me at 510-769-0980.

Greg







AGE / VALUE:   Western Queen posted by: Robin on 7/17/2003 at 2:08:22 PM
I have a ladies bicycle called Western Queen. It has cork handlegrips, a curved handlebar post, wooden rims with wire spokes, wide tooth sprocket, leather seat, string tied to rims. Can anyone tell me what era or age this bicycle might be and anything else about it please. Thank you


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   Western Queen posted by bill on 9/25/2003 at 2:49:02 AM
Based on your information the bike probably dates from the mid 1890's to the early 1900's. depending on total condition and whether it is complete-fender chainguard etc, value would be in the 150.00 to 500.00 area based on what has been selling recently on ebay.






AGE / VALUE:   Western Queen posted by: Robin on 7/17/2003 at 2:08:22 PM
I have a ladies bicycle called Western Queen. It has cork handlegrips, a curved handlebar post, wooden rims with wire spokes, wide tooth sprocket, leather seat, string tied to rims. Can anyone tell me what era or age this bicycle might be and anything else about it please. Thank you







AGE / VALUE:   Western Queen posted by: Robin on 7/17/2003 at 2:08:22 PM
I have a ladies bicycle called Western Queen. It has cork handlegrips, a curved handlebar post, wooden rims with wire spokes, wide tooth sprocket, leather seat, string tied to rims. Can anyone tell me what era or age this bicycle might be and anything else about it please. Thank you







MISC:   Lotus Elan Road Bike posted by: Randal Lovelace on 7/9/2003 at 5:41:51 PM
Hi, I have come across a Lotus Elan 12sp road bike, was curious if any here have heard of or know much about this Japanese made bike, it is my understanding that they were assemble and sold in the New England area....
Please Email response to me...randallovelace@yahoo.com


   RE:MISC:   Lotus Elan Road Bike posted by bill on 8/1/2003 at 1:02:15 AM
yeah i had one around 1990? raced it fot a year. tange prestige tubing including fork . sugino 75 th anniversary groupo , cool carbon fiber chainwheel,brake levers and shifters the other parts were suntour superbe pro badged by sugino. excellent criterium geomety high bottom bracket along withsteep head angle. won several races until the seat tube cracked by braze on.






AGE / VALUE:   wheels posted by: jim on 7/6/2003 at 3:26:17 AM
have tricycle approx. 1890-1910 era and i need the rear wheels for it, believe them to be between ten to twelve inches in height with hub width being one and five-eighths.these of course are wire wheels. have been to several antique dealers with no luck. would appreciate any info regarding cycle of this era. thank you for any help you can come up with.


   RE:AGE / VALUE:   wheels posted by marcello on 7/7/2003 at 3:27:14 AM
hey jim why u do not try www.hiwheel.com talk to Greg I think he can help u out . just try it and check it out. Good luck

   RE:AGE / VALUE:   wheels posted by sam on 7/9/2003 at 7:57:51 PM
Hi Jim try Antique Wheels Unlimited
Ann Oxley
968 King Street
Denver, Colorado 80204
(303) 795-9424

Hard-to-find parts for bikes, trikes, and buggies; specializes in parts for wood-rim and antique bicycles, 1890-1934.







FOR SALE:   motorized bicycles posted by: Jeremy on 6/21/2003 at 5:32:16 PM
Convert your bike motorized! Check out CaliCruzer.com for some cool custom motorized bikes. 48cc gas two-stroke, chain drven with a manual clutch for a real motorcycle feel. Complete bikes and motor kits available at CaliCruzer.com