Vintage Bicycles Part 4

Harvey and I have recieved some questions about the 60's and 70's middle weight vintage bicycles. We thought we'd cover them first by popular demand. Just keep it in mind that some of the basic accessory and restoration info we throw out for these models can apply to other models of vintage bicycles.Old Scooter has a fondness for these go- getter bikes. My favorite happens to be the Schwinn Corvette.Now, we're gonna assume you have been out and about looking and trial pedaling some bikes. If you figure you either want or have a "find" in a mid weight bike? Then, let's get on to some facts and goodies that go with these cool bikes. I'll throw out the average mid- weight bike's upgrades from the older big tire bikes.Right here, we'll mention that you should check out the chain, the sprocket, the bearingsthe rims, the tires, and finally, the brakes. Consider the condition of the paint and whether or not this is a task that is up to your abilities. There will be a good number of bikes that will not require any paint work. Also seats, tires, spokes, etc. can be had all over the hobby.Middle weight bikes are lighter and faster than their older big balloon tire brothers. That basically sum sthem up in short order. The type you buy is a matter of taste price or if you un-cover a "find". Some mid-weights can be single speed just like their older larger tired bikes. My feeling on these is: if you want a single speed bike? Buy an older balloon tired wide white wall bicycle. Plus, the older ones ride better. A large number of mid-weights are 3 speed and some are even 5 speeds. These models tend to have the front and rear cable brakes. The harder to find and fix are the 2 speed axle coaster brake mid- weight bikes. These models have a unique two speed axle. I should add here also that some do feature a front cable brake set up.Harv is howling at me. OOPS. Guess I'd better get back to the newbie needed facts. A coaster brake bike is one that you just place backward pressure with a pedal to apply the brake to the rear hub. If you press hard, the rear tire will lock up. To continue the facts here. A coaster brake will work when it is wet. The mid- weight or caliper type handle bar / cable lever brakes usually are on both the front and the rear wheels. They do NOT work well in some wet conditions. It's an easy fix. Just remember to drag the brakes when biking in wet conditions before having to stop quickly.These two speed bikes also come in the older style large WWW balloon tire bikes.I owned one of the two speed big tire bikes at one time. To shift gears, you just jerked back on the pedal and it would go from either high to low or low to high gear. It had no hand shifter on the handle bar or derailleur system. The truth was that it was fun and good when it worked. But, when it didn't work, it was a mess to fix. I will check and find out if there is anyone out there who has the knowledge and parts to fix the 2 speed rear axle, and get back with you all in another article. If any of you readers have this information, please feel free to contact me through E mail or share it in Scooter's blog on the Auto-Roundup site.If you chose one of these mid weight bikes? You will be able to get almost every part that it could need as far as mechanical parts and pieces.A large number of these bikes came painted in a fingernail polish / candy apple style paint. The ones that are the most popular as nostalgia types seem to be the three speed models. The shifter is mounted on the handle bar. It's a little flat chrome badge looking piece that has a lever about 2 inches long that sticks out of it. There is a selector hole that shows the numbers 1, 2 & 3 in it. All you do is let off the pedal, or in some cases, gently pedal as you move the gear selector to whatever gear you desire. These bikes can have a narrow white, or black wall tire . Either is acceptable according to your preference.. They can also have the sought after tank mounted headlight and/or push button horn. The models without the tank usually do not command as much money. Some have rear mounted tail lights in addition to the ever present rear red reflector. Streamers were not as polular on these models as on their older brothers either. The acceptable condition of the majority of any collectable bike is to find one with as many accessories as is possible. If it doesn't have the extras, it is OK and desirable to add many of them. You probably wouldn't want to add a tank. But, the usual accessories, such as; mirrors, a horn, lights, and mud flaps come to mind. There are also a number of correct style front or rear luggage racks that add style and function to your vintage mid- weight bike. Hey guys, gals, and youngins', get out and check out any and all types of vintage bikes. Find and buy one, two or three that are at the level of restoration you want. And then make a deal . Or you can simply keep looking until you find one that needs nothing and is ready to pedal to the Seven Eleven next Saturday morning to pick-up the newspaper and a slurpee. Next time, we'll back pedal to the more nostalgic balloon tire bicycles.Harv and Scooter are outta' here. The garage is closed.

by Scooter
scooter4422@msn.com

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