I want to ride my bicycle…page 2
Heavy
cast
parts, simple, durable single- speed coaster brakes and double-thick steel rims
stood up to the abuse kids could dish out. Many models survive to this day,
though usually without the
desirable accessories. Often, after years of neglect, all that is needed to make
a bike ridable is pumping the tires and a good lube.
The
Columbia Company, one of America's first, bicycle manufacturers, introduced the
showy Five-Star, Deluxe 1948. It was available in two-tone metal flake green and
cream with gold pin striping and exemplified America's robust extravagance after
the war. This bicycle featured a larger horn tank, newly styled springer front
fork, deluxe padded saddle and inertia switch activated brake light.
Reflector jewels studded the rear carrier and a sculpted fender light made this
a dream bike. Never mind that it weighed about as much as the youngster riding
it (about 72 lbs. If he could straddle the top bar and still reach the pedals,
he could ride to the envy of the neighborhood. At night, with the flip of the
switches, the front fender light and rear taillight kept him riding until
bedtime. Another
manufacturer that made bicycles a cut above was Dayton-Huffman of Dayton, Ohio.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the Huffman Company's paint finishes were second to
none. Add miles of pin striping to that and they were a virtual circus of color.
It was the Huffman Company that, in 1953, became known as the Huffy Company.
While the quality of the product didn't remain the same in the later decades,
the company did survive by doing what it had to do to remain profitable
(making it one of the oldest surviving
manufacturers in the U.S.). They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1992.
This company wasn't afraid to market
new and interesting concepts, especially when it came to suspension systems for
bikes. In 1939, they produced and marketed the "Twin-Flex," with a
springer on both wheels. As you might expect, the ride was rather mushy. In
1951, they introduced the "Dial-A-Ride" suspension, with a springer
that could be adjusted to the weight of every rider. This massive-looking front
springer had a screw cap that tightened the spring for a firmer ride.
Even more innovative was the
Huffy Radiobike introduced in 1955. A radio was built into the horn tank with a
speaker in the side. A separate battery pack about the size of a brick was
mounted on the back and large, easy-to-use controls were mounted on the tank. Of
many of the examples that survive today, the antenna loop is usually missing,
among other radio parts. The old style 12-volt battery is the same that was
used in portable radios of the time. Unfortunately, this battery is not available
today, but can be made from a series of "D"-size batteries.
Few
bicycle brands generate such a loyal cult following as Colson. Made in Elyria,
Ohio, they were made by a company that produced wheeled hospital equipment. The
quality of the bicycles was very high. Colsons used more turned and cast parts
while other manufacturers used more stamped and pressed components. A longer
wheelbase gave a smoother ride and fit adults better. Many collectors today
puzzle over the slightly offbeat features. Why the unusual frame design? Why the
tiny watch screws holding the tank halves together? Why use live rubber for the
springer instead of steel springs? Today we can only speculate. The Colson
Company sold the bicycle line to Evans Manufacturing in Plymouth, Michigan.
After that, the quality of the machines just wasn't the same. Today, the Colson
Company continues to produce high-quality hospital equipment.
Many
people think of Schwinn when they think of the quality classic bikes today. The
name is synonymous old bikes. Little wonder, the construction was about as good
as a production bike could be and the styling was refined and mature. Schwinn
was the mark all other brands were judged by.
Part of the reason for the quality
was that the company had full control over every step of the manufacturing process
and produced almost every part that went on the bike.
Most other manufacturers made the frames and other companies supplied the
components. Not Schwinn. They made their own sprockets, cranks, front hubs,
sheet metal parts, nuts, bolts and more. Their double-thick "S-2" rims
were closer to motorcycle rims than those of a bicycle. The few parts Schwinn
didn't make were marked with the "Schwinn Approved" stamp. The famous
fillet-brazed frames were smoothed and polished until they looked as if they
were molded from one piece of steel.
When bicycle production
resumed in 1945 after the war, the company unveiled a markedly improved machine.
A newly designed frame featured a built-in kickstand and brackets were welded
on so components could be mounted directly to it. Before, things like the chain
guard would have clamped onto the frame; now they could be bolted on.