Messages

1

General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Copake auction preview available

« on: February 14, 2020, 08:31:32 PM »

I recieved a notice from Copake that had an early preview of some of the bikes listed.

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Board for buying and selling Wheelmen goods and services. / Re: Wanted G&J Rambler crank bearing cups

« on: February 14, 2020, 08:26:02 PM »

Find Ed Grace, he is the rambler guru, and has been very generous with his help in the past. He is John Grace's brother.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Thistle bicycle decal photo needed

« on: January 19, 2020, 03:48:39 AM »

The late James McKensie was a collector of lady bike racing information, and it might be that Susan might have some information in his files.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Membership in The Wheelmen organization

« on: December 26, 2019, 06:02:40 PM »

Just renewed my associate membership, after a lot of thought on the subject. Second year as an associate member after being sustaining member from 1992 to 2018. Didn't participate at all this year, anywhere, next year remains to be seen. Bill Dizer

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: wire specs for making spokes

« on: October 05, 2019, 02:22:03 PM »

I'd start by talking to Jim Spillane. He has made more spokes than anyone else has dreamed of! The metallurgy in making them is important. There are hundreds of different alloys of stainless steel and it makes a huge difference. How you plan to thread them makes a difference, are you going to roll the threads on or cut them with a die? How do you plan to put the head on? Cold forge them, or hot?

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: early hingehead safety

« on: September 03, 2019, 10:45:44 PM »

It appears to be a his or her bike, with the removable top brace. Appears to have had a chain guard and rear fender for the ladies. Kirkpatrick saddle, can't tell if it is the long or short version. 1890 or later, curved front forks generally started then, with a few exceptions, tangential spokes with rim nipples rather than radial. Might check a Rouse Hazzard catalog. By that time the pneumatics were gaining in popularity, and the hinge fork system was going away except in low price bikes. Cushion tire was an effort to stave off the pneumatic bikes as well. I have three cushion tires, 1889 Warwick Perfection convertible, 1890 Coventry machinist Union Swift, and a Columbia camel back, 1889-90.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: 1893 Featherstone Brochure From eBay

« on: June 23, 2019, 05:08:33 PM »

I may have a couple of photos of that queen that belonged to that character in Florida. I think it may have ended up in a museum in califunyland. It was a 26", not a full sized bike.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Karma

« on: June 23, 2019, 04:39:09 PM »

Months ago, I placed a post both here and on the Facebook page, asking what it was and how it worked. I got no answers at either place. I got ridiculed for asking on Facebook. I deleted the post here a couple of weeks ago, since it had about 150 views but no answers. I'd still kind of like to know what it was, and why you thought we needed it?

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Greentyres- will they stretch over a 30" rim?

« on: April 08, 2019, 09:52:54 AM »

Is there a reason not to use regular hts or high wheel wire on tires? I have two cushion tire bikes with wire on tires. They ride well.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Publications Chairman Stephen Hartson still living?

« on: February 13, 2019, 07:43:28 PM »

Stephan, thanks for doing a thankless job! Unfortunately lack of volunteers is a problem everywhere. People are better at bitching than they are at helping! Good luck!

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: be very careful when buying from an eBay seller

« on: February 13, 2019, 07:39:04 PM »

Many states are now requiring sales tax collection by all online sellers, no choice given! Also, most states have laws requiring you to report and pay sales tax on out of state purchases from businesses- don't know about between private individuals. Indiana has started this out of state collection.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: Advice on threads

« on: January 22, 2019, 07:48:23 PM »

Don't rethreaded either the nut or axle. The cones have to come off for service and they won't if you screw up the axle threads! Find the correct tap and die! There were hundreds of thread combinations, threads pitch etc. talk to Craig Allen. I also have boxes of antique bike taps and dies.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Welcome, Stan Curts, Indiana State Captain

« on: January 01, 2019, 02:02:36 PM »

Welcome Stan Curts, the new Indiana State Captain! Stan has agreed to take over the position as of today, and we appreciate him doing so, and wish him well! Bill & June Dizer

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Discussions on vintage bike builders and reproductions. / Re: Has anyone built an Eagle?

« on: December 10, 2018, 05:25:32 PM »

Spillanes made many, and Kennedy also. Spillane made 50" and 52" models, not sure what size the Kennedy bike were. Not sure if Woodward made any/many. But yes, there are quite a few replicas out there.

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General discussions on Wheelmen topics. / Re: New strings?

« on: December 10, 2018, 01:57:09 PM »

Search eBay under " bakers twine" for any color very strong twine that ties easily, is the right diameter, and looks very nice. Many ways to string a fender guard and chain guard. Most early bikes had some very elaborate knots, related to fishing nets, to tie off the strings. Most bakers twine is cotton, which makes it mostly period correct.