They describe it in the text with the photos as an Osgear dropout. Though
similar it is not, its a Simplex dropout to suit the single roller Simplex
Champion du Monde gear. Just to correct Chuck on one point there were
cable operated Simplex front derailleurs pre-war both for for touring and
racing though they are extremely uncommon. It does look as if thios frame
was built from BSA fittings BSA lugs, bottom bracket shell and BSA headset
and bottom bracket originally. I think the date of 1930 is rather too early
with the cut out lugs and steeper frame angles I would guess around 1936
to 1939. That would also tie in with the rear dropouts which were not I
think around at the beginning of the 30s.
Regards
Hilary Stone
>
> Sam DiBartolomeo wrote:
>>
>> I was looking at older bikes and frame for sale at http://www.bikeworksnyc.com and
>> there is a frame they state is from the 1930 It is called an Edge Mass Start
>> the photos show rear drop outs made for fixed gear or a derailleur with a
>> built in hanger for a derailleur it also boasts a brazed on shifter boss. I
>> was under the impression braze on mounts for rear derailleurs and shifter
>> bosses were much later than the 30s - was this a one of a kind?
>
>
> Edge Mass Start Special at:
> http://www.bikeworksnyc.com/
>
Chuck Schmidt wrote:
> This looks very typical of thirties and even forties bikes to me, though
> a derailleur would not be too common on a race bike in the USA in those
> years. Simplex had a downtube braze-on boss for the shift lever (only
> rear as the front derailleur wasn't cable operated) in the late
> thirties. The BSA (Birmingham Small Arms of England) chainring was very
> desirable back then and wouldn't be used on only BSA bicycles. In
> other words, appropriate for any brand of bicycle. Someone on the list
> should buy this frame and put it back on the road.
>
> (Note about the size: back then typically frames came in three seat
> tube sizes or sometimes were offered in only _one_; all with the same 22
> inch top tube!!! So this frame would actually be an appropriate size
> for _most_ on this list.)