Re: [CR] Old bike mystery can anyone answer it for me

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 10:56:01 +0100
Subject: Re: [CR] Old bike mystery can anyone answer it for me
From: "Hilary Stone" <Hilary.Stone@Tesco.net>
To: chuckschmidt@earthlink.net, Wornoutguy@aol.com
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


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/works/edgemss.html
> 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.)