Re: [CR]Re: Ebay: pre 1920 Pierce Kramer Special

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Leonard Bulger" <lbulger@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Ebay: pre 1920 Pierce Kramer Special
Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2006 21:17:28 -0400


Some Pierces were equipped with BSA parts. Here's some text from a page out of an old catalog (Sorry I don't know what year it's from):

>> Pierce Kramer Special

Model P. K. S. SPECIAL TRACK RACER Professional Model

This bicycle was originally designed by Mr. Frank Kramer (World's Champion for 16 years) and the Pierce experimental department from a composite of 24 racing frames as used by the foremost racers. Every detail of planning and construction is based upon obtaining the utmost in efficiency and speed.

It is the fastest bicycle made. The rear tubes are round without bends, the spread permits only 1 1/8-inch tires, and the construction is very rigid, to withstand banked-track work.

PROFESSIONAL RACER MODEL P.K.S.---B.S.A.

In deference to the wishes of racing men to obtain our PKS Special Track Racer with British Small Arms fittings, we are now offering this new model which is the acme of racing bicycle perfection. It is the fastest bicycle made.

The frame is a high-carbon, seamless nickel-steel tube, 1-inch top tube and 1 1/8-inch lower and seat mast tube, B.S.A. hubs, crank hanger complete and seatpost cluster.

The rear tubes are round---7/8-inch taper without bends---the spread permits only 1 1/8-inch tires, and the construction is very rigid, to withstand banked-track work. <<

The bike in the illustration has a BSA chainheel and headset. The gooseneck is not adjustable and the bars have grips on the bottom and no tape. The Pierce logo is on the top tube, and I can't tell if there is anything on the seat tube.

BTW, my Pierce has a small plaque under the headbadge that says "Special Racer".

I'll post later on how to remove the crank.

Leonard Bulger Marblehead, MA

From: "ternst" <ternst1(AT)cox.net> Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Ebay: pre 1920 Pierce Kramer Special Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2006 16:03:38 -0700

Don, all: Ray and I are on the same page here. Saddle is circumspect, pedals? hardly, needs block chain, Grips? maybe, What tubing and weight of bike, amateur or pro model?, who the hell put that chainring on?, the paint and decals make my eyebrows move around, wonder about paint myself, but don't have catalogue to verify. the chrome vs nickle ia good point, and the real good bikes I think had BSA hubs, not what looks like New Departure. Rims seem to be refinished, too bad, should have stonies for regular riding tires. Frame and fork seem to be Pierce alright, bar and stem fine, headset, too. The comments of our CR gang are reasonably complete, I think we're
quite on.
As to price? Caveat emptor.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA USA


----- Original Message -----
From: "wheelman nac.net"
To: "classicrendezvous bikelist.org"
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 2:00 PM
Subject: [CR]Re: Ebay: pre 1920 Pierce Kramer Special



   >I would tend to agree with Ted on this one. There were not many day glow
   > orange bikes of that period. The Pierce decal is laying nicely on top of
   > the paint so you can see the edges of the water transfer. Cannot tell from
   > the photos if this is a Pierce Angola or Pierce Buffalo with the latter
   > being more desireable. Would like to have seen a profile of the head tube
   > to match it against my Pierce bike. Mine is not the track version but the
   > first shock resistant model with similar styling. One thing I never
   > mastered was the removal of the BB. I'll give 10 bucks to anyone who could
   > explain to me how to remove a BB/crank set that has a 5/16 dia capped port
   > hole in the bottom that accesses a slotted internal flange. There is no
   > external means to remove it, the hole is small and dark and puting a
   > restrictor in the hole to line up with the slot and forcing the cranks in
   > either direction does not seem to do anything. I am afraid to apply to
   > much pressure as these old bikes are brittle. It has stumpped bike shop
   > mechanics and veteran Wheelman alike.
   >
   > Ray Homiski
   > Elizabeth, NJ
   >