Re: [CR]A classic middleweight; circa 1915 Mead Ranger Special

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:19:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: [CR]A classic middleweight; circa 1915 Mead Ranger Special
From: <wheelman@nac.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


First I must say we are on the edge of being on topic here with this bike. Now my two cents, This bike is from an era known as the MotorBike period. It ran from the teens into the early 30s. These are not lightweight by any means. They are sturdy, single speed, coaster brakes bicycles. Middleweights were not yet coined when these were around so no they are not 1.75 tires. They are either tubeless 28 or 26 inch tires. These came in deluxe models with a square tank tool box combo. They came out with several names but I believe only one or two real manufacturers made them. Mead never made bikes, they were alway private label. I believe Murray and Schwinn made Meads at one point. They typically came in two tone coloring and steel clad wood rims. Earlier models had nickel plate instead of chrome. The butterfly kickstand is a dead give away to the period of this bike. Many had elaborate headlight mechanisms with external wiring right to a large dry cell battery tube affixed under the top tube. Elgin made a beautiful version. The tires for these are almost always petrified and have to be cut off. Finding any period replacements is near impossible. There are repops available but they are pretty expensive and ride like hell. Why do I know a bit about these bikes. This was my bike in near mint condition with original tires and all amenities.

http://www.oldroads.com/pqdb_img.asp?p=fdbdown.asp?10&mod=&mak=Elgin

Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ