I recently acquired an old Mead Ranger "Special" (or maybe "Roadster"). It's not quite lightweight, but I hope it might be of interest to you, and also I hope you might be able to give me some advice on it. (I cleared this post Dale, first.)
The bike:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
What's maybe more interesting is that I also got a 1919 Mead Catalog, complete with extra bits like order forms, wholesale price sheet, etc. I scanned it and put it here:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
Click the medium-sized pics to see them full-sized. It's like stepping into a time warp! There's some fascinating stuff in there. (Even if it's not from Europe and not quite for lightweights as we know them.)
I want to make this into a rider. I posted some questions about it here:
http://thecabe.com/
If any of you are of a mind to answer them, or offer advice, I'd be happy to hear it. Sheldon has already kindly answered some of my questions. Thank you, Sheldon. I hope you like the catalog scans. Ted Ernst, if you read this, how far off from a period racing bike might it be? If I added some racy (coaster brake) wheels and tires and saddle and drop bars, could it pass? Yes, I am a poser, but I do plan to ride it.
Morgan "wannabe scorcher" Fletcher
Oakland, CA