[CR] ID: English or American c.1950s Track or Path Racer frame set

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

From: <FujiFish1@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 22:22:43 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] ID: English or American c.1950s Track or Path Racer frame set


A friend unearthed an old track or perhaps path racer frame and fork set that appears to be from about the 1950s. He's going to build it up for another friend of his, but would like to know what style and brand of bike it is, if possible. This one was an old Wolverine Sports Club item, probably handed down from generation to generation, but it's been hiding in the dark for a long while now. I took some photos just as it came out of his garage, without cleaning, etc. So while these are not glamour shots, they should certainly give enough clues to those who know the unique features. I'm figuring Ted Ernst will know right off the bat (and may even have paced next to it at some point long ago), but please do have a look.

Features: Nervex lugs, seat cluster and Engl. thread 66.5mm b.b. shell. Oiler hole and fitting under the b.b. shell. Oiler hole and fitting on the non-drive side of lower head lug. Two head tube badge mounting holes are vertically oriented, 28.5mm apart. Flat top fork crown in undrilled, and has a horizontal groove cut in the front, but not in the back.

Large flat, ground into the back side of steer tube threading. Serial numbers under the b.b. are 2335, and on the steer tube are 235. Rear-facing track ends spaced at 113.5mm, NO fender eyelets. Fork ends spaced at 99mm have downward pointing "calf-stabber" extensions, WITH fender eyelets. Arching and gusseted seat stay bridge. Semi-wrapping seat stay top attachments. Seat post binder ears, threaded on non-drive side, with a deep recess in drive side for bolt head to sit in. Seat tube is 56.5mm c-c, and top tube is 56cm c-c.

Please see photos here, and remember to click on the images to see larger versions, when necessary: http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/fujifish1/FriendsBikes/RussBikes/

So ... what's it for, and who made it? Anyone know for sure, or care to venture a good guess???

Ciao,
Mark Agree
Southfield Michigan USA