Not vintage or French Tourers/Campeurs, Trade/Porteurs, Audax/Randonneurs, Commuters/Town

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

1970s Jack Taylor Tourist. Original paint!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Last.

 

[grantoury]

Great start of a new and interesting thread! I will start with a local (to me) hero, his take on a randonneur/audax with a bilaminated frame, Columbus tubing and Reynolds imperial forkblades, brazed on Mafac brakes, Simplex derailleurs.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

M-gineering builds are always interesting, been trying to find the arctic expedition bike he built.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I nearly pd my pants..
1917 Iver Johnson Truss bike. Not my text.
This is what a hundred year old commuter bike looks like.
It has everything you need for a run to the market or for your ride to work. It has pedals. It has tires. It stops and it goes. There’s a basket to carry some stuff. It’s very deluxe.
A hundred years ago, having the latest features on your bike meant that it had a coaster brake (instead of a fixed gear), not that it had hydraulic disc brakes. The latest in puncture protection and/or tubeless tires? In 1917, people were still talking up the fact that they had pneumatic tires in the first place. Gearing “features” a hundred years ago meant roller pin chains and the ability to coast. Nobody mentioned the need for more gear combinations (certainly not 11 speeds versus 22 or even 30).
Speaking of features, this Iver Johnson is built around their trademark truss bridge style frame, which was claimed to be “structurally and mechanically correct in every detail”. These bikes rode pretty smoothly and had great handling characteristics. Remember, the early 1900′s were a time when roads were primarily made of cobblestones, bricks pavers or dirt. A “road” bike had to handle similar demands to that of today’s off-road bicycles.
This bike is remarkably well preserved. The original leather Troxel saddle looks terrific. The wooden rims and old tires, which would normally be dry and brittle on a bike of this age, look ready for many more miles. The original iron basket is also quite a find. It’s big and stout and it will still handle a big load of market supplies.
Now, if you were looking for a deluxe bike to take the place of a car (or horse), you need it to be ready to ride regardless of the weather or the time of night. You’re pretty much all set with this bike. The fenders are in great shape, and there’s a “reflector” on the back. All you need is a lantern and you’ll be ready to roll.

 

[grantoury]

M-gineering builds are always interesting, been trying to find the arctic expedition bike he built.

Artic

 

[vcballbat]

Did Jack have a holiday home in France by any chance..

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Artic

Thats the one!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

1938 BSA Triple Star absolutely stunning original condition. Not my text.

“The B.S.A. range for 1938 is unquestionably the finest range of quality bicycles ever offered the cycling public. And although that may seem a big claim to make – particularly in view of the many fine machines made by B.S.A. in the past – it is a true claim as you will quickly appreciate when you see the B.S.A. Cycling Annual. The new B.S.A. Triple Star and Gold Band models offer you the very latest in modern bicycle design, specification and finish.
The new Keep-Fit models are specially designed for men and women who appreciate the value of Cycling for health and fitness. And remember – B.S.A. Bicycles are acclaimed throughout the cycling world as the bicycles with the finest quality specification. Quality materials and quality workmanship ensure perfection in such vital parts as hubs, chainwheels, cranks, pedals and chain – perfection which means easy running and reliability.”
You have just read very earnest 80-year-old ad copy. After tuning up this bike and riding a lap of Bainbridge Island I’d have to agree that this is a really fine quality bike. I have no idea how this Triple Star spent the war or the subsequent decades but the Reynolds 531 steel tubing is rust-free and straight. The beautifully curved Russ fork handles nicely and offers a good amount of bump compliance.
The original owner must have been skeptical of the optional Cyclo twin-wire 3-speed derailleur and instead opted for the BSA single-speed coaster-brake hub. I’m not certain I would have made that same choice as a couple of gear options would have made hills much more tolerable when ascending, but controlling your speed is really pleasant on this bike with three very capable brakes on it. Most antique bicycles are a bit scary when the going gets a bit out of control…
In light of the “new” Gravel Bike category this Triple Star seems to have everything going for it. Remember, we’re talking the finest quality here. Like a lot of modern gravel bikes there’s a gigantic seatbag for carrying all of your stuff instead of racks and panniers. There’s a wide but shallow drop handlebar and this one has a bell on it along with cork grips. This one forgoes the front derailleur and multiple chainrings. Instead you get a simple single front chainring. It has 650b medium-width tires and fenders. Brakes that are kind of overkill. A Brooks B15 saddle. The Triple Star even comes with an integrated headlight!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]