Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.bcoppola
09-22-06, 02:31 PM
Saw what seems to be a very old bike at a local thrift shop: in very rough shape but could make out "Bismarck" in very ornate lettering on the seat tube and downtube. Very rough paint. Very thick lugs. Single speed hub (freewheel, not fixed), two chainrings but no derailleur. Wheels held on by large, somewhat ornate wing nuts.
Only "Bismarck" companies I could find were listed on a site called "Wheelmen" devoted to antique bikes. There were two Bismarck bicycle companies in Chicago for a few years in the 1890s. No info beyond that. But the general appearance of the bike certainly seems old.
Think I should go back and score a possible antique? Anyone know anything else?
Strangely, there was a computer on the stem and both speed and cadence sensors! Pretty sure those aren't 1890s vintage. :)
BTW, I bought an 80s vintage Schwinn "World Sport" there for a fixie conversion for $10 and change.
Only "Bismarck" companies I could find were listed on a site called "Wheelmen" devoted to antique bikes. There were two Bismarck bicycle companies in Chicago for a few years in the 1890s. No info beyond that. But the general appearance of the bike certainly seems old.
Think I should go back and score a possible antique? Anyone know anything else?
Strangely, there was a computer on the stem and both speed and cadence sensors! Pretty sure those aren't 1890s vintage. :)
BTW, I bought an 80s vintage Schwinn "World Sport" there for a fixie conversion for $10 and change.