Classic & Vintage - Let's see your CCM bikes

I did a little searching and could find very little on CCM bikes here and perhaps this is because they are your ubiquitous Canadian bike and not well known in the south.

When I was a kid most folks rode CCM bikes and I would dearly love to find a Mustang which was my first real bike.

I presently have 2 vintage CCM bikes...

The first is a 1933 Coaster bike I found parked in the weeds at our shop and I was thrilled to find that all it's bits were intact and that it is in excellent mechanical shape with solid and true wheels. I'll be finsihing the restoration over the winter which will entail a repaint of the bike, re-spoking and painting the wheels and re-chroming of the stem and bars.

It's a fabulous bike to ride.

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/CCM1.jpg

A also found a 1940 double bar frame and decided to build a retro club bike...the wheelset came off of a 1964 CCM and I'll update this pic as soon as I bring the bike back from the shop. It just got some new swoopier moustache like bars that are taped and a new fork (that white ishiwata was broken :( ) after a little mishap with a car.

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/ccm1940c.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/ccm1940b.jpg

I used to have a ton of CCMs like those, most not as old - most of them were from the '60s. But I had a couple of relics as well, I eventually sold/gave away most of them, I still have a coupe left like a 40s double-bar and a '60s Imperial outside in the yard somewhere. I prefer road bikes way too much so I don't really ride em anymore.

I've got a low end CCM Targa 10 road bike as well which I kinda frankensteined by putting some lighter parts on it, and I use that as a commuter. I'll see if I can take some photos sometime. I'd like to find a high end vintage CCM road bike someday, maybe one of them silver ghosts or tour de canadas will find their way to me.

I'd love to find a pre ww1 ccm road bike like this Flyer...

http://bikespecialties.com/vintage/1925ccmflyer.html

Glad to see there are other CCM fans. I just picked up a Silver Ghost, and will post pics as soon as it's back from the shop - it was pretty trashed. Coincidentally, it looks like another Silver Ghost frame popped up for $50 on Toronto's Craigslist. It looks like it anyway, but there are no decals except for a 531 decal on the seat-tube. The buyer seems sure, but I seem to remember the Mistral also came with 531 main tubes. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyhow if you're looking for a Silver Ghost check it out.

Cool.. looks to be about my size too, I'm a lil too far from Toronto though so it would cost quite a bit to pick it up (bus!), or an additional $30-$50 to have it shipped to me. I don't want one that badly, especially since its just a frame, not to mention missing decals!

I still wouldn't mind a CCM Flyte, there is a mint one hanging up in a shop in the town over.

http://www.ann-arbor-bicycleshow.com/images/108.jpg

I used to see bikes like this all the time when I was younger... old CCM's were so durable and of such good quality I think they often got passed between generations.

I picked my club bike up from the shop this afternoon and before I left a few people had to take her for a spin... it now looks like I'll need to be building up a few more drop bar coaster bikes.

:D

CCMs?Now your talking MY language.The Flyte is kinda the holy grail of CCM collecting.It was only built for 3 years and was quite expensive at the time(you could buy a good used Model T for the same price).I presently have 50 CCMs(from the 20s up to the early70s as well as a Massey Silver Ribbon which I figure is from either the late 1890s to 1915.It has hickory wood rims(I only have the rear).Missing lots of parts.I am glad to see other people interested in the marque,I'm not the only one.I'll start out with a pic of a 1924 CCM.I found this at a metal salvage yard in Ottawa(yep,that's Canada)and paid the princely sum of $5 for it. Other than the paint it is all original and I ride it often.It has 28" tires and coaster brake New Departure hub.I'll post more.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1924CCM.jpg

Here's one of my latest.A 41 Rambler twin bar in need of lots of tlc.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/twintubeccm.jpg

bikeguy - $ 5.00 for that bike was a smoking deal... it does not look like too many changes happened between 1924 and the 40's as I have seen the same model represented in a number of eras.

What is there not to love about these bikes from the Canadian Cycle and Motor Comany ?

They are to Canadians what Schwinn bikes are to Americans.

bikeguy - $ 5.00 for that bike was a smoking deal... it does not look like too many changes happened between 1924 and the 40's as I have seen the same model represented in a number of eras.

What is there not to love about these bikes from the Canadian Cycle and Motor Comany ?

They are to Canadians what Schwinn bikes are to Americans.

That's right.When I was growing up in the 60s/70s everybody rode a CCM.The Mustangs were the one to get.They were amazingly strong little bikes.
What got me started in collecting CCMs specifically was finding a bunch(spaced out over a few years)of mint originals that had been hiding in peoples garages or basements.Some hardly used.Garage sales are another great place to find them.I've paid as little as $1 for 73 Elan(mint original).
The really only difference I've found over the years is the pedal system.Sixty Fiver,how did you verify the years on your bikes?Your 33 looks more like 40s maybe 50s.What is the serial number?The reason I ask is if you look at the pic of the 41 you'll notice the crank is a 3 piece unit(same as the 24).I think they switched to the one piece in mid 40s.Unless you swapped cranks(then never mind.:))
I am trying to put together a collection of all the styles of CCMs so I can display them in a small museum type thing.I have a one-room school house(c.1874)and think it would be a cool spot for a totally interactive museum.Let people ride them.Because it's amazing.All I ride are CCMs and it's wild how people respond to them."they used to have one just like it except it was red with chrome fenders".It's cool how most people can remember when,where they got their first CCM.
Another pic.....
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/Someoftheherd4.jpg

I found this old photo, they arent all CCMs, but most are.

I like that rusty green double bar you have, looks just as rusty as my blue one

Bikeguy -I don't have the serial number at hand but when I checked the CCM dating codes it showed that the bike was a 1933 model... the crank may have very well been replaced at some time in this bike's lifetime.

My 1940 bike got a one piece crank because I have a number of them in the shop and as it's frame looks much like your Rambler it could very well be the same model.

The rear hub on the 1933 is also a very early Hercules with no accompanying CCM engraving and statemets that there are "patent's pending".

Later CCM bike I have seen are marked "CCM Hercules".

With all that being said, I will have to make sure I stop at your little museum when I do my trans continental ride in 2015... I'd go sooner but want my daughters to be old enough to take the trip with me.

If my 1933 has the wrong crank I would love to see it replaced with a proper one as a period correct restoration is my goal.

PS - Someone needs to compile some information on models and features of vintage CCM bikes as there is very little out there.

Here's a pic of a 46 ladies bike w/1946 newspaper basket.It was given to me by the original owner when she heard that I was into old bikes.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1946CCM.jpg

Here are a few updated pics of my 1940 CCM... all I need now is some light brown bar tape (or some dye) and some period correct pedals.

The bike will be going in for powdercoating with it's older sister since the paint isn't what I'd like it to be.

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/rambler1.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/rambler2.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/biking/rambler3.jpg

The only thing that would make that cooler is painted rims w/white tires.Nice looking ride.
I have discovered that the Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa has an "extensive collection of CCM memorabilia" in their library and they have photocopying available.I/we need to get in there and see what they have.(You should call 613 991-2982 to book an appointment).My main problem is I don't live in Ottawa anymore(too far to ride).It seems to be the only resource right now.Don't bother with the CCM site(if you haven't already tried).They don't seem to be that interested in their history. I know more about their history than they do.I have scoured the internet for any info and have to say that you are correct,there's not mucking fuch out there.It's going to be up to enthusiasts like us to try and put it together.As soon as I can I'm heading to the Sci n Tech.I need this info for my museum.


P.S. Did you know that CCM made a luxury car?

I've stashed a good number of vintage parts (that would have otherwise been thrown out) and happen to have a few nice 28 inch paintable rims... :D

I did know that CCM made cars (and luxury ones at that)

My ride time to Ottawa would be a few weeks since I live in Edmonton, Alberta but I think a ride down to the shop is in order so I can go look at those wheels and swap the 20 tooth cog on the '40 for an 18 to give me a little more road speed.

That 1940 is a spectacularly nice bike to ride and when I had the frame stripped down I weighed it...with the bb cups in it was an even 5 pounds and the brazing work was very well done aside from a pinhole where the second bar meets the seatpost... I'll have to braze that at the shop before the powdercoating.

We get a lot of old CCM's coming in on donation and the wheels on my '40 came from a 1964 that had a badly bent frame and was and beyond redemption... I did keep all the useable parts since we recycle nearly everything.

The fork on the CCM came off a crashed Norco road bike and is a far better unit than the stock forks from that era especially since I ride this bike at some goodly speeds.

I found this old photo, they arent all CCMs, but most are.

I like that rusty green double bar you have, looks just as rusty as my blue one

Nice collection.It seems everybody had an Elan.Has to be one of the most popular model.I have 5 of them.Is that a Sunshine I see?Your twin bar looked a lot nicer than mine.

I would be certain that the Elan was one of the most popular models CCM ever made as I have seen more of these than any other models and am especially fond of their chainguards.

I have also seen a number of department store models (ie Eatons) that were most definately re-badged CCM bikes... I have one in the yard at the shop and will have to snap some photos of the poor old thing.

CCM built bikes for quite a few dep't/hardware stores. CanadianTire(Supercycle),Eatons(RoadKing),TheBay(Baycrest),Freiman's(Freimart).If you can think of any more.It seems that there was good competition with Raleigh in the late 60s/early 70s.I've seen bikes badged for(any one of the above)that were built by both Raleigh and CCM.Sometimes even in the same year.
Here's a pic of as interesting find.All I got was the frame and chainguard.It's still a work in progress but it does ride now.I finally found a donour Supercycle for the fenders and forks.The ones in the pic are off of a Sears FreeSpirit of the same year(1971)
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/betterpicoftandem1.jpg

I would love to have a tandem so I could take my best girls out for longer rides..they're 7 and 10.

I saw a couple out on a '74 CCM tandem last summer and we had a great conversation and I even got to take the bike for a spin.

We also have a CCM tandem down at the shop that I can probably borrow... hmmm.

I just got it going late this summer and only got to take it out a couple of times.I've put a SA hub(stoker gets to use the gears and the rear brake because I can't find cables long enough to reach the front)and with 2 people cranking on it,it can boogie along.At slow speeds it steers like a bus,gotta take wide turns.If you ride one you'll be hooked and have to get one.:D

I rode one (and want one) and agree that at low speeds they handle like a really big bus.

My stokers are just wee lasses but am sure they will enjoy being able to do some long rides with dad.

They should love it.Seeing as they're sitting behind you,you'll never know when they take their feet off the pedals;)
Here's another rare/weird find.I was always under the impression that all CCMs were built in Canada.Either in Weston,Ontario or in Saint-Georges,Quebec(Procycle bought the CCM name in '83).Well, I found this CCM 12speed that has badging claiming "made in France"on the chainstays.It is 501 tubing and really light.I think Procycle had Peugeot build CCM some mid-range bikes(Procycle also bought Peugeot) for some reason.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/smallccm2.jpg

Glad to see there are other CCM fans. I just picked up a Silver Ghost, and will post pics as soon as it's back from the shop - it was pretty trashed. Coincidentally, it looks like another Silver Ghost frame popped up for $50 on Toronto's Craigslist. It looks like it anyway, but there are no decals except for a 531 decal on the seat-tube. The buyer seems sure, but I seem to remember the Mistral also came with 531 main tubes. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyhow if you're looking for a Silver Ghost check it out.


CCM produced three models that used the same frame: the Silver Ghost, Mistral and Concorde. The only difference was the color and decals. What color is the frame? The 531 tubes are only plain gauge, while the forks and stays are hi-tensile steel. Dropouts for most years were stamped. They were lower, mid-range fames. The lugs on the early ones leave at lot to be desired aesthetically. Some of the workmanship from that era falls into the same category.

CCMs?Now your talking MY language.The Flyte is kinda the holy grail of CCM collecting.It was only built for 3 years and was quite expensive at the time(you could buy a good used Model T for the same price)....

I guess it's all relative, but I wouldn't consider the Flyte an expensive bicycle. It was only about 10% more than the Motorbike or Standard Sport models. Even if you look at CCM's stripped to the bar bones adult model, the Flyte was only 50% more expensive.

The Flyte has become expensive only in the modern era, where it's uniqueness brings prices that are tenfold to a hundredfold what it's CCM brethen from the era can command.

Not mine. This belongs to to Bicycle Specialties in T.O. They also have a coupla ccm track bikes from the 50s, and g*d knows what else.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d28/drong/CCMStayer.jpg

I guess it's all relative, but I wouldn't consider the Flyte an expensive bicycle. It was only about 10% more than the Motorbike or Standard Sport models. Even if you look at CCM's stripped to the bar bones adult model, the Flyte was only 50% more expensive.

The Flyte has become expensive only in the modern era, where it's uniqueness brings prices that are tenfold to a hundredfold what it's CCM brethen from the era can command.

Don't forget that it was marketed in the height of the Depression when people couldn't afford a new bike.Let alone the top model.It was only the well-to-do that could afford something like the Flyte.Poor sales are what contributed to it's demise.

The "silver ghost" on craigslist is silver, and a half chrome fork, actually here is the listing:
http://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/428190673.html

The seat tube lug looks really nice, no close up of the head tube lug work. I didn't realize it was only the main tubes were 531 on these bikes, and hi-tensile stays, thats rather dissapointing to here. T-Mar, do you know anything about the tour de canada? I remember reading about it in a old bicycle book, was that one full 531?

The "silver ghost" on craigslist is silver, and a half chrome fork, actually here is the listing:
http://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/428190673.html

The seat tube lug looks really nice, no close up of the head tube lug work. I didn't realize it was only the main tubes were 531 on these bikes, and hi-tensile stays, thats rather dissapointing to here. T-Mar, do you know anything about the tour de canada? I remember reading about it in a old bicycle book, was that one full 531?

Yes, that is a Silver Ghost, specifically a 1977 model. The seat lug is not so nice. Look closely and you'll see that it is just a standard square cut lug on the bottom. The head lugs look nice for the actual head tube, but the top tube and down tube portions look just like the seat lug - half finished.

The Tour Du Canada came in two very different versions. One was an entry level model of hi-tensile steel and the other a top of the line model with Reynolds 531 DB. I've got one of the latter, which I've owned for 23 years.

Don't forget that it was marketed in the height of the Depression when people couldn't afford food.Let alone the top model bicycle.10% more was a big deal then(50% more would be unheard of).It was only the well-to-do that could afford something like the Flyte.Poor sales are what contributed to the demise of the Flyte.

Well, first off the Flyte was manufactured for 5 years, not 3. As for it being manufactured during the depression, that was an aid, not a hindrance. People couldn't afford cars and bicycles sales were up. The first year of Flyte production saw bicycle production in Canada increase by 30% over the previous best year. And production climbed steadily during the remaining 4 fours that the Flyte was available. The fact that Flytes didn't sell during this period is not so curious. I know a lot of people attribute it to the cost, but CCM were selling racers which were 60% more expensive than a Motorbike, a lot more expensive than the Flyte. So, bicycles sales were good and more expensive models were selling. That leaves the design, which was probably too radical for the marketplace. Had they simply streamlined a Motorbike without incorporating the cushioned stays and forks, it likely would have sold well, despite the price increase. It did for Schwinn and other US companies.

Monday is my night to run the co-op so took to checking out an Eaton's Glider we have there which is a re-branded Raleigh and another slice of Canadian bike history.

It has 28 inch wheels on a Perry coaster hub with a threaded cog and lockring and an oiled bb... the oddest part of the bike is the back curving front fork. It also has a 3 piece bb with no identifying marks on the crank and is a little scruffy but will be worth the effort to bring her back to her former glory.

The oiled bb and paintable rims lead me to think this is a pretty old bike and after I finish restoring a lady's Raleigh rod brake roadster I'll probably tackle the Glider.

CCM reissued the Mustang in 1999 to celebrate their 100th anniversary.They were distributed by CanadianTire outlets and they were sold for$99. I just HAD to have one of them.I modified it with a vintage back tire,seat/sissy bar,and chainring.I put a set of 24"mtn bike forks on it to give it a little more rake/length.The frame is quite a bit smaller than the originals(look at the length of THAT seat post!)The bike is as strong as the originals but the 3speed hub is a POS.First gear went south and now second is going.Gonna swap in a Sturmey hub.The bike is STILL a lot of fun(even at my age-47 years young:))
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/Jam151.jpg

CCM TRIVIA- Did you know that Vincent Massey(Canada's Governor General from 1952 to 1959)and Raymond Massey(actor)were brothers and great grandsons of Daniel Massey(of Massey-Harris)?

Hey BikeGuy,

I would like to say Hello, and Im new to this forum, I recently came across a CCM tandem, and of all places here in Newport Beach, CA, I did buy it, but honestly I didnt know what I had, and what CCM stood for til recently, and after I had repainted it. It was a true rust bucket!! I would like to know more about this bike, I did find the serial number D244715 on the front seat tube down by the crank. An exact year would be helpful. I do have some pics of it before and after, my 8 year old daughter and I just enjoy to ride it.

I have a few CCM bikes mostly older bikes. This one is a CCM made Garry sold by the Ashdown company.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/DSC02381.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/DSC02427.jpg
The second is a CCM made Pastime. I am not sure who sold these. No serial number on it.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/DSC02593.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/DSC02594.jpg
This one is a CCM Cleveland. It was found in the garbage dump by my neighbor who cleaned it up and painted it. I bought it last weekend for $10. It is a 1937 but has the Hercules 1926 stamped hub. It must have been made before the 1937 was used. In the background is a CCM balloon tire bike wih junk wheels for the garden. The wheel on the left belongs to a ladies Garry.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/DSC02599.jpg
This one is a CCM Massey. 1938
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/BikeParts449.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Rat%20Rod%20Bike/BikeParts445.jpg

Hey Squirtsdad.Welcome to the best forum:).Based on the serial number it was built in 1971.The CCM Tandem is fairly heavy bike but alot of fun.Does yours have the "blade forks"?I swapped in a conventional set of forks because I didn't like the flex in the originals.I find it handles better this way.
Pics are ALWAYS nice:)

Thank you, Its nice to know the age, the original forks were already replaced before I got the bike, there was a Tange style on it. I will try to get some pics of it soon, Thanks again

I see my pics vanished when I switched to another server so here they are again...

The 1940 CCM "Path" bike... not too much is original except the frame.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/ccmpath2.jpg

The 1933... I would really like to have it re-painted and ready for Canada Day.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/CCM1.jpg

1939 (or thereabouts) Flyer
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d28/drong/ccmfull.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d28/drong/ccmht.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d28/drong/ccmcrank.jpg

moki - g'dang that Flyer is sweet.

moki - g'dang that Flyer is sweet.


Except it's not a Flyer but the next down Road Racer model.

This is the tandem I found in newport, its currently far from being original, most of the original parts were so far gone that I really didnt want to try an use them. It took some time to get it this far, the trailer I built from scratch. I will get some before pics soon.

These are some I had and have.

this is a nice one, it went to a very good http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/demonic_inu/000_0008.jpg


This is a rusty old Elan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/demonic_inu/100_0048.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/demonic_inu/100_0064.jpg

1939 CCM ladies bike. It had a repaint at one time. It looks great with the paint.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/oldy57/Bikes/DSC02700.jpg

If it happened, I'd be first in line for a season pass to any said CCM Museum!

My luck seems to bring me across more Raleighs (which I also like), but CCM's are where my true interest lies. I just sold a 60's Galaxie 3 speed, but what I ride around our property is a 60's Grand Touring 3 speed... it's a nice green. I paid too much for it but that's ok because it fits me perfectly. I'll post pictures when I get some...

I've always thought that it's too bad CCM didn't embrace Rust-Proofing a little bit more seriously- given this IS Canada! I've come across too many with that horrid speckle on the frame...

Gotta keep things updated and keep this thread alive... I built up some new wheels on 27 inch Araya rims for the path bike and used an old Perry hub for the rear.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/ccmpath5.jpg

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/ccmpathnewwheel2.jpg

Had a fellow come in the other day with an ancient CCM frame with a "CCM Massey" band... I can let him know that within this thread there is a picture of his bike in a complete condition.

A CCM museum would be a wonderful thing to have as would any more information we can get on these much beloved bikes.

Oh yeah... I found a nearly complete CCM Mustang too.

Here is CCM Cruiser I just sold, and an Eaton's Glider I fixed up for a friend.

hello my name is mark.grew up riding a 30s colson in the 70s,and have been in awe of old bicycles ever since!i recently purchased a not sure of the year but early 1900s massey silver ribbon.mostly untouched.i will clean this and keep original.i have been waiting along time for such a bike.i had the fork trued,what a nice colour this bike was dark marroon?heres a few pics:)

1969 elan sport-this bike was in a closet for 20 years,haha ....i was told.not a speck of rust.rides a little quirky but im glad it had all original equipment.shes a beauty!