Classic & Vintage - CCM what is it???

About a year or perhaps even two ago I picked up this fifties something CCM and would like to know a bit more about the bicycle. I collect high end Canadian made racing bicycles from the vintage days and this old CCM seemed like a good fit for my collection. Sadly, the bicycle is a bit too big for me. But I would like to know more about the bike. Have a look at the pics and any information would be much appreciated.

The bike is Reynolds 531 with a single ring steel cottered crank driving a narrow range four gear freewheel. There is a sticker on the bicycle suggesting that the bike is of 1958 vintage or earlier. The wheels are 27" and do not match so there is little help there.

Though I do like the bicycle I am not fooling myself into thinking that I can restore it. I have other projects lined up that I am much more interested in completing - 1975 CCM Tour du Canada and a 1971 Masi, both to be completed before next Spring.

Cool bike! I love the Reynolds stem! The chainring is sweet also, but is there something wrong with it that would prevent the chain from sitting on it properly?

that is a very unique looking bike. I think the issuse with chain might be that judging from the master link it might be 1/8 chain instead of 2/32. hopefully that is all and the chain/chainwheel are not overly stretched out.

Cool bike! Sorry I can't really help.

Btw that crank is actually cotterless. CCM came up quite early with it's design, I think it had a triangular taper. And those cogs/chain look 1/8"! (oups too late on that observation)

Actually, I got the bicycle from Vancouver through a good friend who watches CL for me. I keep my eye open for vintage mountain bicycles for him.

I have paid little attention to the bicycle so far since I am way too busy to invest time in it at the moment. Also, it is too big for me and my rule is if it don't fit, someone else is welcome to it and this old CCM does not fit.

As for the chain fit issue, I really do not know at this time. The bike is tucked wayyyy back in The Old Shed and it would be difficult to get at it right now. But I am interested again and I just might pull it out for another gander.

Very nice looking bike. Never seen an early CCM like that, only familiar with their bikes from the early 70's on. Definitely a keeper !

CCM Westonia, mid-1950s. Nice acquisition

Thanks T-Mar and your response sheds light on this seat tube decal which I thought might be where the bike was made. Now I know what the missing letters are WEST__IA - WESTONIA. Thanks.

Correct chain is 1/8" as previously suggested. Chain seating issue is just a very stretched chain.

FYI, rear derailleur is a replacement. Original would have been Benelux. But don't throw the Simplex away, that's a relatively rare 1st generation Prestige.

I am better learning how to get around in the Bike Forum and I just noticed T-Mar's comment about the Benelux derailleur. It just so happens that I do have a four speed Benelux tucked away. I was considering using it for something like the CCM and now the die is all but cast. Assuming, of course, that I ever get at the project which is now entering its second year of waiting for attention.

And thanks for the heads up on the Simplex derailleur. I had not planned on throwing it out since it seems to work well enough and I am becoming aware that old Simplex stuff is becoming harder to find even though more people are looking:)