Tandem Cycling - Help w/ mystery tandem ID

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View Full Version : Help w/ mystery tandem ID


jvanhousen
04-16-11, 03:35 AM
Hi all,
Looking for some help ID'ing an old tandem I just acquired. It's a fillet brazed frame w/ some interesting features that might help someone recognize it. Please check out the linked pics. and I'd love to answer any questions or supply additional photos/ info.
Unusual older Simplex rear derailleur is hung on equally unusual, and nicely executed hanger. The front rack closely resembles one I spotted on a 40's Singer, although I believe this bike to be closer to late 50's early 60's. The other braze-ons are the shifter bosses, cable guides and pump nib. BB shell has grease fitting.
Any ideas? I'd love to give it an identity (correct decal set) after I repaint it!
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
https://picasaweb.google.com/VanHousenConst/Apr92011?pli=1&gsessionid=SFqz0N95iXcLIMVT5HoXKA#5595992825674007154

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SqQzDho-ApBAanhACf2Ogg?feat=directlink


TandemGeek
04-16-11, 05:19 AM
At first glance, it appears to be a dead-ringer for a Jack Taylor Touring Tandem from the late 50's or early 60's. But that's just a guess based on frame design, keel tube shape, fork crowns, Reynolds 531 tubing, certain components, fenders, rack, etc. If it's a Taylor, I believe there will be a four-digit serial number stamped into the left rear drop-out in front of the axle.

Here's a link to a web page that has links to Taylor catalogs from the 50's and 60's (http://www.blackbirdsf.org/taylor/literature.html) with drawings of the different tandem models and lists some of the components. There's also a photo collection on that site where you can find other Taylors of the same era and a serial number archive. You may be able to match up a few more details depending on how original your bike is and how accurate their catalog was and from the serial number, if it's a Taylor. It looks like some of the original components may have been swapped out or removed at some point.

http://www.blackbirdsf.org/taylor/images/touring_tandem.jpg

jvanhousen
04-16-11, 11:22 AM
And we have a winner.
Thanks for the info, Jack Taylor it is, serial number 3931, putting it at 1961.
Anyone have a rear rack for this bike?


zonatandem
04-16-11, 07:49 PM
The Taylor brothers have long ago retired but there's still quite a few of their bikes floating around.
Asides from decals an authentic paint job would have to include the famous box lining that they were noted for.
Their only apprentice that ever stayed in the bike biz is Colin Laing (another renowned custom bike builder) who now is also retired and living in the Phoenix ,AZ area.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy abnd Kay/zonatandem