ghostown2000

We inherited my wifes great grandfathers bicycle that he used to race at an indoor track in syracuse NY. I'm not having any luck finding anything out about this bike. The label on the front of it says on top track racer
under that it says around the decal the davis sewing machine company makers dayton ohio, in the midle it says DAYTON.
Can someone please help me in this matter ?

Mike Mills

Pics, please. It makes it sooo much easier.

gtownviking

If you have no luck here....try www.ratrodbikes.com. They have a section solely dedicated to board track racers.

But just based off of your description, I would say it' s a Dayton. Not a joke...there was a bike company called Dayton.

ghostown2000

Yes , I'm sure, but the name around dayton said the davis sewing machine company

gtownviking

https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-384570.html

scroll down and read bikephreak comment. It might give some answers if not a lead to work on.

Andrew F

Dayton Sewing Machine made some fine bikes, no joke. They were one of the major mfgs. at the turn of the century. One of their claim to fames is that Tsar Nicholas rode a Dayton. There is even archival film of the Tsar ridding his Dayton. Dayton used this for several years in the advertisements. If your are interested in selling PM me. Thanks

banjo_mole 

Post a freaking picture.

Mike Mills

If they had posted a pic or two, this would already be a ten page thread.

ghostown2000

how do I upload a pic ?

Mike Mills

It doesn't look like any kind of indoor racer to me, at least not in its current configuration. Things that are at odds with the"racer" description are - fenders, coaster brake, mattress saddle, the stem and handlebars, white wall tires and what looks to be a three-speed rear hub. The only thing that looks "racerish" is the rather large chainring in the front.

The fork crown, head badge, seat stay brace and the crank all look really great! I like those details a lot, especially the fork crown and crank.

The frame maker may have some racing heritage in their background (which allows them to say so on their badge) but this bike does not look like a racer to me.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Did "Safety Bikes" really look like this in 1904?


Also, you might not want to suspend it from the rear fender like that.

Andrew F

Yup! even as far back as the late 1880's the diamond frame was pretty well established. In the ads of that time, alot of bikes were marketed as "Racers". Doesn't mean they had any relation to an actual competitive machine. It looks like the bike is pre 20's It should have a New Departure A Rear Hub with a coaster brake. If It has a fixed hub then it maybe a retired track bike reconfigured but I doubt it. The fenders and bars look period so I think it's a nice every day piece of transportation. Would be a nice restoration project.

sailorbenjamin

Nice bike. By the way, I learned to sail on Cochiti.

gtownviking

Alright, gonna let the geek out here....that is an AWESOME skip tooth sprocket!!!! What are the chances of you snapping and posting a picture of a close up of it?
Just MHO but I would pay to have that puppy fully restored and then hang it like that....BTW, I agree with the poster above.....might want to hang it from the back wheel and not the fender.

Mike Mills

Is it your intention to hang onto this? Will you have it restored or preserved?

Do you think you would sell it to allow someone else (me?) to restore it? (<-- hint, hint)

That head badge, fork crown and crank/sproket are awesome. What's the tire size, can you tell?

gtownviking

THe more I think about it and look at it ....the more I want it!~ But I am putting the finishing touches on a restoration for my Miyata with my wifes, Columbia cruiser in the wings..... Please let us know what you decide to do with it. and I agree.....I didn't see the head badge the first time around and WOW! what a piece of art.

I feel the green eyed monster approaching......

Ragooch

Post some better photos. Close up of the crank, rear drop-outs, fork crown, seat-cluster, etc.

It could be a race bike that was converted to road use (which was common). The crank looks like a two-piece and the pedals look to be pretty good quality. A little nicer than what you would see on a roadster. The bars have a nice bend and may just be flipped over? And the fenders are mounted to the axles not to tabs.

Might be a good one, but you will need to post bigger and better photos if you want more info.

Andrew F

Daytons of that age usually run on 28" tubulars, still available through Harper machine in WV

Looks like it would be a nice vintage rider!

ghostown2000

Yes the tire size is 28". They arent in that good of shape. The back tire is very warped, but a nice bike and I"m pretty sure all original.