teisco 

I have a chance to buy a 70's Columbia Commuter two folder and not sure if it is a good buy or not, the guy wants $75 for it. I have not seen it but he says it is mint with 3 speeds and working light. I searched the net but could find nothing, not even a picture. Anyone have pic or opinion?
Thanks,
Paul

Lalato

It's tough without a picture. I did a quick search and didn't turn up anything.

A typical folding bike from that era will have a u-frame like the pic below. These bikes are a dime a dozen as many companies made them. Personally, I wouldn't pay $75 for a bike like this unless it was in really awesome shape.



Another design that was somewhat popular was the Raleigh Twenty. There were some companies that copied or licensed the design. This is considered to be a good design overall and might be worth $75.



There were other designs in that era as well, but the two above were the most common. Anything else and we would really need a picture to help sort it out.

--sam

social suicide

I have seen the Columbia bike. It comes apart at the headset it is quite unusual and it would make a great 4th vintage folder. The two I have seen on eBay in the last year have sold for around $125 + shipping. This bike has a square seatpost and the shifter is mounted there so make sure all the parts are there. You should buy it, and if you and your teenage children aren't thrilled, it will sell on eBay. The handlebars and fork are the same as the Columbia Playbike but the frame is from West Gremany. Buy this bike and you'll almost be as cool as me on my '68 Schwinn Runabout.

social suicide

Here's the handlebars anyways....590columbiaplaybike1.jpg