'20's BSA? Really?
 

Shopping for this one; need a little help These are the only photos I have to work with. Looks like an S/A? 3speed shifter, but rear hub & wheel look newer. What have we got here?, and what should I pay?
More importantly, how do you think it will ride?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a1958d27f0.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b2cca96b21.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4a46d1892f.jpg

The whole bike looks more like a low-end BSA stock model from the later 1930s. The crankset is a swaged example with a fixed chainring that would have been considered a "utility" model. I used to own this 1951 New Hudson Silver Arrow, which was a rebadged BSA pre-war model reintroduced after BSA purchased New Hudson after the war. The one thing that distinguishes it from the inexpensive post-war models is that it still has the clip headset.

You can get bicycles like the New Hudson, in rather excellent original condition, for $300-400 if you wait for them. As someone who's collected a few of this kind I personally wouldn't take the one you've shared unless if it was a gift. Just a hunk of steel otherwise.

-Gregory

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a060b4f25.jpg

If this is a BSA I would note that the fork has been replaced with a generic Raleigh fork. The pedals have also been replaced. I would hold out for something in better condition. The ride will probably not be anything memorable since it's a cheaper/heavier clunker of a bike

https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk/date_tax/1920/ is a link to a page with a lot of 1920's bicycles.
It was an interesting era, because people were still experimenting with various frame designs for the basic safety bicycle.


But what you have there is mistakenly identified as to era, and in rough shape to boot. You should ask who researched the provenance. :)

Thank you all. I have taken your advice, and will live to ask for more. Don't know why but I found myself watching a StarTrek movie last night. "Live long, and prosper." I never thought much about that line before, but it pretty much says it all: Hope you all have a rewarding 2024. Steve