the_freewheeler

I'll start...I have two. For those of you unfamiliar, Iver Johnson also manufactured firearms, and that machining quality carried into their bicycles. For that reason, the build quality of these is so far beyond what one would expect out of bicycles manufactured from 1890 to 1940. It is such a privilege to own these.

I'm in the market to buy or trade for a larger (~24") Iver truss frame because these two bikes are a bit small for me. I'd be happy to trade an Iver for an Iver if any of you out there have something that may fill my needs!

1917 Model 1787 Truss Bridge Roadster - truss frame, full fenders, wood rims, coaster brake






1937 Model 90 Road Racer - diamond frame, wood rims, fixed gear




Enjoy! Feel free to ask for additional photos.

Sir_Name 

Please add additional photos. Those are very neat bikes, and so complete. Which parts are original? Guessing the stem (so maybe bars?) were replaced at some point on the Model 90, yes?

Bikerider007

Yes to more photos! Seat cluster and head please. If you see any other cool craftsmanship, dropout or whatever is appreciated. On both of course.

the_freewheeler

I'm pretty certain the 1787 is 100% original, but not certain of the model 90. The parts are all Iver, however. The crank arm is offset to accommodate a chain guard, so I personally think this is the only non-original part. I believe the handlebars are their model no. 131, which was an option in 1937.

edit: see this link for their different handlebar designs/options.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/322247...7649324143506/

No problem, gents. I should be able to add more within the next couple days.

The Golden Boy 

I love those truss frames. Really cool- it defines the 1910's!

Now- this is probably sacrilegious... but I love going to "antique malls." I don't really look for "collect-y" stuff, but I always look at these old things that I can actually use. Generally, it's stuff that's well used that I have no real fear of breaking.

These old bikes, can more modern-y alloy wheels and parts be swapped onto these bikes? Essentially doing what many of us do with 1970s/80s bikes with more modern-y components- but with a much older bike. I just think it would be fun to ride one of these old bikes with that gorgeous style, without the fear of wrecking a 100 year old wooden wheel, breaking a chain or tearing up a brittle saddle or whatever.

Lascauxcaveman 

I think that's a reasonable approach, if you're going to buy something like this. Obviously you don't chuck the original parts, but rather store them carefully for future use. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to source a set of neon green deep V's and bullhorn bars for these bikes, but I would try to make them rideable at some point.

the_freewheeler

To my knowledge, the wheel size for most American bikes of this era was 28". That's just barely smaller than 700c (29"/29er = 700c), so most are converted to ridable machines with standard wheels nowadays. Rim brake fit is a non-issue because none of these bikes had them. There are a few guys out there that are actually making modern wood rims, which is another great alternative. Keep original wheels on for display, and swap new wheels on to take it for a spin.

I wouldn't hesitate to use any other original components, aside from a saddle if it's dried out or torn. Just throw a Brooks B17 on if that's the case. Can't go wrong.

As far as Iver Johnsons are concerned, I think their BB/crank is proprietary (though I could be wrong, so please correct me if so). The BB shell is unthreaded, so the crank itself is threaded, which hold dust caps in place to protect the bearings. I'll add a picture to try to help explain.

Sir_Name 

Wow, remarkable. Hopefully my question on original components wasn't taken as anything other than a bit of curiosity on my part. Amazing to see such complete examples. An acquaintance of a friend has a ~20s (if I'm remembering correctly) frame only that he's looking to offload. I couldn't imagine having to source even remotely correct parts for it. I'm guessing that finding something like yours in original form is a bit of a rarity (let alone finding two). Thanks for sharing, I'm enjoying the pictures.

the_freewheeler

Oh no worries! There's always a chance I may be wrong about something.

As far as sourcing parts is concerned, I think it's mainly a waiting game. Just have to always keep your eyes open and be ready to pay up whenever the chance comes along. I think it is quite rare to come across these complete bikes...I'm new to the antique bike scene, but the folks on another antique/vintage forum made it sound like I scored pretty big on them.

lostarchitect 

I never show my Johnson on the internet.

the_freewheeler

that's a pretty solid policy

Sir_Name 

Sure looks like a very good score to me. Congrats. I know that The CABE exists, that's about it. And that I like these very much - esp. the Model 90. You mentioned a new set of wheels for use - I'm having fun picturing wood rims laced to Odom hubs. Though spendy for sure.

How are the tubes joined? Fillet brazed? I can almost see lugs on the Model 90, though not sure if my eyes are playing tricks.

the_freewheeler

Here's a photo update of the Model 90. This bike has been 100% disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt. I think she cleaned up quite nicely.

sir_name - I'm not certain on the joinery on them, but it's definitely not lugged. To be fillet brazed, the radiuses are super tight. It may be welded and sanded/ground smooth. I'll try to figure that out for sure for you though...I'd be very interested to know.

Sir_Name 

That cleaned up well...very nice work! I couldn't make out the clamp portion of the stem in the first photos, makes a whole lot more sense to me now.

The box lining was playing tricks on me re lugs - those sure look like welds to my eye. I'm also interested in knowing more. Will let you know if I find anything.

the_freewheeler

I looked a little more into that and was told that the whole frame, completely assembled, were dipped into a vat of molten brass. Technically that would be fillet brazing, but I still don't know how the frames were held together prior to being dipped - whether tack welded, fully welded, etc.

Sir_Name 

Well that's something I would have never thought of. These bikes keep getting more interesting.

lostarchitect 

You need to have a paid membership to post bikes for sale.

bmthom.gis

I've got an Iver Johnson 5 shooter. It doesn't work. Asked a gunsmith about it and he said it would not be worth the money. Neat little thing, inherited from my grandfather.

the_freewheeler

Thanks for letting me know that...as of 5 seconds ago, I am now a paid member.

lostarchitect 

Cool, post it in the sales subforum and you will probably get some attention.

CbadRider

And any sale posts must be done in the Marketplace forums.

the_freewheeler

Pretty surprised nobody else has had Ivers of their own to add.

More photos of the 1917 Model 1787 Truss Roadster...let me know if you guys want any specific shots of this one

amazing how complete and original this is for being 100 years old. just missing tires and 1 grip.


head badge in great condition




the iconic "trust the truss" logo


very cool original horse hair springer saddle - just needs to be reupholstered


original wood rims

Fat Tire Trader 

Here is my smallest Iver

the_freewheeler

whoa, that's cool!

Salamandrine 

Out of curiosity, where does one find 28 x 1 1/2" sew up tires for those old wooden rims? I'm not familiar with pre-war racing tire standards.

Is it actually different, or in fact the same diameter as modern 700c tubulars?