Columbia Model 40
 

Just had this bike fall into my lap and I am looking for some advise. I am reasonably familiar with it but info seems scarce. I believe it to be from 1895 but would love to confirm it. I am also planning to clean it up and make it ride able again. Is there any value to keeping it as is? I do not think the wheels and hubs are original due but I really don't know. There is a rear coaster brake I do not think they existed back then. I am thinking of modernizing the rim size and lacing maybe a 26 inch rim to it for some better tire choices. I will be keeping the drivetrain and cockpit and be making new wooden grips for it. Thanks for any advise.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...93a9c3d554.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a9123d4169.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8ca8dded8c.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6a063de5ed.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...badd762740.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...efdf7c2b6e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0c30278300.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...17bf4f4f3d.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...90ef140ca7.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f616990069.jpg

Thanks for the nice pictures ColinT . I don't know, but those rims look like they came from a Schwinn Typhoon. I wouldn't know what wheels came on a bike of that vintage, my experience doesn't go back far enough.

I did want to comment on how good a condition this bike is in.

The C.A.B.E. (Classic and Antique Bicycle Exchange) will have forums that will put you in touch with the right people for this project. That is your best contact source for late 19th century and early 20th century bikes. C&V is more for 1970s and 1980s road bikes. That Columbia, BTW, does look pretty intact.

Wow, that is so cool. Sorry, I have no info, but am a fan

Thanks for the compliments. I tried TheCabe and I’ll see what they have to say. I’m now planing to make some periodish looking hubs and lace them to modern rims. Then just roll it around town.

I would guess that the original rims were wooden. Key word is "guess".