Hey everybody, yesterday I picked up 3 "barn bikes" with the intention to get them just roadworthy enough to take to work and share with coworkers for quick rides at lunch. I went to pick up a 65 schwinn collegiate and a columbia sport (which is also quite old). The man sold them to me for a super deal under the condition that I took a 3rd "mystery" bike that he had for 10 dollars more, I figured what the heck and when I saw the third bike I liked its style even more than the two I went for. Problem is I have no idea what this bike is and its driving me nuts. I researched the bike for about 3 hours online and the closest I came is that it may possibly be some cheap Chiorda based on the styling of the rear dropouts. In any case I have posted pics of all the bikes, the one in question starts about 4 down from the top on this tumblr blog (https://constructor.tumblr.com/), would anyone have any more clues as to what this bike is? I found the s/n, its at the end of the string of photos. Thanks in advance for any clues you can offer.

I'll name it 'George'

I guess i sort of stepped right into that one eh.

I'd call it José, but, that's just me with an odd preference for spanish names (my personal nickname is Juan-Pedro Felipe Hernandesz VII, no real reason why).

I don't know. Doesn't look like a "cheap" bike. It's lugged, so, it atleast had a name-brand name and depending on the year, might have been low-end, but, definitely not a department store bike. Single-Speed, Coaster brake, Cottered cranks, correct? Probably british, Raleigh or something. Those chainrings are new to me, though.
Either way, it's yours. Looks like a nice find for $10. I'd love to pick up something neat and simple like that for so cheap. Can't tell you it's a true classic or anything, so, do with what you want, might end up with a neat old mail/grocery getter.
GR

José, it's simple so i'd say thats in the lead so far :C)

I thought about a Raleigh first too, ruled it out because i thought most Raleigh's were 3 speed and I doubted anyone had converted this one to single speed. Also the original color is a near hunter green which I dont think i've ever seen on a Raleigh, but I don't know much about them really. I took a quick ride and even though the handlebars look cool i think i'll probably put something straight on there as my legs are kind of long and kept hitting them. In any case thanks for looking I appreciate your help.

oh and yes you're dead on right, it has cottered cranks, I didnt even notice that before, good eye!

I'm partial to Rusty or Barney :/

Rusty rings true, Barney makes me think of big purple dinosaurs.

Fork is a Columbia, and as I've never seen a lugged Columbia, I'd wager it is a replacement.

-Kurt

Due to the lack of lugging on the fork I figured it wasn't original but what characteristics indicate its from a Columbia? I don't doubt you I just don't have a clue.

definatly looks british or at least european. was leaning towards raleigh untill i saw the chainring.

The pattern of the stamped fork crown gives it away. Compare it with the Columbia Tourist III, you'll find that it is identical. Save for the stamped fork crown, of course, but those crowns occasionally find a way of disappearing after being swapped to another bike.

-Kurt

hmmm, the more i look at those pictures i feel like i've seen those chainrings before. at my other house 50 miles away where most my older bikes are kept, i'd swear those look like the same rings on my steyr clubsman. dropouts and lugs look similar too.

steyr made bikes pre 70's and they were out of austria. check it out, but thats the best i come up with. pm me more about it if you'd like.

I would guess it to be a 60'ish european bike by the lugs and the fork, seat, bars and cottered cranks. Could be even be a little older. Just a guess mind you.

I think ogbigbird nailed it, lugging looks identical to the steyr clubsman. I broke it down and started stripping the 40 layers of paint off it tonight and found (part of) a sticker on the seat tube that looks like it was white with colored stripes, similar to the ones I saw in the steyr clubsman photos online. If anyones interested i intend to post more photos as i repaint and reassemble it over the next week or two. thanks for your help everyone.

yeah, you see it too then, huh? they are realy good bikes and ride nicely. my clubsman has the original paint (gold with black fenders:fenders not orig paint) and suprisingly, the decals are in remarkable condition, so i won't be repainting mine. they have the stryia type 3 3speed hub on the rear, basiclly a s.a. knockoff and totally similar innards.

glad i could help and if we are wrong, i'll be suprised.