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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
 Posted - 07/18/2010 : 19:26:46
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| I'm sending out a heads-up for a nice 1887-89 Springfield Roadster I have for sale. Would rather talk with interested parties first before posting pictures and all. Thanks, Mike Cated (760) 473-6201 |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 00:50:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike Cates
I'm sending out a heads-up for a nice 1887-89 Springfield Roadster I have for sale. I would rather talk with interested parties first, since this is a collectors machine, and I would rather answer all technical questions from prospective buyers over the phone while I am right at the bike. I will be taking pictures later but wanted to get this out to the club. Thanks, Mike Cates (760) 473-6201 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (760) 473-6201 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 01:54:55
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| I have not been able to take pictures yet but due to the calls I am now receiving I will give a general description of this very collectible high wheel safety: No.1 pattern with radial spokes on 50" front wheel and 20" rear wheel, parallel bearings to front wheel. Adjustable cone bearings on rear wheel and on original Springfield pattern pedals. Both rims are solid steel crescent shape in cross section. Cow horn shaped handlebars with spade handles. Hand grip inserts have been remade and are not original. All brake hardware is original and complete. Original mounting step. Missing are: Wire pants guard at back of fork crown(obviously became loose and was lost years ago as is the case with a lot of high wheel machines that are found), Name Badge(which mounted behind seat on back bone and had patent dates on it), steering head sheet metal dust cover(which was plain with no script as originally produced) and sheet metal gear covers. All little parts like oil hole covers and slides are there on both front gear castings and on rear wheel hub. The seat leather(probably original) was so old that it has been torn in half and needs a new leather replacement. At least the old pattern is there to copy. The action of the the independent front drive crank arms and internal return springs work perfectly. This bicycle had been restored many years ago by a experienced bicycle mechanic. Unknowingly chrome plating was done instead of nickel plating on steering head down to just past the crown(fork blades, back bone, rims and spokes are all painted black), handlebars, brake assembly, seat spring back bone clasp mount and front mount, drive crank arm mechanisms and all bolts and nuts throughout the bike. This machine is in very straight condition and ready to ride once leather is redone. Both wheels run very true. Grey rubber tiring was installed at time of restoration and has been ridden very little since then. I can't tell you how many Springfield Roadsters exist but the odds of finding one is small compared to finding a normal pattern high wheel bicycle. The Springfield Roadster is unique with its over running roller drive and geared mechanism at each crank arm allowing the wheel to be propelled in a alternating or simultaneous pedaling pattern and the fact that the bike could "coast" without the cranks revolving. Also the fact that the force being applied to the front wheel is directed downward behind the front axle instead of over the top and forward of the front axle as on a normal high wheel bicycle. By this downward force behind the front axle, a header by pedaling forward is hardly possible thus making it one of the rare "high wheel safeties" that were developed in the 1880's and early 1890's. |
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David Toppin
USA
1405 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 07:56:09
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| We have one with the bike info on the dust shield. I don't think it has a name tag behind the seat. |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 16:24:51
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| Dave, You are correct that the missing Springfield Roadster dust shield did have the makers name and patent dates on it, my mistake. I was thinking Victor bicycles where the name badge was on the back bone behind the seat. I CAN EMAIL A COUPLE OF PICTURES I TOOK TO ANYONE WHO EMAILS ME AS I CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT THEM ON OUR WHEELMEN SITE. My email is cates0321@hotmail.com Note the pommel and cantel are not shown which are riveted to the seat leather also not in picture but I have them. Thanks for the correction. |
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David Toppin
USA
1405 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 17:24:24
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| You have to open a photobucket account, then paste the IMG lines in your post... |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 21:24:55
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| Dave, I appreciate the help but my computer skills are not that advanced. I am able to email you the pictures if there is a way you could post them on my ad. Just let me know your address to send them to. I only have a couple of pictures at present that I have put on my computer but would be glad to send these to you. Thanks, Mike |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 01:04:54
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| I have sent out numerous emails with pictures of my bike and a few emails have been returned to me as undeliverable. If you didn't get my replies I cannot be in contact with you unless you call me. I will answer all who email me. Thanks, Mike Cates |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 17:32:54
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| I am finding that some of your email mailboxes are full and I cannot reply to your inquiries. Email me again once you have deleted mail in your mailbox and I can send pictures. Thanks, Mike Cates |
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Mike Cates
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2010 : 14:41:47
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| Nicholas, I have misplaced your phone number. Yes the front gear driven mechanisms work perfectly and crank arm return springs are fine. A smooth and well riding bike. Thank you, Mike Cates |
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Topic |
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1887-89 Springfield Roadster For Sale
