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I have a new bike. (Put air quotes around the word new.)
My step father found it for me and I couldn't turn down his thoughtfulness even though I'm not really interested in this type of bike. I'll make it rideable and have fun at it.
I picked it up during my trip to the homeland for Christmas. It's in pieces now and will remain that way until I get some motivation. I'm thinking of painting it or having it powder coated. I think a front basket would make it very useful.
Tell me if you have any ideas.
11 comments:
Great new-year project there. I think you need a bike for riding at low speed, with your kids or to go a couple of blocks to the corner store. And you must work the Hiawatha logo into it-- matter of fact, there's your color scheme. Leather seat on chrome springs goes without saying.
Nice ride! I'd paint it black, with red rims. But that's just me.
You should email Hiawatha Cyclery to ask them how much it's worth (probably in the high thousands) and whether they want to buy it.
Whitewalls! Streamers! Cruiser style rear rack & wicker basket! Beverage holder! Oh, yeah....Val
Basket, yes. Other than that, it's pretty bitchen the way it is.
I think it looks great just the way it is. Perhaps a new seat, cause the old one doesn't look like it's terribly comfy any more.
Air quotes? Why do we have to do all the work, when you could have simply used the " ???
Kidding. Congrats on the new find.
Jim: Even though, you'll never read this, I planned to try and trade it to you for a Rivendell, because I know the Hiawatha is a valuable collectors item.
It really just needs some wheel work, a chain, and of course a seat.
There's a similar Hiawatha on sale on craigslist right now for $300.
link
I'd be careful to paint it unless you do a full restoration. I'd be cautious about doing anything to what is remaining of it's original condition except like someone said about the seat. Very nice bicycle.
Here during scrap week in Bloomington, I found a nice "Royal Scot" with a large front basket. I've got a nice 3 speed in storage, but with this Scot, I added on a back rack and now that carries a lot of groceries. This Scot bike from the hub date is about a late '50s/early '60s vintage and the front basket I'd guestimmate is 1 foot by about 2 feet and 4 inches deep, the old wire kind so that is excellent, only the fenders (mudguards) have a bit of rust which can be remedied. I've never gotten the gearing perfect but it isn't bad either. It rides almost as good as a Raleigh and surely, one of those companies from back then are the maker.
I've found a seat and next I'll rebuild the wheels. The rear wheel is missing spokes and the remaining spokes are so corroded, I can't begin to turn the nipples.
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