Hi Again Everyone This is my second in a series of bike I've built. For this one I'd like to describe what I call my "Chill Bike". I call it this because, while I'm riding it, everyone who sees me smiles or waves or makes some complimentary remark. You can't help but be moved by it. To build this one, I was looking for a CCM Mustang frame, but for all of the ones I came across, people wanted an arm and a leg for it. I eventually found a Schwinn Stingray (Krate) frame, and started from that. From there, I chose some parts that have been in my collection since the early '70s: a Sturmey Archer (SA) 3-speed hub with a drum brake, SA "Sportshift" shifter and the rear tire. The brake mechanism was missing from the hub, but I recently found out that SA still makes these parts available. Incredible, since the hub is date stamped 49-7 (July 1949!). As for the tire, yes it is unbelievably still pliable and has no cracks - a testament to manufacturing quality and materials back then. On it's sidewall, the words "Superlastic - Made in Canada for Canadian Tire Corporation" are molded. The front wheel also has a drum brake hub which has been in my collection for a very long time as well. It has no brand name on it but does indicate "Made in Japan". Both front and rear brakes work superbly. I purchased a new springer front fork but had to make some modifications to the pivot because it looked like the pivot bolt would unthread itself as the suspension moved. I also changed its spring connection in order to change the fork rake. This bike is a blast to ride! Makes me feel like a kid again. One final parting photo shows the 1964 Soo Ont license plate. Enjoy!
Hi Again Everyone
This is my second in a series of bike I've built. For this one I'd like to describe what I call my "Chill Bike". I call it this because, while I'm riding it, everyone who sees me smiles or waves or makes some complimentary remark. You can't help but be moved by it. To build this one, I was looking for a CCM Mustang frame, but for all of the ones I came across, people wanted an arm and a leg for it. I eventually found a Schwinn Stingray (Krate) frame, and started from that. From there, I chose some parts that have been in my collection since the early '70s: a Sturmey Archer (SA) 3-speed hub with a drum brake, SA "Sportshift" shifter and the rear tire. The brake mechanism was missing from the hub, but I recently found out that SA still makes these parts available. Incredible, since the hub is date stamped 49-7 (July 1949!). As for the tire, yes it is unbelievably still pliable and has no cracks - a testament to manufacturing quality and materials back then. On it's sidewall, the words "Superlastic - Made in Canada for Canadian Tire Corporation" are molded. The front wheel also has a drum brake hub which has been in my collection for a very long time as well. It has no brand name on it but does indicate "Made in Japan". Both front and rear brakes work superbly. I purchased a new springer front fork but had to make some modifications to the pivot because it looked like the pivot bolt would unthread itself as the suspension moved. I also changed its spring connection in order to change the fork rake. This bike is a blast to ride! Makes me feel like a kid again. One final parting photo shows the 1964 Soo Ont license plate. Enjoy!