Dick Rath
Look Ma, No Hands!
This bicycle, as I received it was an earlier amature restoration that required a complete "do over" which, to me, means a careful, detailed restoration to the same standard I set for my work 35 years ago. The bike is a 1912 Wonder model. I'm not certain of the actual manufacturer however the head badge inclues the the name Shapleigh Hardware Company whom I've been told was actually the distribtor for these machines that were often used for road racing by professional and non-professionals alike and were of a quality that could easily be modified for the Velodrome racing so popular in the teens and early twenties. Since the bike had been repainted numerous time it was impoosible to determine the actual original frame color. I was able to find an early black and white photo of the same model and from that dermined the graphic scheme with elongated darts that encompassed the head set and part of the frames tubing. I restored the saddle but I'm not 100% certain it is the original however it does appear it might be based on the photo. The Maple rims were made by Noah Stutzman at Stutzman's Wheel Shop in Baltic, Ohio. They include fitted aluminum internal inserts (hidden from view) to accept the modern 700 x 35 inflatable tires by Electra, the spokes are stainless steel double butted fitted to nickel plated 1" nipples, the tires are creme colored and have no contrasting colored stripes or logo's. The hand grips are the originals which have been re-finished and re-wrapped with new leather; the tool pouch, which I've conserved, was on the bike when I purchased it. The 2 added accessories include a polished brass "Neverout" oil headlamp, a polished brass restored frame mounted tire pump both of which are period correct. The display stand is included in the sale.
Note that the original coaster brake rear hub is one of the very early New Depature-model A assembiles that were notorious for being somewhat lacking in their capability to bring the rider to a quick stop; this unit has proved to be no exception. It has been disassembled and inspected and shows significant wear evident on the mating cone bits that comprise the braking component. It has been properly greased and reassembled and fitted into the polished hub. I would advice whom ever eventually ends up with the bike with the intention of riding her to think about replacing the Model A hub with the much improved New Departure model D version which are readily available. The pictures that follow show the handle bars in both the racing position and the far more comfortable touring position.
My asking price for the bike is $4,000.00 USD with resonable offers considered. It can be picked up in Sebastian, Florida (32958) or shipped anywhere in the world via Bikeflights.com. I do charge $125.00 for my partial disassembly and packaging for bicyles that require shipping. My experience has shown that Bikeflights.com's charges are, by a wide margin, the lowest available. In addition the company is a pleasure to work; both knowledgeable, courteous, and dependable. For questions, additional information, or to discuss a purchase please email me at: [email protected] or call me between 10AM and 8PM Eatern Daylight Savings Time at 518-339-7867
To see some example of my restoration work please visit my website: timemachineslimited.com Click on any photo to bring up multiple pictures of that model.
My intention prior to the Corona Virus abruptly changing everything for everybody was to consign the bike to the Copake Antique Bicycle Auction this month which has now been converted to an on-line auction. However with the understanding that the auction site does not allow placing reserves nor do they allow consignee starting bids, I've decided to remain with my previous means of offering my restored bicycles for sale through The Cabe, The Wheelemen, and a variety popular collector web sites.
Dick Rath
Note that the original coaster brake rear hub is one of the very early New Depature-model A assembiles that were notorious for being somewhat lacking in their capability to bring the rider to a quick stop; this unit has proved to be no exception. It has been disassembled and inspected and shows significant wear evident on the mating cone bits that comprise the braking component. It has been properly greased and reassembled and fitted into the polished hub. I would advice whom ever eventually ends up with the bike with the intention of riding her to think about replacing the Model A hub with the much improved New Departure model D version which are readily available. The pictures that follow show the handle bars in both the racing position and the far more comfortable touring position.
My asking price for the bike is $4,000.00 USD with resonable offers considered. It can be picked up in Sebastian, Florida (32958) or shipped anywhere in the world via Bikeflights.com. I do charge $125.00 for my partial disassembly and packaging for bicyles that require shipping. My experience has shown that Bikeflights.com's charges are, by a wide margin, the lowest available. In addition the company is a pleasure to work; both knowledgeable, courteous, and dependable. For questions, additional information, or to discuss a purchase please email me at: [email protected] or call me between 10AM and 8PM Eatern Daylight Savings Time at 518-339-7867
To see some example of my restoration work please visit my website: timemachineslimited.com Click on any photo to bring up multiple pictures of that model.
My intention prior to the Corona Virus abruptly changing everything for everybody was to consign the bike to the Copake Antique Bicycle Auction this month which has now been converted to an on-line auction. However with the understanding that the auction site does not allow placing reserves nor do they allow consignee starting bids, I've decided to remain with my previous means of offering my restored bicycles for sale through The Cabe, The Wheelemen, and a variety popular collector web sites.
Dick Rath