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New SoCal CL find: 1909 Racycle Rideabout(I think)

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fordmike65

Riding a '37 Colson Imperial
While dropping the kids off at the pool early last Sunday morning, I received a text from @birdzgarage about a bike listed on his local Craigslist. It was early, tall and pretty amazing, so I cut it short and emailed the seller right away. Three tense hours later a price was agreed upon and Jason did me the favor of picking it up. Today I drove to his place and picked this beauty up.
It's been repainted, rear rim replaced and crossbars swapped at one time, but what was there and correct had me giddy with excitement. Yes, giddy isn't just for school girls anymore. Eventually I'll locate the correct bars and possibly find a matching rear wheel, but for now the plan is to enjoy it for what it is: A wonderful piece of American bicycle history.
If anyone cares to share any info, ads or similar bikes, please do. I'd love to see them and learn more about this amazing machine. Thanks,Mike

Pics from the original CL ad:
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My road trip partner, George. He obviously wasn't as excited as I was, but more interested in napping and finding somewhere to pee.
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Took a lil detour up Angeles Crest Hwy on the way home.
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A few pics after swapping out those hideous crossbars for a set of period-ish bars and grips.
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I guess they were right. It really is "All in the Crank-Hanger" :cool:
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Here's a link to a very similar bicycle of @Jesse McCauley 's. 1912 Rideabout


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Thank you to Kenny @bentwoody66 , Patric @hoofhearted and @Jesse McCauley for their help. I'm hoping the resident Racycle master @Wcben might chime in.

And a very special THANK YOU to Jason @birdzgarage for making this all possible. I freaking own a Racycle!!! WTF!!! :eek:
 
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Since your saddle has Racycle stamped into it I would say it is original. Both Troxel and Persons saddles were offered per the 1909 Rideabout description below. A saddle similar to yours is shown on the 1909 Pacemaker. Rideabout Model 142 was only offered 1909. The 1910 Rideabout was Model 152.

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1909 Racycles:
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1909 Racycle Pacemaker:
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1911 Racycle Motorcycle saddle is also similar to yours:
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Since your saddle has Racycle stamped into it I would say it is original. Both Troxel and Persons saddles were offered per the 1909 Rideabout description below. A saddle similar to yours is shown on the 1909 Pacemaker. Rideabout Model 142 was only offered 1909. The 1910 Rideabout was Model 152.

View attachment 1168587
View attachment 1168588

1909 Racycles:
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1909 Racycle Pacemaker:
View attachment 1168586

1911 Racycle Motorcycle saddle is also similar to yours:
View attachment 1168589
I see that G&J clinchers were an option. The rear has been replaced with a more modern drop center, but the front looks like it might be a clincher. Thank you for all this information @Blue Streak !
 
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