oldirongardentractors
On Training Wheels
Hello, everyone. I just picked this up from a friend who had it in his barn. I think it's a Monark Rocket, though it was obviously sold by the Rae J. Watson bicycle shop in London, Ontario, as you can see from the head badge. I have been told that Watson did make some changes to some of the bikes to sell them. The wheels are 26". The tag on the bottom of the bike says it's a model 3006, and the serial number reads A0056083. The previous owner said it did have a light on the front fender with a generator, which I assume was added by the bike shop or a previous owner. He also said it didn't have the chain guard when he received it. I think the front rim matches the back rim, but someone painted it red. That's about all I know. I read on here that the model number means it's a boys' bike. Not sure what year it is as the serial number lists I found on this forum did not really align with what I was seeing on the tag. My plan is to clean it up and to get it working as it should, and then go from there. Nothing is seized, but there's play in the bearings, etc., which is to be expected. The rims are problematic, with one spoke broke and the others rusty and thin enough that many of them don't inspire confidence. I'll think about what to do with them later. Is there anything else you can tell me about it? Anything I should know, perhaps the year of manufacture? I'm just trying to learn a little and better understand what I have. I want to make it rideable again. This is my first bicycle of this vintage, with most of my hobby time being spent playing with vintage garden tractors and engines. Thanks so much.