1895-96(6) F.F. Ide Special: For Track and Fast Road Work!

[New Mexico Brant]

Today I got around to building this Ide Special from Peoria, IL. I would love anyone's opinion on the exact date. The other two Ide's I own do not have metal badges but used transfers. The red is an older race over paint. For some strange reason someone re-plated the chain ring and cranks but none of the other bright parts. The tires are Robert Deans, the toe clips are the ultra-rare original script marked "Trilby."

Many thanks to everyone who made this one happen including: Eric Leyes, the Traum brothers, Robert Dean, Brian Keating, Jesse McCauley and Josh McRell and anyone I may have forgotten. It takes a community to make a bicycle great!

 

[wheelman]

Looks great!

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Here are a few pieces of period literature Carlton and Jeff K. have posted about the Ide line in the past. Please feel free to add more.

 

[ssum2]

Bike excellent but could we have few more pics of bike stand

 

[New Mexico Brant]

The "High Art Wheel." Some details from the 1897 Ide catalog:

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Bike excellent but could we have few more pics of bike stand

It is an original Ajax stand. I will get some pictures of it and will post. You can view more about this type of stand on post number 35 through 38 here:

TOC Bicycle Stands & Racks | Antique Bicycles Pre-1933

Has anyone ever seen what I am guessing are TOC bicycle stands or wall racks. They were bought in the 1970’s in the attic of a former early bicycle shop in Vermont. They were with TOC bikes, frames, and a few crates of parts. The folding baskets I sold a couple months ago came out of the same...

thecabe.com

 

[GTs58]

What a cool picture. Is the onlooker a Min Pin?

 

[New Mexico Brant]

What a cool picture. Is the onlooker a Min Pin?

View attachment 1854899

That is Rolo. She was a stray so we are not entirely sure; my girlfriend and her daughter say mostly Min Pin. I am not convinced; I say mostly Chihuahua. She is a very cool little dog.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Here is the serial number: 8430. According to Jeff Kidder this puts the bicycle no newer than 1896 based on the Oct 28, 1896 Saint Louis newspaper referenced below. Thanks @Blue Streak

 

[New Mexico Brant]

A huge thanks to Chris S. for sending me catalog scans and this patent drawing.