1958 (?) Rollfast With A Tank... Just Got It

[HARPO]

Well, this is a 1958 Ad showing that the rack on my bike was "New" for that year. No holes in my front fender where a light could have gone, so it wasn't removed. And nothing else, with the exception of the rear carrier, matches mine. Crazy...

 

[DrRumack80]

Nice find on the catalog page! Bikes often don't match the catalog specs/images exactly. Yours does not have the spring fork, so perhaps the light only came with the higher level model?

Also, yours has the optional front carrier. The light could not be mounted on the front fender with the rack there.

 

[eagle123]

Congrats on your latest acquisition, Fred.

You have your work cut out for you!

Here's my Rollfast, same rear carrier as yours and looks almost exactly like the spring fork model shown in the 1958 ad you posted above. However, the seat and headlight on mine (as shown in photo below) I know for a fact are not original and mine had come with a tail light hanging below the rear of the carrier (not shown in photo, but I have it).

My bike was "barn found" with an older Troxel saddle on it (the type you see on many `50's Roadmasters) and US Royal Chain 2.125" balloon tires on it (and apparently Rollfast did originally use US Royal Chain tires on their `50's balloon models). This had me believing that this model may have originally been balloon tire and not mid weight. The frame / fork / fenders will readily accept balloon tires, they fit fine, but the skimpy look of the fenders tend to suggest its a mid weight. I see in the 1958 ad you posted, this model should be a mid weight (for `58 anyway).

I should check the numbers on the frame to see what year this one is. If indeed the older-style Troxel saddle that was on it when found was original (different than the more "modern" type seat shown in the `58 ad), and because mine had a tail light (not shown in the `58 ad), maybe mine is an earlier year (`57?). And thus at the moment, it is still a mystery to me as to whether or not this bike was originally balloon or mid weight.

I concur that this carrier must have originally been stamped with a bit of a curve in it (dipping downward in the center) since almost every one I've seen has the curve, including mine. Though the curve is subtle (can barely tell in the photo at that angle).

See this thread, some related info:

Thread 'Bike is badged as Rollfast'

Feb 24, 2026

My friend dave has a bike with the same tank, springer, and rack. It’s badged Rollfast. I did find a Snyder example in the archives...

This bike is badged as a Rollfast and has the same spring fork, chain guard and rear rack as the Mead Ranger that @Sportyworty had posted, but not the same tank / frame. Fenders and rims appear to be very similar as well, both originally chrome. (Note: the headlight and seat on this Rollfast are not original and the bike originally had a tail light mounted under the rear carrier)

I found this Rollfast with US Royal Chain balloon tires on...

• eagle123
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Middleweight Bicycles

• 

 

[HARPO]

Congrats on your latest acquisition, Fred.

You have your work cut out for you!

Here's my Rollfast, same rear carrier as yours and looks almost exactly like the spring fork model shown in the 1958 ad you posted above. However, the seat and headlight on mine (as shown in photo below) I know for a fact are not original and mine had come with a tail light hanging below the rear of the carrier (not shown in photo, but I have it).

My bike was "barn found" with an older Troxel saddle on it (the type you see on many `50's Roadmasters) and US Royal Chain 2.125" balloon tires on it (and apparently Rollfast did originally use US Royal Chain tires on their `50's balloon models). This had me believing that this model may have originally been balloon tire and not mid weight. The frame / fork / fenders will readily accept balloon tires, they fit fine, but the skimpy look of the fenders tend to suggest its a mid weight. I see in the 1958 ad you posted, this model should be a mid weight (for `58 anyway).

I should check the numbers on the frame to see what year this one is. If indeed the older-style Troxel saddle that was on it when found was original (different than the more "modern" type seat shown in the `58 ad), and because mine had a tail light (not shown in the `58 ad), maybe mine is an earlier year (`57?). And thus at the moment, it is still a mystery to me as to whether or not this bike was originally balloon or mid weight.

I concur that this carrier must have originally been stamped with a bit of a curve in it (dipping downward in the center) since almost every one I've seen has the curve, including mine. Though the curve is subtle (can barely tell in the photo at that angle).

View attachment 2402776

See this thread, some related info:

Thread 'Bike is badged as Rollfast'

Feb 24, 2026

My friend dave has a bike with the same tank, springer, and rack. It’s badged Rollfast. I did find a Snyder example in the archives...

This bike is badged as a Rollfast and has the same spring fork, chain guard and rear rack as the Mead Ranger that @Sportyworty had posted, but not the same tank / frame. Fenders and rims appear to be very similar as well, both originally chrome. (Note: the headlight and seat on this Rollfast are not original and the bike originally had a tail light mounted under the rear carrier)

I found this Rollfast with US Royal Chain balloon tires on...

• eagle123
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Middleweight Bicycles

• 

Hi Dave! Cool! Too bad it spent so much time outdoors.

Mine has a bad repaint, and as time permits, I'd love to strip it all down and do a nice job on it. Rear wheel can't be original either, from what I can see. Still, something different! And the "dipping down" is from a friend sitting on it in the center. I've seen a lot of straight ones. Only curve should be the part under the seat.

fred

 

[HARPO]

Just found out that someone on facebook has had a few Rollfast bikes with the PERRY hub... so original it is!

So now it appears to be that the front wheel is a replacement since the rims don't match!

 

[SLIK CHIK]

Just found out that someone on facebook has had a few Rollfast bikes with the PERRY hub... so original it is!

So now it appears to be that the front wheel is a replacement since the rims don't match!

Good to know. I also have a 50s Rollfast that has Perry hubs. I was always a bit bummed, because I figured they weren't original. Today I cleaned up an old 1" pitch chain and I think it says Perry as well. That's how I ended up in this thread.

 

[HARPO]

Good to know. I also have a 50s Rollfast that has Perry hubs. I was always a bit bummed, because I figured they weren't original. Today I cleaned up an old 1" pitch chain and I think it says Perry as well. That's how I ended up in this thread.

View attachment 2410517

View attachment 2410518

This is a great site for helpful info!

 

[ozzie]

Looks great! As far as I know, the "85 SN" means the frame was built in the Snyder factory in Little Falls, NY in 1958.

The rear rack bears some resemblance to the one on my '41, with the addition of the chrome rail/legs.

View attachment 2401250

Hey Doc. Saw one like yours today on fleabay. Killer bike. Wish i was closer.

 

[HARPO]

Hey Doc. Saw one like yours today on fleabay. Killer bike. Wish i was closer.

That one is $1,500 like @DrRumack80 has

https://www.ebay.com/itm/157907468811.

 

[DrRumack80]

Hey Doc. Saw one like yours today on fleabay. Killer bike. Wish i was closer.

Hey Ozzie and Harpo - that is my bike! Ed My560sec is selling it for me. I have no balloon tire bikes left. I've been bitten by the British 3-speed bug. My collection will be all early mountain bikes and British roadsters.

This bike is on its way from the UK! It's a 1911 Raleigh roadster with front rod brakes and a Sturmey Archer FN Tricoaster hub. Hope Fedex does not turn it into a high carbon steel pretzel.

@ozzie - can you give my Rollfast a good home in Sydney?