'38 Shelby Airflow standard

[toby weidner]

I've been working on my '38 Shelby Airflow and I've noticed that the bike seems to be a whole lot lighter than any of my other bicycles, even though it appears alot of its frame tubing is larger than the others. Generally most all my bicycles are similarly dressed. My thoughts were that chrome moly tubing wasn't around in 1938 but I really don't know. Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[Freqman1]

I'll take the Sportster!

 

[toby weidner]

I'll take the Sportster!

I restored that at the shop for a customer 30+ years ago, then spent 20 years trying to chase it down. It finally came home 2 years ago

 

[toby weidner]

I'll take the Sportster!

BTW, I should have my copy of your tank next week or so

 

[cyclingday]

Fabulous bikes!
Can’t really explain why the Shelby cycle seems to be lighter than your other bicycles.
It should weigh somewhat that same give or take as other similarly equipped bikes of the same era.
Chrome Molybdenum tubing did exist in 1938, but I highly doubt that Shelby was using it on their balloon tire model bicycles.
It tended to be reserved for professional quality racing/adult models.
Possibly, Shelby was able to use a thinner wall tube, because of the expanded diameter?

 

[toby weidner]

I've been working on my '38 Shelby Airflow and I've noticed that the bike seems to be a whole lot lighter than any of my other bicycles, even though it appears alot of its frame tubing is larger than the others. Generally most all my bicycles are similarly dressed. My thoughts were that chrome moly tubing wasn't around in 1938 but I really don't know. Can anyone shed some light on this?

View attachment 2186374

I just weighed a few and for whatever reason it averages 5 lbs lighter than any of the others

 

[Rusty Ol' Rogue]

I'm wondering if the air in the Sheby's tires could be lighter than the air that you are using in the other bike's tires?

 

[toby weidner]

I'm wondering if the air in the Sheby's tires could be lighter than the air that you are using in the other bike's tires?

That's funny! But honestly it bothered me so bad that my wife and I weighed several of our bicycles including the Shelby, and it was actually 5 lbs lighter than the others

 

[SKPC]

You have lighter weight, maybe cheaper replacement stuff on it. Bars may be lighter also, grips, seat, crankset, fenders....lighter stuff. It would be even lighter if you took the fenders, guard and animal parts off of it.. War time and post-war frames, typically the double top-tube, (curved/offset) frames are definitely lighter, but not sure about your Y streamline frame. What is the serial number?
Edit" Maybe some rusty fenders, blackwalls and a long spring saddle would make it heavier?

 

[toby weidner]

You have lighter weight, maybe cheaper replacement stuff on it. Bars may be lighter also, grips, seat, crankset, fenders....lighter stuff. It would be even lighter if you took the fenders, guard and animal parts off of it.. War time and post-war frames, typically the double top-tube, (curved/offset) frames are definitely lighter, but not sure about your Y streamline frame. What is the serial number?
Edit" Maybe some rusty fenders, blackwalls and a long spring saddle would make it heavier?

Wow I forgot how much has changed since the original post, at this point so much has changed it no longer really matters, in the beginning I was just comparing apples to apples. Besides what's in these more current photos it's now getting radius tube fender supports, has (2) 6 volt batteries in the tank for the horn, and we'll need to weigh the paint, it will be painted in the next few weeks. Don't let the "fat suit" fool ya, it's not trailer queen, I put a 25 mile round trip on it this past week and an 18 the week before, got a flat at about 8 miles of a 16 the day before yesterday.
But I like your jokes, you're a funny guy