Another Marshall Wells Zenith that's a smidge different

[Thebikingtileguy]

Hey all, long time reader, first time poster. I have a Marshall Wells Zenith I got years ago. It's a blast to ride. Definitely been on the road awhile but it has a sweet crust.

I have only seen a few and never another in person and it's really hard to find out what it was originally. I know some parts are newer but not sure what.

My curiosity lies with the frame and fork. I have never seen the fork/truss design on another zenith and the frame seems a bit different as well.

May I have some help sleuthing this one please. Hope y'all are riding safe and keeping the rubber side down

 

[GTs58]

Welcome to the Cabe's Posting Members group!

Here's a thread with nothing but Double Bars. See if it matches a Colson.

Double Bar Roadsters, it’s all about DBRs here. | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

This is a thread on anything Double Bar Roadsters, discussions on any manufacturers that made these distinct frame design and differences. During the Cyclone Coaster swap and DBR featured ride, I thought let’s take pictures of the DBRs that were there, maybe in addition a picture of their bikes...

thecabe.com

 

[fordmike65]

Sure looks like a '36 Colson long wheelbase. This is the first Marshall Wells Zenith badged Colson I've seen.

 

[Thebikingtileguy]

Sure looks like a '36 Colson long wheelbase. This is the first Marshall Wells Zenith badged Colson I've seen.

It is unique for sure. I was looking at some of your other posts and it seems to have the original wheels. The rims are triple step and in decent rideable shape as long as you don't think bout it much. The brakes suck bad. The seat tube and the down tube are loose at the bottom bracket and needs to be fixed. The brazing on the rest of the frame is beautiful and it has the original paint.

What would you do with this bike?

 

[fordmike65]

Being its a '36 and a Long Wheelbase, they are prone to separation at the chainstay/BB joints..I have seen some that have come loose at the seat tube joint as well. In '37, Colson started reinforcing the chainstay/BB joints from the factory. I would have the joints repaired internally before riding it any more and making it worse.

 

[Thebikingtileguy]

Being its a '36 and a Long Wheelbase, they are prone to separation at the chainstay/BB joints..I have seen some that have come loose at the seat tube joint as well. In '37, Colson started reinforcing the chainstay/BB joints from the factory. I would have the joints repaired internally before riding it any more and making it worse.

Sadly the frame is hanging in my shop waiting for a skilled person to fix it. It did get ridden hard thru our parks for a long time by me. The LWB is NICE ... It's by far my best fitting bike. Now I know, I will keep my eyes out for more.