Any thoughts on this 1949 Swiss Titan 3 spd bicycle?

[indian1956]

ad says

wheel size: 700C
Very Rare Swiss Titan 3 Speed.
The photos speak for themselves.
The bike was brought to the U.S. by the original owner, as far as my research has taken me this particular model bike was never in the public market here. I believe it's the only one of its kind in the U.S..
Completely original.
700c Titan stamped Alloy Rims with Datwyler "Bullcord" 700cX35b Tires.
Swiss Made Dynolight
"PAT. PENDING" Sturmey Archer Rear Hub
Picosa Front Hub w/Grease Fitting
Long Handle Sturmey Archer Shifter
Fender Flags
License plates
Fluted Crank Arms
Wittkop leather sprung saddle


Others have said "The Sturmey Archer bits appear to be from the late 30's, and the Weinmann brakes are an earlier style than any others I've seen. "

I am going to look at it Thursday. See what the 3 spd hub has for a date.

Thanks to Chris from CABE, local friend who pointed this out to me.

They want $500, thinking more like $400. Or $350 Has been listed for months.

The seller says they emailed photos to a Swiss bike shop, and they said they had only ever seen one of these, and it was in much more used condition. Those swiss ride their bikes a lot. This one was stored and ridden infrequently, I am sure.

 

[indian1956]

Looks almost new.

 

[rustjunkie]

I think...I like it!
perhaps the bars have been changed, otherwise it's great.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Great looking bike! Lots of nice details but not gawdy. Enjoy!

 

[indian1956]

Rustjunkie
Thanks. What makes you think the handlebars were changed?

 

[Major Taylor Archive]

The owner is a CABE member. I contacted him about it. He's firm on the price.
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1949-titan.80163/

 

[indian1956]

The owner is a CABE member. I contacted him about it. He's firm on the price.
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1949-titan.80163/

Thanks

 

[rustjunkie]

Rustjunkie
Thanks. What makes you think the handlebars were changed?

The shape/style & cleanliness of plating, plus the cable length...could be wrong tho

 

[SirMike1983]

The Swiss and the Germans loved their accessories: stand-up front fender ornaments; darts; snow/sunburst type paint schemes; ornate headbadges and decals; etc. The Bauer and the German Hercules are much like this as well.

This Titan is very well-preserved. Cabe member "Neighbor" in New Hampshire owns this bike.I like how it is different from English bikes, but the styling is very Germanic, in the Bauer and German Hercules way.

I doubt there's any way to value it because there's a lack of comparable bikes:

• Condition is exceptional - better than most 3-speeds from 1949.
• Uncommon brand; completeness; and origin in the U.S. (Bring-over bike rather than commercially imported)

If one had to absolutely find a comparable bike, maybe an older Bauer; Bismarck or German Hercules. It's imperfect, but they're sort of the same type of bike.

My only concern would be parts. Even with the excellent condition, you want to make sure you have good bearing surfaces in those unique parts. I keep stocks of Raleigh and Phillips/Hercules parts on hand because this covers most British 3-speeds. I find myself regularly replacing spindles; bearings; and hub cones. I sometimes have to replace bottom bracket cups and headset parts.

If you end up having to replace something now or eventually, you have to consider what happens if you find there are odd-ball Swiss or proprietary type parts that need to be replaced. At least you'll have a good selection of tires. But I consider this more of an "expert's" type vintage bike because it's so unique and it's "off the map" in terms of what you're buying and servicing. It's something for the person deep into oddball old bikes.

If you really have to have it, then buy it. It's not like there's another one coming along, and you should think of it as buying a one-off type bike. Hell, I'd buy it if I had the time and space to devote to it. But I'm short on both lately.

 

[neighbor]

Everything is original on the bike, yes even the tires, I have provenance to prove it.
The bike is a 1949 Titan
I never asked $500 for the bike.
Seems we have some jumbled thoughts as to what I have said and not said, (typical of the Internet)
I feel everything about this bike as a full package is worth my asking price. So the question begs, “might I move on the price?” Possibly for the right person.
Thanks for all the love here, there are some very nice reasonable folks here, some of which I’ve sold things to in the past.
Keep on keeping on.