Ca. 1897 Tribune Special Triplet

[Jesse McCauley]

This has already been a somewhat long term project but I realize I have not shared much progress yet.

This first year Tribune triplet features an early, perhaps original owner, paint job in red with metallic blue darts, seemingly a nod to the original “robins egg blue” that was completely removed from the machine prior to this paint job.

When I discovered the bike it was on 26” ballooner wheels, sans original hubs. The fork steer tube was broken off and the captain bars / stem were replaced with 40’s era junk.

With an exceptionally wide fork spacing the front hub was a challenge but I found a perfect fit, the rear hub currently is currently a placeholder while I look for a fitting 40 hole rear.

More photos to follow soon, just wanted to share since I had it on the stand yesterday.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hoofhearted]

Wonderful machine.

Horsepower added.

 

[catfish]

Great bike

 

[Jesse McCauley]

A few more perspectives on this bike.
First as found
Second as picked up
Third as built

 

[David Brown]

Hi Jesse
3 of my AA3 Sager 1897 racing saddles would look great on that bike.

 

[STEVE NUTT]

Very nice triplet Jessie, I would like a pacing triplet in my collection if you know of any..
cheers Steve

 

[Jesse McCauley]

Hi Jesse
3 of my AA3 Sager 1897 racing saddles would look great on that bike.

David I tend to agree with you!
You don't happen to have a method of tenderizing them do you? This bike is lovely but it is sweaty too, super clean saddles would stand out like un-sore thumbs on a sore bike.

 

[Jesse McCauley]

Very nice triplet Jessie, I would like a pacing triplet in my collection if you know of any..
cheers Steve

Believe it or not Steve I do know of a handful of triplet bikes out there in the world though getting them bought and then moving them can be a challenge in my experience.
Both of my triplets took a bit of convincing for me to pry away from their owners but promise to attempt to "do right" by them helped.
I have this Tribune triplet and a Fauber built pacing triplet I have been working on for quite some time as well.
I know of a completely refinished Tribune triplet, I will brainstorm for you.

 

[David Brown]

Hi jesse
Yes they would stand out like a sore thumb on a sweaty bike. I guess you could drag them behind a bike for a while ,that should give them a weathered look. I would think it would be pretty hard to find 3 saddles with same style that look right on a Triplet.

 

[STEVE NUTT]

Believe it or not Steve I do know of a handful of triplet bikes out there in the world though getting them bought and then moving them can be a challenge in my experience.
Both of my triplets took a bit of convincing for me to pry away from their owners but promise to attempt to "do right" by them helped.
I have this Tribune triplet and a Fauber built pacing triplet I have been working on for quite some time as well.
I know of a completely refinished Tribune triplet, I will brainstorm for you.

I believe it, if it’s your thing certain bikes come to you. I’m a tandem guy have been since high school, road one to school some days. I have about 7, half I’d them I ride, rode a 1935 Carbine Tandem in the shearers ride a few years back.
TOC Triplets & Quads not so common in Aussie. As you know I’m a mad Major Taylor fan, A pacing Triplet would complement my MT tribute collection and I think they look so cool, as MT did so many world records with pacing Tandems.
In my MT tribute collection I have a 1903 Massey Harris, early 1900 Peugeot, Alcyon, Labor and a Iver Johnson.
so only need 4 more bikes plus a Orient Triplet a Worcester/Munger, Orient, Orient/ STEARNS Chainless Sager drive, Comet. My collection is open to the public by appointment so enthusiasts can always come and see these wonderful bicycles and have a chat...
many thanks for your assistance Steve