I think I have a early Mead Ranger?

[Kevin Fitzke]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the antique bicycle world and love these old motor bike styles. I have what I think is a early Mead Ranger Motorbike but perhaps may have some Pathfinder parts on it? I can see some two-tone red and white paint through the rust which makes it seem like more of a Ranger than Pathfinder. It never had a head badge when I got it and the badge mounting holes are straight across i.e. not offset to one side like the Crusader model badge is. I think the Ranger badge holes are straight across but I'm not sure about the Pathfinder badge holes. I recall seeing some information on Great Western Manufacturing built some versions of this bike early on?

The bottom bracket I think is a Fauber and the serial number is 6632. I havn't been able to find any serial number information but thought maybe it's a 1916 model year based off the "6" in the serial number and chain sprocket shown in some old brochure pictures I've seen?

It seems like there was a lot of interchangeable parts between the models but does anyone know the difference between a Ranger Motorbike and a Pathfinder Motorbike and Crusader Motorbike besides the paint color listed in the old brochures?

Any other information on this bicycle from you all would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[1817cent]

Welcome to the Cabe! The truss rods look different to me but i am far from a Mead expert. I know lots of interchangeable parts were used back then though..

 

[Freqman1]

Pic of the serial number? Not looking Mead to me.

 

[GTs58]

The Pathfinder image looks like a pretty good match to me. Same fork but shorter head.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice bike.
Looks like a Great Western Mfg. built frame, the truss forks look more like Snyder parts.

I believe that the badge holes might have less to do with the Mead model and perhaps more dependent on the manufacturer and/or year.

 

[Santee]

Nice score!

 

[SKPC]

Pic of the serial number? Not looking Mead to me.

Shawn has requested an image days ago of this serial number for good reason. It can be critical in order to identify these old machines and makers. Even with a photo, it can be difficult, but without it, (in this case) a pure guess. I 2nd the motion to "see" the number and its' possibly informative font style..

 

[Kevin Fitzke]

Hello Everyone, I finally had some time to soda blast the old finish off. It seems to have some sort of golden/yellow primer all over that the soda wasn't able to remove completely. Here are a couple images of the bottom bracket and serial number. The main set of numbers are 6632 and on the side closest to the chain stays, opposite of the chain ring is I assume a "9" if reading in the same orientation as the main set of numbers.

Any help on what the numbers mean is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Archie Sturmer]

The golden yellow is brass; GWM may have used dip-brazing manufacturing methods.

 

[Kevin Fitzke]

Ah that makes sense - Thanks Archie