Newby Question: Boys vs. Mens Bicycle Frame Size

[Bozman]

I'm new here on the CABE and also new into the world of vintage bicycle restoration.

I'm interested in 1940's vintage American bicycles and I have a question regarding frame sizes. For a vintage 26" ballon tire bicycle, is there a difference between a boy's frame and a men's frame?

I'm looking to build a standard WW2 Columbia bicycle (most likely on a civilian frame) and would like to know if there is a difference between the frames.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Bozman

 

[Strings-n-Spokes]

As far as I know when ballon tired 26" bikes came into usage, 24" were considered boys bikes, and 26" mens. Some frames accomodate a grown man better than others. Conversly I have heard that Hawthorne Zep bikes suck if you are a tall guy, IDK.

It sounds like you are just looking for a plain Columbia cruiser that you can turn into a military themed bike. Or are you looking for a wartime bike? the difference being that the wartime bikes would probably be straight tube diamond framed semi-industrial style.

Some things to consider - Westfield, Columbia, Elgin and others all used a "Columbia" frame in the years building up to WW2

 

[Bozman]

I would LOVE to find an actual WW2 Columbia Military bike/frame (yeah and the $50 jeep in a crate too!) One can live and hope! They are still out there.

My next choice would be a civilian 42-45 bike/frame which would be the easiest/closest to original to convert to a military bike.

My last choice would be an early non-war year production 39-41 bike/frame. Early War production had a curved tube on the lower frame.

Thanks for the advice on the Westfield, Columbia, Elgin and others all used a "Columbia" frame. I figured it that from looking at pictures and some of my readings but it is good to have it confirmed.

Let the hunt begin!