Pre-war roadmaster bicycle - $300 (Toledo)

[Jeff54]

...and the chain adjuster angle changes throughout the years, progressively more horizontal.

That's odd. It would mean that CWC changed from years of straight rear stays to curved and then, year or two later; 1940-41 back to straight. Technically, Backwards?

 

[Jeff54]

Lower rear stays changed in 39.
View attachment 1108770

But yes, the bike in question is postwar.

 

[Jeff54]

This thread is defined by several including 'Phil' (RMS37) claims 40-41 CWC with straight lower stays: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/nice-find-pre-war-fleet-wing.40579/#post-226214

And this one too, with serial numbers: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/for-sale-1940s-all-american-wards-hawthorne.35580/#post-192697

So It would mean that in 1939 CWC stepped forward then in 40 went back?

 

[fordmike65]

Honestly, I think the dropped chainstays started out as a Hawthorne thing, not necessarily a CWC only characteristic. I could very well be wrong.

Both CWC & Snyder with dropped chainstays

1939 Hawthorne Zep Twin Bar CWC vs Snyder | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

I'm trying to gather as much information as I can specific to the 1939 Hawthorne Zep Twinbar. My theory is there are far more Snyders than CWC examples left. The first four photos after the 39 ad are my examples of CWC twinbars. The balance of the photos are Snyders. Please post your pics of...

thecabe.com