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Trying to identify this bicycle

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Purplerabbit1984

On Training Wheels
I purchased this and was told the badge may not be original it says collegiate on it was told it may be Elgin I have read Elgin made collegiate so I’m a bit confused on what this bicycle originally looked like? I was recently told the forks gooseneck are not original as well this has been repainted many years ago however the tool tank is original it has writing on the side I can’t make out what it says starts with a D any info or photos of what this should look like original is appreciated thanks!!
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A repainted bike which may have had parts replaced. “Deluxe” toolbox, Excelsior Michigan City frame, Sears Elgin-like chain ring. Upside down handle bar. Early fork, (ToC-like) sans truss rods.
 
More for the parts than for the whole.
Saw a toolbox go for $400 on eBay this week. Perhaps you might compare other parts online also. Some might be interested in the Art Deco stem, fenders or their braces, the rear-leaning post, long spring seat parts, wheels, drop stand, crank or chain ring.
I know someone with an excelsior yoke truss fork and head badge that needs a matching frame.
 
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More for the parts than for the whole.
Saw a toolbox go for $400 on eBay this week. Perhaps you might compare other parts online also. Some might be interested in the Art Deco stem, fenders or their braces, the rear-leaning post, long spring seat parts, wheels, drop stand, crank or chain ring.
I know someone with an excelsior yoke truss fork and head badge that needs a matching frame.
I was figuring that if they wanna make me a offer on the frame I would consider parting it feel free to mention it thanks again
 
So, you may search for Excelsior Michigan City Indiana bicycles.
http://www.nostalgic.net/bicycle415/
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/excelsior-bicycle.30261/ (not Schwinn).
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/f...sior-cycle-co-of-michigan-city-indiana.21251/
Your example is one of the short frames; the taller frames may be more common.
Wishbone Fork 1.pngWishbone Fork 1.jpg
Examples of the wishbone or yoke truss fork.
Your specimen is mostly complete; it would be a shame to part it out.
Did you ever mention what you paid for it?
 
Thanks for the info I did some trading for it I’m wondering if this had a motor on it at onetime Tough figuring out exactly which one it was seeing how there was so many different models
 
seeing how there was so many different models
Some say the motorbike period was fairly absent of innovation or change.
That is what is challenging about the period (only diamond frames and ladies models may be more so).
Many of the most upwardly-mobile designers of the time could have transitioned to actual motorcycles or even automobiles, unless they were multi-taskers).
The differences between "Excelsior" cycles of the period, with the double drop bar frame, besides frame size, may be the head badge, chain ring, and truss fork design. Ads sometimes only show the larger models, with a mention of optional sizes. I forget when the trend changed to the large frames being the non-standard or option.
Early truss forks may have had wishbone style with stand-offs brazed to the fork (lower), later the stand-offs appear to have been incorporated into the triple-plate style fork crowns (stand-offs as an extension of a top plate); later I believe that they may have adopted the 3 or 4-piece design with more loose parts attached via fasteners.
Some collectors and enthusiasts prefer the streamlined era, and may limit their lot of similar-looking motorbikes.
I’m wondering if this had a motor on it at one time
A Sears Elgin ad clarifies that (paraphrasing) "The term "Motor-Bike" has reference only to the type of frame, meaning that it is built on the order of a motorcycle".
 
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