Ultra rare: 1937 Glidacycle

[Jay81]

I know the term "rare" has been discussed, and dissected here before. Many times the term "rare" is used improperly, just like the term "restored."
Here is a bike I believe definitely fits the bill to be described as rare, and dare I say, I think it qualifies as ultra rare.
The 1937 Glidacycle.
I got this yesterday from my brothers collection that I bought out. He also gave me an issue of "Classic Bike" newsletter from November/December 1996, where they did an article about these bikes, and also published the text and some pictures from original sales material.
A quote from the article:
"It is said that one hundred of the unique machines were made and only four survive today."

FOUR.

Now, it's entirely possible that more were discovered since then. But with approximately 100 ever produced there can't be many.
I have only seen one other example in person, which my brother also used to own, which he bought from Jerry Peters.
I have also seen one other example on ebay a few years ago.

Here are a few pics of this rare bike, and two signs my brother had made, using pictures from the original sales material, which was published in the above mentioned article.
I rode it around the neighborhood a bit yesterday, it is an absolute blast to ride! I hope you all enjoy the pics. I am stoked as can be to add this bike to my collection!

 

[frankster41]

Looks like quite the contraption!!!

 

[Rollo]

... KQQL bike! ... Is it easy to ride? ...

 

[Jay81]

... KQQL bike! ... Is it easy to ride? ...

Thanks! It's pretty easy to ride.

 

[redline1968]

They are pretty cool and heavy too. Love the shifter

 

[hoofhearted]

@Jay81 ... Thank you for taking on the use of the word, ''rare''.
The word is tremendously overused by many peeps in every
field of collecting .. from ''Chinese Checkers'' marbles to pocket
knives to ''Haunted Dolls''.

However your use of the word is highly appropriate as you apply
it to your Glidacycle. That is an amazing machine - and you are
very fortunate to be able to add it to your collection.

Never having had a chance to see one in motion .. my observations
were limited to the illustration from the factory.

No matter how much I studied the factory illustrated mechanism
of motion .. I could not get the Glidacycle to roll.

But after seeing your machine .. and making comparisons to the
illustration ... I see that your ''locomotive linkage'' connects the
treadles to the actual chainrings of the drive unit ... and these chain
rings send the force of motion to rear cogs (geas / sprockets / rings)
by way of the chains ... causing the rear wheel to propel the machine
forward.

The factory illustration has the ''locomotive linkage'' as a direct go-
between - connecting the treadle mechanisms directly to the rear cogs.s... Aarrrgh !!

And now .. after listening to In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida .since 1968 -- have
discovered the authentic message to be, ''In The Garden Of Eden ... ''

Thank you -- Glidacycle ...

..... patric

 

[PCHiggin]

I always believed the term “rare” walked hand in hand with desirable. Some bikes are more scarce than anything, usually for good reason

 

[Jay81]

@Jay81 ... Thank you for taking on the use of the word, ''rare''.
The word is tremendously overused by many peeps in every
field of collecting .. from ''Chinese Checkers'' marbles to pocket
knives to ''Haunted Dolls''.

However your use of the word is highly appropriate as you apply
it to your Glidacycle. That is an amazing machine - and you are
very fortunate to be able to add it to your collection.

Never having had a chance to see one in motion .. my observations
were limited to the illustration from the factory.

No matter how much I studied the factory illustrated mechanism
of motion .. I could not get the Glidacycle to roll.

But after seeing your machine .. and making comparisons to the
illustration ... I see that your ''locomotive linkage'' connects the
treadles to the actual chainrings of the drive unit ... and these chain
rings send the force of motion to rear cogs (geas / sprockets / rings)
by way of the chains ... causing the rear wheel to propel the machine
forward.

The factory illustration has the ''locomotive linkage'' as a direct go-
between - connecting the treadle mechanisms directly to the rear cogs.s... Aarrrgh !!

And now .. after listening to In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida .since 1968 -- have
discovered the authentic message to be, ''In The Garden Of Eden ... ''

Thank you -- Glidacycle ...

..... patric

Thank you, I certainly am very fortunate to be the next caretaker of this machine.

I would like to point out, the "locomotive linkage" or #8 in the drawing, is connected directly to the chains themselves (not the chainrings) by way of a special chain link referred to as the "connecting link" #9 in the factory drawing.

 

[hoofhearted]

Thank you, I certainly am very fortunate to be the next caretaker of this machine.

I would like to point out, the "locomotive linkage" or #8 in the drawing, is connected directly to the chains themselves (not the chainrings) by way of a special chain link referred to as the "connecting link" #9 in the factory drawing.

===========================================================

Am dizzy just thinkin' about your last comment, @Jay81 ... one day I will pilot a Glidacycle.

..... patric

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Such a cool bike! (As well as others from your brother's collection) The wear on your new machine is perfect, too!

Enjoy!