Gretsch Guy
'Lil Knee Scuffer
Howdy all... I've lurked around for for bit, and it's time roll-out my project bike for your input. I am not a vintage bike collector, but I have been a cyclist for the past 30 years, riding the latest carbon fiber road bikes for the most part. But I am also an "old soul" evidenced by my real passion which is collecting vintage American electric guitars. I've been intrigued with early bicycle development and that lead me to the CABE a few months back. I've been interested in the early racing designs, and collect photos of velodrome events and competitors. Then... this bike caught my fancy (see pix).
Some of you no doubt saw it listed on Ebay, advertised as a TOC Pope velodrome racer. In my novice opinion the bike is a "mutt", or compilation of some vintage parts, in addition to the obvious modern upgrades (i.e. rims) to enable it to be a rider. So for the purist, this probably isn't of interest, which is probably why I was the only person to bid on it, winning it for $700. But... it's EXACTLY what I was looking for (even though I wasn't really looking). What I want is a cool period correct (sort-of), racing spec vintage bike that I can ride once in awhile for giggles. I think that's what I've got!
The head-badge is missing and there are several sets of holes. Based on my guess that this bike is a resto-mod, I'm not neccesarriy looking to find out what it is... but if anyone here can identify the frame, I'd really appreciate it, as I'd like to keep my eye out for a cool head badge, and finding a plausible brand/model badge would be my desire.
So... anybody have any thoughts on the frame origins? The goose-neck on the handle-bars has a Patent number but it's illegible. There is a serial number under the frame, but it's equally difficult to read. Lastly, there is a "Pope" stamp on the crank... so if all fails, I'll try and look for a Pope/Columbia head badge. BTW... the B&W photo of the actual velodrome racer is pretty similar to what I've got, which is why I love to so much! Opinions welcomed!
Some of you no doubt saw it listed on Ebay, advertised as a TOC Pope velodrome racer. In my novice opinion the bike is a "mutt", or compilation of some vintage parts, in addition to the obvious modern upgrades (i.e. rims) to enable it to be a rider. So for the purist, this probably isn't of interest, which is probably why I was the only person to bid on it, winning it for $700. But... it's EXACTLY what I was looking for (even though I wasn't really looking). What I want is a cool period correct (sort-of), racing spec vintage bike that I can ride once in awhile for giggles. I think that's what I've got!
The head-badge is missing and there are several sets of holes. Based on my guess that this bike is a resto-mod, I'm not neccesarriy looking to find out what it is... but if anyone here can identify the frame, I'd really appreciate it, as I'd like to keep my eye out for a cool head badge, and finding a plausible brand/model badge would be my desire.
So... anybody have any thoughts on the frame origins? The goose-neck on the handle-bars has a Patent number but it's illegible. There is a serial number under the frame, but it's equally difficult to read. Lastly, there is a "Pope" stamp on the crank... so if all fails, I'll try and look for a Pope/Columbia head badge. BTW... the B&W photo of the actual velodrome racer is pretty similar to what I've got, which is why I love to so much! Opinions welcomed!