WTB: Columbia Newsboy w/ integrated rack

[erm799]

I'm trying to track down a Newsboy Special with the integrated rack, seems like this was a short lived model. I've found a few Fire Bolts, which are closeup front, but this Newsboy came with balloon-tire clearance and the classic Columbia integrated kickstand. Condition is no issue, just the frame is fine. Planning on a full custom build.

Anybody got a lead?

 

[Krakatoa]

Very uncommon frame in balloon tire config

 

[Bike Magnet]

If you're looking to run fenderless, you can fit a 2.25 w tire without an issue on a Firebolt. Just make sure you have nicely trued rims, since the tire will be close on the front fork.

 

[erm799]

Thanks @Bike Magnet, that's great to hear. I hadn't decided on fenders, but kinda wanted to leave it on the table. I'm actually planning on building this with the classic Monark springer because I thought the double leg design would match the double tube rack, so fork wouldn't be an issue. I guess it is time to soul-search on if I really think I'd use the fenders. I noticed I could tuck 27.5x 48mm tires in that frame as well, which might be a cool way to go and opens the door to way nicer tires these days.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

You're probably going to hate me for this, but I just picked up the very bike you're looking for at Buddy's Pedal Fest in Pleasant Hill, MO this past weekend. I didn't even know these came in a balloon tire size until I saw this one. There's only one other example of this bike I've seen so far, and I doubt the guy who owns it will sell it. Have you tried browsing Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace? I can let you know if I run across anything like that when I'm browsing those sites.

Like you, I want to do a full custom build with this bike as well. If you want, I can mockup mine with a Monark springer fork and without the fenders if it helps you figure out what you want to do with yours. I could even do a little Photoshopping and digitally bob the fenders if that's something you're thinking about doing. Just let me know what I can do to help you out.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

I did just find this one for sale here: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/motorized-columbia-newsboy.197250/

 

[KingSized HD]

This is a very old thread but thought you might be interested, maybe some tire sizing info. there https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1963-columbia-newsboy.22114/post-131080

This Mr. Columbia article may be helpful too. https://thecabe.com/articles/the-newsboy-special/

 

[erm799]

thanks @Bike from the Dead, I just bought a monk fork and mocked it up. It looks pretty dang slick, I gotta say. Even found a photo of someone who did the same thing w/o fenders. I do wish i could tuck a bigger tire, but i think this will work out just fine.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

thanks @Bike from the Dead, I just bought a monk fork and mocked it up. It looks pretty dang slick, I gotta say. Even found a photo of someone who did the same thing w/o fenders. I do wish i could tuck a bigger tire, but i think this will work out just fine.

You're welcome! Wait, was it this this photo, or one similar to it?

Also, I take it you already found a Newsboy Special?

 

[erm799]

It wasn't that- it was on the monark repop fork website. I didn't find a newsboy but I have a Firebolt. It'll take 26x1.9 or 650x48 pretty easy, and that seems like enough to me. I'd still prefer a proper newsboy but I I feel like I should use this while I have it