(04-07-2020, 08:58 AM)G_M Wrote: This is a gem, Jesper! It does look pretty decent and fresh for a senior bike.
I did a quick google research - 1933 would be my guess. There are some details that stand out, such as the oval shaped detail on the top tube. In between the front saddle and rear handlebar.
You might find some useful information in this old post: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/pictures-wanted-1933-colson-tandem.47724/
Thanks for the info, I hadn't gone to the CABE yet; that reinforcement section you mentioned definitely caught my eye. I tried American Vintage Bicycles(AVB) site, but no mention of tandems of any sort by Colson, although there was a decent history/timeline of the company. Just a note: AVB is apparently not allowing any more members to register (I am not one yet), and in order to contact them through their site you need to be a member, so I am unable to ask them why I cannot register as a member. Rather odd! The last member comment on their "contact us" page was from 2 years ago.
I was able to speak with the owner who said it is quite rideable at this time, though I will make that determination myself, and he has a spare rear hub w/skip sprocket. I am going to pick it up today since I have to do my work commute anyways, and I'm bringing him some medical gloves while I'm at it. It should make for quite the little adventure; the bike will be transported on the roof of my Mini Cooper. I'll post a photo; it's probably as long or longer than my "micro" Mini, and nearly as long as my "mega" Mini. The guy kept asking me if I had a truck to carry it, yes a Mini! I can fit 3 bikes in the back of the "big" one with front wheels off, but only one bike with both wheels off in the small one.
I only wish I could be "work quarantined" so I could mess around with it, but since the co-op is also closed, and my shop space is limited, I will delay any major work on it. I have 2 Brooks B.17s (shorter length ladies) saddles that are nearly new to install on it, but I would like to find more appropriate handle bars/grips; other than that I think the looks are fine component wise. I might put a vintage baby (BEER) carrier on it just to give one more bit of uniqueness; I have a front and a rear so may end up with them both. Also, fenders might be added, and a front caliper brake if possible (rear coaster only as is). I would like to have it at least 100% mechanically correct by Halloween (if life gets back to a somewhat normal state, we should not let our guard down for a while), since my first thought was to put a skeleton in the front "steering" while I would appear to be hanging on for dear life in the rear (maybe a "baby" skeleton in the carrier too!). I think considering this is going to be my first tandem; it will also be my last as I don't think I can get one with the same eccentric character to match my own. Any component changes will probably be for comfort and/or weight reduction as this is a beast of a frame.
Please continue to be safe out there, use due diligence if out in public; and consider thanking the healthcare workers and first responders you know for their tireless efforts. It does matter. My friend has a sign in front of his house doing just that!
(04-07-2020, 08:58 AM)G_M Wrote: You might find some useful information in this old post: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/pictures-wanted-1933-colson-tandem.47724/
Thanks again G_M, that thread provided a good range of photos showing the original parts. I now believe that the handle bars (definitely not the grips) are original from those pictures (their very good condition was what had me thinking they were replaced), and I have one "hairpin" saddle (an older high quality repro, but looks great) so I may go that route, although the Brooks' saddles should still be fine if I go that way. Original fenders (or repro) now seem a must after seeing the pics. The original paint schemes are nice, but I may go custom anyways should I paint it. Probably not too hard to get a headbadge from one of the various companies who put their own name on it for marketing. I know I've seen plenty of "Road King" badge (only example shown) examples out there, we'll see what the prices are in the near future for that piece; also sold under the "Goodyear" and "Firestone" brands during their early period. My price for the bike is $250 (maybe a steal?) without haggling, and I really don't have a problem with that if it is in the functional condition as described to me. I don't get to do much with really old bikes so I am so looking forward to a "different" style project than my Italian racers which just give me too many options for components and what not; I have trouble deciding on final builds. That's the problem with having a "boat load" of parts on hand already.
Photo credit: "detroitbike", from THECABE.