Lets see your Balloon Tire Bikes

[esteban68]

next is an all aluminium 'mecadural' built just post war in an old aircraft factory;

 

[munimula]

1937 silver king flo-cycle and 1936 silver king m1 deluxe bicycles





duralium(aluminum) frames and stainless steel fenders - a different design from the typical painted balloon tire bike of the 1930's.

 

[Giftmacher]

What's the english word for faltreifen? I presume it's not same as balloon tires. Balloon tires are made only with wire? Here's an example of the "faltreifen" of size 28x1½.
In Europe it was mostly manufactured in the prewar era and after the war came mentioned wire tires and their production has taken a back seat.

 

[ReverbDave]

I found this 1956 Columbia at a yard sale for $55.00 two weeks ago. I don't really know too much about vintage bikes, but I thought it was cool. I had to put new tires and a chain on it. Nice to see your great bikes.

 

[ferryengr]

Two modern interpretations of vintage balloon tire bikes

Both bikes are new, modern interpretations of vintage balloon tire bikes. Manufactured by Retrovelo in Germany. I consider myself a member of a small subset of cyclists in the US that have rejected lycra attire and racing style bikes for more civilized bicycle transportation. The "old fashion" balloon tired bike evolved over many decades and is still an excellent solution for those looking at healthy transportation or exercise options.

The khaki color bike is more traditional in geometry and appearance. Tires are modern Schwalbe "Fat Franks" (26" x 2.35"), very puncture proof and they roll great on bumpy, chuck hole infested, city streets.

The red bike is a little sportier and is a German interpretation of a late 1970's Marin County mountain bike (a la Mt. Tams). It too rolls on Fat Franks. Both bikes have steel frames and sport modern brakes and internal gear hubs.

Both bikes feature traditional Brooks B67, sprung, leather saddles - which are awesomely comfortable.

 

[2jakes]

Schwinn Black Phantom

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

I do have a vintage Raleigh, but this is my current ride...

Okay, just had to break the ancient history theme here.

Fed

 

[2jakes]

"Spirit of '37”

The bike came standard.
I added wider chrome fenders & bolted a brass eagle ornament
to the front fender.
Installed dual front springs for greater stability & the ride is
twice as comfortable.
Replaced standard black-wall tires with larger size balloon tires.
Heavy-duty black wheels.
E.A. pancake horn. (working)
Pending: Front head-light & rear tail-lights.
I would describe all this as “Columbia blinging” 30s style !

 

[Spudman]

Fed got to post his current ride, so I'll post mine. We are kindred spirits of sorts.

 

[Bamaboots]

Fed got to post his current ride, so I'll post mine. We are kindred spirits of sorts. View attachment 40016

ZIPP front wheel, now that's pretty wild.

 

[Spudman]

ZIPP front wheel, now that's pretty wild.

Good eye! I've got one on the back now too. I got them both used since I don't think they make a 650c wheel anymore and I couldn't afford new ones anyway.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[2jakes]

Balloon bicycle heaven

 

[2jakes]

'20s Iver Johnson.

Troxel saddle.

Torrington pedals.

I found this beauty “as is” . Several parts not original for this
period but nevertheless the bicycle is in great condition.

 

[Stanley Doble]

Here's my contribution, a modern Norco bike with Chinese motor

 

[2jakes]

Columbia bicycle bell ringer on the handle-bars .

 

[2jakes]

There was a canvas newspaper bag on the rear rack when I made deliveries.

 

[2jakes]

A Luxury Liner by ROAD~MASTER

 

[Retromoto]

Hi all, I hope I'm not duplicating a previous thread. Balloon tire bicycles represent the golden age of bicycles, and they were most prevalent between 1933 and the late 1950s. A number of balloon tire retro cruiser models are still made today. What's a balloon tire some may ask? One with a width of more than two inches, such as the 26" x 2.125" found on most adult size ballooners. I've posted some photos on another thread, but I'll post them here again so you don't have to search. Below are a few from my collection.

This is a reissue of the 1941 Columbia F9T "Superb" Dashboard Bike.

This is a 1936 Elgin I restored last year.

This is a 1946 or '47 JC Higgins I restored and subsequently sold to a friend.

This is a Roadmaster of indeterminate year. It's a real "mutt" of a bike, with many non standard parts, many from other makes.
-Chris

Nice bike collection, I rode a mid-sized tire, Schwinn Tornado although my brother rode a "Cadillac" balloon tired bike. It was a tanker with the rear rack and horn button in the tank. Rode very smoothly although in a hi-speed challenge was usually surpassed by the slightly lighter Tornado. It's my guess GM might question the use of the "Cadillac" name in today's times. This was back in the early 1960's. Thanks for sharing. BTW, that 36 Elgin really speaks to me....
Retromoto

 

[2jakes]

A very young James Dean and his (’38/’39) Hawthorne bicycle.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thank goodness for the 'front page' of this site or I would never have known this thread existed. I'm surprised but delighted and happy to see guys restoring old bicycles. Much more interesting than restoring yet another 60s Mustang...