The Cycle Truck Post

[REC]

Does anyone on this list have a 20" Cycle Truck. I haven't seen that many.

You've not seen that many?
I've not seen even one (Schwinn-built).....

I saw photos of one that was smaller, but it was hand-built, and I believe it was in Puerto Rico.

REC

[Cycletrucker]

I've got two 20's that look much the same.
Top tube stays horizonal straight and doesn't drop down at the saddle.
Somewhere I've got pictures I can post.
The 1940 parts catalog lists 4 distinct C/T frames.
Two at 18" & two at 20''....
(that's from memory but I'll verify).

I'd like to know what they each looked like.

Sometime after the war the Schwinn began
to make the frames only at 18.75(c-t average).

[Cycletrucker]

I45172 B.F.Goodrich Schwinn pattern shield.

The other 20" is the small basket model.

[REC]

Brain fart.  My bad...
I'm thinkin' 20".... wheels. Thursday was a long day...

I've seen these frames several times for sale, just never got to the purchase. (outbid)  Eventually, I may luck out and get one, but for the moment, I don't see it in the near future. I am trying a new direction  -  spending nothing! I can already see it will be an issue...

On the question you asked, I have not seen anyone else post a photo of one here. There was one on CL a few months ago that I inquired on and was told no shipping. It was not complete - no basket, stand, nor front fender. If I recall correctly it was about $700 or so.

I had no idea of the size, just new it was different than the ones I have and thought it was something else I could live with. Wish I could have worked something out with the guy. It was also a small basket model (no nut).

Do you have the large basket for yours?

REC

[Cycletrucker]

Yes, but I haven't decided if I'll use it for this one.
I have another large that is only a basket frame
w/o the wire weaving. I've been thinking that it
would good w/ a woven replacement of Hickory
bark or palm pith. The 20"has particular appeal
for me because I'm a bit leggy and can bend a
long seat post on a rough road.

[REC]

Here is a preview of what I'm up to since the last post here. I got this 20" framed CT from another board member, and it is kind of cool, but not yet finished being built back as a rider. I'm getting there, but not in a hurry it seems!

How's that?

I like it so far, just need to get the basketboard and basket in place. Brackets aren't yet finished, so it'll be a little while longer.

REC
The other post at the bottom of the group has more of the collection in it.

[BobHufford]

Oh -- that is nice!

Congrats,

Bob

[REC]

Just when I thought I was about out of options, up comes this frame that I just could not leave alone. As usual, it's money I didn't need to spend, and for something I shouldn't even be looking at! The tricky part was the stuff that came off of the frame has some telling codes, and it seems this also fits in the list in the same period - '46, middle to late year. Happy Birthday to me......  Here's a photo up from the ad:

This one will get some of the parts I've been gathering for a while. Should be fun...

REC

[Echo_Delta]

Here is a preview of what I'm up to since the last post here. I got this 20" framed CT from another board member, and it is kind of cool, but not yet finished being built back as a rider. I'm getting there, but not in a hurry it seems!


How's that?

I like it so far, just need to get the basketboard and basket in place. Brackets aren't yet finished, so it'll be a little while longer.

REC
The other post at the bottom of the group has more of the collection in it.

Sweet!

[REC]

Well, It's taken a while to get to this one, but the '46 frame that I got as shown in an earlier post in this thread has been Resto-Modified and is now a rideable bike again. As it was raised from a pile of parts, it has some newer technology implanted for the more practical side of life. Now equipped with a Bendix Automatic rear hub, laced to a nice S2 rear rim, and the standard Bendix removable axle front hub, this one should be quite nice as a riding machine. Still need to do a little striping on the guard and maybe something on the signplate..

This one gave me a few fits in the end - like where did I put the stand nuts, what happened to the chain I put in this drawer, and what did I do with the box with the seat and grips in it ?

Fortunately, I had a brainiac moment and remembered what I did with the stuff. The end result is a pretty nice, clean version of an old Cycle-Truck that looks good and should ride even better. (It's gotta stop raining eventually!)

Here are a couple of photos of the White Beast. (With a memory shot of the starting point for reference)

[bartcycle]

I think that the 20" frame size would be rare.  Most people needing one would have bought the smaller frame to fit more employees.

[REC]

I think that the 20" frame size would be rare.  Most people needing one would have bought the smaller frame to fit more employees.

You're right on the money - the 20" framed model appears to have only been offered in the pre-war era. Not mentioned in advertising once pre-war models were discontinued. The 18" frame became pretty much standard. I am lucky to have three of the four pre-war models in my collection of these old workhorses. I do not have a 20" framed big basket (S2) model. If I ever run across one and can find a way to own it, I will probably end up with that one.

I really love these old bikes, and get a huge kick out of riding them as it takes me back almost 50 years!

REC

[JenniferC]

Very nice REC, see my post in Collector's Corner. 

[REC]

I did not post the picture of the 20" CT with the sign plate installed here, so here it is (the first photo).

Along with that, I have now assembled the '52 model that has been under construction since '08. The direction on it changed to a more conventional appearance right at the end, leaving a bunch of parts that were already painted without a home. That home is under construction starting later today (I hope!), and will have an off-beat kick to it when done.

The other attached photos are the '52 as purchased, during construction, and as it sits today. I still have to get the chain guard striped, and figure out the sign plate - whether it will have something on it or not.

Just having fun....

REC

[JenniferC]

Just having fun....

That's more than obvious 

 You do these cool old bikes justice Roland.