The wearing-in period of the 1940 New World continues. I raised the seat post maybe 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch. Handlebars stayed put for the time being. I like them a little above the saddle level. My trips on this bike will be of the short or medium length. I have other bikes for longer rides. The bike is just now leaving that stage of rides where time is spent fiddling with the fit, setting up lights, etc.
The bike is relatively light, being as basic as it is. It doesn't even have a kickstand. The closest bike in concept that I have is my 1947 Raleigh Model 35, though that is even more basic (the Raleigh doesn't even have a chain guard). Of the two, the 1947 Raleigh has a more solid feel to the frame and rides a little better. I enjoy both bikes.
What is surprising is how noticeably different the bike feels than post-war New World, Traveler, etc. Those are heavier but not nearly as flexible feeling as this bike. They have a more solid feel, especially climbing a steep hill or going over bumps. So many things on this bike have a spindly quality: the seat stays, fender stays, glass reflector, small-diameter frame tubes, etc. The bike doesn't have that heavy, over-built feel of the post-war New World frames (both for better and for worse).
Overall, this bike is a good example of a light, spindly, simple American-made lightweight touring bike from before WWII. The "modern" lightweight bike was still in its early years in 1940 in the United States. Britain had a much longer history of diamond frame, relatively modern bicycles for sport, touring, and utility purposes. So it's nice to have an example of an "early", American-made lightweight with a 23-inch frame.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please keep comments on topic and civil. Comments subject to moderation.