1892 Century Columbia (Duplex frame)

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WHY SHOULD I RIDE A BICYCLE?
‘The bicycle is a machine of universal use. It is a practical means of rapid and inexpensive transit. On it, the clergyman visits his parishioners, the physician his patients, the business man rides to his office for exercise, and his clerk to save time and expense. The workman rides to and from the factory, the telegraph boy delivers his messages on it. It is to be heard from in modern warfare, in the rapid delivery of despatches, in municipal departments and in other lines of service.
Summed up, it saves time, car-fare, shoe leather, doctors’ bills and worriment.
Remember that its first cost is less than that of a good horse…’

 

1892 Century Columbia

18″ Frame

28″ Wooden Rims with Cushion Tyres

(Now sold)

In the US cycle industry, Columbia was the market leader in the early 1890s. Their machines were of good quality, and Colonel Pope, the company’s president, did everything he could to improve conditions for the American cyclist.

This was Columbia’s basic model offered in 1892, featuring the company’s duplex tubing on the top tube, following through to the seat stays. It’s missing its rear brake (also removed on the Century Columbia Road Racer), though it’s a fixed wheel so that’s not uncommon. It looks like the paintwork is original, though there’s a possibility it was repainted many years ago and the paint has since faded. The 28″ wooden rims are fitted with modern ‘Green Tyres’ which do the job of early 1890s cushion tyres very well. The Columbia lamp bracket is a modern reproduction, but apart from the above observations the Columbia is an original 125-year-old machine with correct pedals, handlebars, saddle etc.

I’m offering this 1892 Columbia for sale. The leather saddle top is quite worn, though intact. It could be ridden if care is taken not to stress the saddle leather. However, I’m able to provide a replacement top, easily fitted, which would then make the machine completely ready for riding.

 

 

 

1892 COLUMBIA CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1893 COLUMBIA MODEL 32 ROAD RACER v 1892 CENTURY COLUMBIA

 

 

 

 

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1893 COLUMBIA MODEL 32 ROAD RACER

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