Date code and model designation

Submitted by C.B.M. on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 17:16

Hi to all.

I recently received a CCM bicycle. The MFG date code is : 6E0824.

Am I safe to say this is a 1941 model? Does the 6 represent the month of the year?

The bike did not come with a chain guard and I have had no luck trying to find information on this

model on the internet. Tire size is: 26x2x1.75

Does anyone know the model designation of this bicycle.

Thank you.

Curtis

 

5 Comments

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 20:41.

Curtis:  How are things?  According to the 1941 dealers catalogue, it appears that yours is a CCM "Special" , unfortunately it does not have the Gibsons... see  http://s917.photobucket.com/albums/ad20/dobie45/1941%20CCM%20Catalogue/     Cheers, Wayne

Submitted by Old-Bikes on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 06:56.

hey Wayne, do you have a 1947 catalogue? if you do, I'd be interested in seeing it! smiley

Submitted by T-Mar on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 07:53.

With all due respect to Wayne, I believe this to be a Balloon Roadster, as opposed to a Special. These models were quite similar, using the same frame, so it's quite easy to confuse them. Both models were maroon  but the Special had a gold finish on the head tube, while the Balloon Roadster's was ivory. The picture looks more like the latter. There were some component differences with the major one being the crankset. The Special used the Triplex, while the Balloon Roadster used the standard, one piece CCM crankset. The OP's bicycle clearly has the latter. Being a Balloon Roadster would also explain why it doesn''t have Gibson pedals, as Philips pedals were spec'd on this model (though I can't positively identify them in the pictures).

As for the serial number, none of he data suggests that CCM incorporated a month indicator. If they had stratified the data beyond the year, it is more likely that they would have incorporated a fortnight indicator, as was fairly standard practice among large British manufacturers.

This one of those rare cases where we know it is a 1941 model, as opposed to a 1942 model built in late 1941, because the Balloon Roadster was discontinued, effective September 8, 1941, as part of the war's material conservation program. Given the serial number and the 1941 bicycle volume, I suspect this may have been one of the last Balloon Roadsters built prior to their discontinuation for the duration of the war.

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 08:55.

OB: Unfortunately, no 47 cats;  T-Mar, I humbly defer to your astute observation; and I'm sure we all appreciate the data you impart with your informed comments.  There is no greater teacher than experience.  Thanks and keep 'em coming.  Cheers

Submitted by C.B.M. on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 11:24.

Hi all.

Thank you for all of this factual information.

The bike definitely looks to be a Men's Balloon Roadster - ivory head tube with 26" rims and not 28's as per the Special. 

The original saddle is uncomfortable to ride any distance, having put approximately 45 happy km's on this machine over the weekend. I am still feeling the effects.  Oouch.  I'm forced to change this in order to enjoy this very correct roadster. Images to follow.

Thank you and I will be in touch.

Happy cycling.

Curtis