Submitted by FreeLander on Sun, 05/10/2015 - 14:51
Hi,
I just picked up this old CCM. I think it may be c. 1970 but I'm not sure. It has a SuperCycle head badge but CCM seat tube decal. It has a Shimano Lark SS RD which Disraeli Gears puts at 1971. It has a Middlemore Saddle. Any thoughts?
Based on the fork blade reflectors, it should be a 1972 model. If so, the serial number, which should be at the bottom of the non-drive side of ther seat tube, should start with a C or D. CCM called this model the Grand Sports while CTC called their version a Supercycle 10 Speed Sports.
The best way to describe it is a hybrid. The CCM Grand Sports used a one piece, Ashtabula style crankset, while the Supercycle10 speed Sports used a three piece, cottered crankset for economy. The frame was designed with a large diameter, non-threaded shell for one piece cranks, however for the Supercyles (and many other other private label brands) CCM used a special adapter spindle that used Ashtabula style cups and cones in conjunction with cottered crankarms. Basically it's an Ashtbula bottom bracket with a special adapter spindle for cottered cranklarms. So, you are seeing things correctly.
I should clarify that the hybrid design was also used on many CCM branded models which had double chainrings. Up until circa 1978, CCM did not have a double chainring version of their one piece crankset. Consequently, the hybrid design was also an easy way to create a 10 speed, without redesigning a frame. I believe it was first used on the 1965 Le Voyageur. Circa 1972, CCM started redesigning some of their frames with a small diameter, threaded, bottom bracket shell to accommodate standard three piece bottom brackets, though the hybrid design doesn't appear to have been completely phased out until circa 1978. So, a 1972 CCM Grand Sports (10 speed) would have had the hybrid design while a 1972 Grand Sports (5 speed) would have had the one piece design. Private label brands (10, 5, 3 and 1 speed models) would typically have had the hybrid design during this era. Sorry for any confusion.
FYI, the 1972 CCM Grand Sports (10 speed) had a MSRP of $99.95. The Supercyle 10 Speed Sports would probably have sold for slightly less.
Submitted by FreeLander on Mon, 05/11/2015 - 21:22.
No worries. It all made perfect sense. Thanks for update though. I never thought of the need to modifiy the standard one-piece in order to accomadate two rings up front may have been the reason behind the modified ashtabula. Neat!
It is always interesting to find out what these sold for in their "new" condition. This bicycle seems to have one of the most comfortable riding geometries with upright bars I have seen. The bicycle just looks comfortable.
Oooops. Here's the pics!
Based on the fork blade reflectors, it should be a 1972 model. If so, the serial number, which should be at the bottom of the non-drive side of ther seat tube, should start with a C or D. CCM called this model the Grand Sports while CTC called their version a Supercycle 10 Speed Sports.
Thanks! I'll check the serial number tomorrow in the day light.
One further question. The BB on this bicycle. Is it a standard "Ashtabula" style with a cottered axle or am I looking at something else?
Thanks and take care,
Daryl
The best way to describe it is a hybrid. The CCM Grand Sports used a one piece, Ashtabula style crankset, while the Supercycle10 speed Sports used a three piece, cottered crankset for economy. The frame was designed with a large diameter, non-threaded shell for one piece cranks, however for the Supercyles (and many other other private label brands) CCM used a special adapter spindle that used Ashtabula style cups and cones in conjunction with cottered crankarms. Basically it's an Ashtbula bottom bracket with a special adapter spindle for cottered cranklarms. So, you are seeing things correctly.
Thanks once again T-Mar for the explanation. It's great to have access to this kind of knowledge!
I should clarify that the hybrid design was also used on many CCM branded models which had double chainrings. Up until circa 1978, CCM did not have a double chainring version of their one piece crankset. Consequently, the hybrid design was also an easy way to create a 10 speed, without redesigning a frame. I believe it was first used on the 1965 Le Voyageur. Circa 1972, CCM started redesigning some of their frames with a small diameter, threaded, bottom bracket shell to accommodate standard three piece bottom brackets, though the hybrid design doesn't appear to have been completely phased out until circa 1978. So, a 1972 CCM Grand Sports (10 speed) would have had the hybrid design while a 1972 Grand Sports (5 speed) would have had the one piece design. Private label brands (10, 5, 3 and 1 speed models) would typically have had the hybrid design during this era. Sorry for any confusion.
FYI, the 1972 CCM Grand Sports (10 speed) had a MSRP of $99.95. The Supercyle 10 Speed Sports would probably have sold for slightly less.
No worries. It all made perfect sense. Thanks for update though. I never thought of the need to modifiy the standard one-piece in order to accomadate two rings up front may have been the reason behind the modified ashtabula. Neat!
It is always interesting to find out what these sold for in their "new" condition. This bicycle seems to have one of the most comfortable riding geometries with upright bars I have seen. The bicycle just looks comfortable.
Thanks agian and take care,
Daryl