Saskatchewan Member

I picked up a 1948 CCM balloon roadster in 1991 from an elderly gentleman. The original intent was to use the bike at the weather office on the Moose Jaw airbase. The weather observers used cheap multi-speed bicycles to go out and have a look around at the sky during their shifts. They were not exactly careful with how they treated these bikes. A replacement bike was needed, so I offered to hunt one down. Since I had found and paid for the bike ($25.00) I thought about this fact as I took the bike out to the base. Thankfully, I reconsidered the idea and took the bike home, instead.

I used it over the next 20 years as my occasional recreational ride and "lawnmower gasoline getter". I havn't done a thing to it and it still rides and glides superbly.

The paint work on the frame has to go, however. It is a truly abominable looking mess, and very chipped and scraped up. I didn't do it, it came that way. I'm planning on a re-do in maroon.

The saddle still has its original leather, but it isn't exactly pretty.

One rim has been painted ( again, poorly ) so I think that paint will be coming off. The other rim is original chromium and in good shape.

The fenders are in pretty good shape, I'm just going to clean them up and leave them as they are.

I'm toying with the idea of purchasing another modern wheel-set with heavy duty stainless spokes and a rear wheel drive ring and motorizing the bike. The bike itself will not be altered, the original wheels will be kept and will have new balloon tires installed. That way I can switch back and forth when I desire.

I also recently acquired the dream bike of my youth.... a 1970's Cinelli Super Corsa.  All original paint and decals. Just the stem has been replaced with a newer unit.