I am looking for a world war vintage bike. I beleive there were a limited run by CAnadian cycle company, but most used were BSA. If you have one for sale or any leads or guidance, I would greatly appreciate it.
In WWII, CCM did produce bikes that were painted olive drab. However, these bikes were basically the same as the bikes that were made by CCM for civilian use.
Probably up to about $2,000 for a really good example. Back in the early 1970's, my friend was given a BSA paratroopers bike by a fellow he bought a used CCM 3-speed from. We rode that bike a lot. We would undo thevwing nuts in the center of the frame and pull the front of the bike over along one side while we were riding. He still had the bike when I last asked him about it.
Submitted by portdalhousie on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 14:35.
HI, The CCM war grade bikes were produced during the last two years of the Second World War. There were men's and women's patterns. Most plated parts were chemically blackened or painted black. A decal instead of a metal badge. Variious pedal designs limiting steel and rubber use. Some of these may have been sent overseas with at least one RCAF squadron. There is a period CCM article or ad indicating this. However most Canadian units used British bikes. There was investigation on the many injuries that Canadian aircrew suffered riding home from pubs, in the blackout, with rod brake bikes! The military may have obtained some of the CCM bikes for domestic use after 1943.
During the Great War, BSA Mk iv's were standard, but some earlier patterns and non BSA products, such as Humbers and Sunbeams were issued. These were British roadster bikes, usually with rod brakes or a combination of coaster and rod brakes. There was an incredibly rare BSA folding bike for this period too.
During the Second World War, Mk V BSAs and some Sunbeams were around. These are pretty similar to the WW1 roadsters, but with different rear racks, chain rings, and other fittings. There were still some WW1 bikes around: D day film footage shows British support troops landing with bikes, some of which are roadsters. One has the charactaristic clipped from wheel guard of the WW1 model.
WW2 folding paratrooper bikes are still around but rare and highly collectible. Their connection with D-Day landings and with paratroopers has influenced the price.
I am looking at selling my Paratrooper bike, and also one of my War Grade bikes after having enjoyed them both for a few year. PM me at dwebb16@cogeco.ca if you are interested. --David
I am not aware of CCM producing any specific military type bicycles for WW1 or WW2.
During WW1 Canadian Cyclists ( Second, Third, Fourth & Fifth Divisional Cyclists) trained
on CCM bicycles in Toronto and Camp Niagara. Planet Bicycles were also used.
Both CCM and Planet Bicycles were regular bicycles fitted with mud-guards, front & rear carriers, frame
mount rifle clips and carbide lamp. Once in England they were issued BSA military bicycles
by the Canadian Divisional Cyclist Company, Whom also provided the Cyclists with additional training.
(Note - I have found no record of CCM or Planet bicycles being dispatched to England)
BSA also produced a folding military bicycle, used by para-troopers during WW2.
Authentic WW1 BSA bicycles are rare and expensive. The BSA fold-up is some what common and from
time to time is offered for sale at military collectors shows.
You may consider building a CCM that was used for training here in Canada. There are numerous photos
available for reference.
Cheers,
Jim Hall
Here is the spec sheet for the WWI military issue Planet.
...meant to add this photo
In WWII, CCM did produce bikes that were painted olive drab. However, these bikes were basically the same as the bikes that were made by CCM for civilian use.
John Williamson
Gentlemen. Thank you very much for the feedback.
Do you knowwhat the value range for the WW2 BSA paratrooper bike would be?
Probably up to about $2,000 for a really good example. Back in the early 1970's, my friend was given a BSA paratroopers bike by a fellow he bought a used CCM 3-speed from. We rode that bike a lot. We would undo thevwing nuts in the center of the frame and pull the front of the bike over along one side while we were riding. He still had the bike when I last asked him about it.
John Williamson
HI, The CCM war grade bikes were produced during the last two years of the Second World War. There were men's and women's patterns. Most plated parts were chemically blackened or painted black. A decal instead of a metal badge. Variious pedal designs limiting steel and rubber use. Some of these may have been sent overseas with at least one RCAF squadron. There is a period CCM article or ad indicating this. However most Canadian units used British bikes. There was investigation on the many injuries that Canadian aircrew suffered riding home from pubs, in the blackout, with rod brake bikes! The military may have obtained some of the CCM bikes for domestic use after 1943.
During the Great War, BSA Mk iv's were standard, but some earlier patterns and non BSA products, such as Humbers and Sunbeams were issued. These were British roadster bikes, usually with rod brakes or a combination of coaster and rod brakes. There was an incredibly rare BSA folding bike for this period too.
During the Second World War, Mk V BSAs and some Sunbeams were around. These are pretty similar to the WW1 roadsters, but with different rear racks, chain rings, and other fittings. There were still some WW1 bikes around: D day film footage shows British support troops landing with bikes, some of which are roadsters. One has the charactaristic clipped from wheel guard of the WW1 model.
WW2 folding paratrooper bikes are still around but rare and highly collectible. Their connection with D-Day landings and with paratroopers has influenced the price.
I am looking at selling my Paratrooper bike, and also one of my War Grade bikes after having enjoyed them both for a few year. PM me at dwebb16@cogeco.ca if you are interested. --David