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BtfdRedbird introduction
Hi. I just found this site and wish to thank the creator of same, which I expect is John, as he has the oldest post, being October 2010. I have a number of vintage bicycles the majority of which are CCMs. The oldest is a turn of the century, 1899-1902, CCM Brantford Redbird, Special Model 57 in original condition save and except for the wood wheels that have been refinished and respoked. This is a fixed gear track bike which used predominately Goold Bicycle Company components, which company was one of the five original amalgamated companies forming CCM. Its a nice riding bike however without brakes I'm always nervous. I also have a completely original 1916-1919 Brantford Redbird which I ride regularly. Another nice CCM I acquired was an original 1940 Flyer with all original components including paint, decals and specific Flyer parts. This bike rides beautifully. I also have a couple of Flytes which I also ride often, one of which has a headbadge from a St. Thomas, Ontario sporting goods store. Another such store that had CCMs using its own headbadge was Hawthorne Sporting Goods in Brantford, Ontario however they were CCMs. I also collect items that go with the bicycles such as advertising signs, tool cabinets, brochures, etc. Those on this site may be interested in the Vintage Bicycle Show and Swap Meet that happens every summer in Brantford. This show grows every year and is well worth travelling to. I noticed a link to the 2009 show and the show this last summer was truly great, could even be the largest in Canada. I will contact the organizer of the show about this site and he can then give his own input. Sorry about the long post and I hope this goes into the Introduction section. Thanks again for the site. Doug.
WOW those are some fantastic bikes, Doug! Thanks for signing up and letting us know about them. Thanks also for the kind words. When you talk about Flyers and Flytes, you're talking about some pretty incredible machines. I'm amazed that your bikes are all rideable. That's fantastic. Do you do your own mechanical work?
A few years ago a Red Bird came up at auction down this way near Cornwall. Unfortunately, I couldn't get there.
The oldest bike I have is 1918 - 20 CCM Cleveland with wooden rims. It's all original and would be rideable if I had new rubber for it.
I've heard good things about the Brantford show and swap meet and hope to get there this year for sure.
Stay in touch.
John
Nice the here from you Doug!
The Flytes are coming out of the woodwork around the world:) What years and condition are yours?
Regards
Gavin
'37 Flyte
Hi Gavin. The one is a 1939 if I remember correctly and I'm not even sure if I checked the other one. Both of these bikes have been repainted however they are ridden fairly often. If you could attend the Vintage Bicycle Show and Swap Meet in Brantford you will usually see at least ten or twelve Flytes and often a couple for sale. A friend of mine has one that he has removed the fenders from, painted it black, put Flyer handlebars on it, Brooks racing seat and cream coloured tires. It is stunning. They ordinarily appear to be selling for about $1000, plus or minus, but more times than not, plus. CCM made bicycles for sporting goods stores that applied their own headbadges and of these I have only seen the one Flyte that I have. I have however seen other CCMs with sporting goods store headbadges such as Hawthorne Sporting Goods in Brantford, Ontario. The organizer of the bike show has a double bar one of these that he has restored and it is truly beautiful. There is a growing interest in Flytes these days and the demand far outstrips the supply so the prices are rising dramatically. I'm actually trying to locate another Flyer however I have been unsuccessful to date. If you happen to come across any and you are not interested, please let me know. Great to here from you. Doug.