alexander55

I am WAY out of my knowledge level on this one. Hoping you can help me identify some more things about the bike and determine a value.

In addition to collecting road/track bikes 30-80s; I volunteer for an organization called Handlebars of Hope. They collect, refurbish and give away kids bikes and adult bikes for transportation to communities south of Brownsville, Texas.

This bike was donated to them. When bikes get donated that can't be used as give-aways, I sell the bikes for them and ALL the cash goes back to the organization.

The brake/hub is marked CORBIN DEPLUX MODEL 8. I think that puts it 1909-1922.
I've been told the pedals are actually for a boys bike and are from the 19teens.
And...the anchors for the skirt guards are still in place which (I have been told) is a bit unusual.

That's what I think I know. What can you tell me? Thanks so much!

alexander55

I also need your guidance as to how to safely "soak"/clean/lubricate...whatever I need to do...in order to begin to take this thing safely apart.

Can I throw away what's left of the tires? Should I cut what's left of the front spokes and toss the splintered front wheel?

Again - I am way out of my knowledge area (limited as they are) and will appreciate the help.

Thanks!

wrk101

Do nothing! You risk decreasing value (not only risk, but probably WILL decrease value). I personally would sell it as is. One person's cleaning is another person's patina DESTRUCTION. Why do you need to take it apart? I would leave that to the collector that is likely going to want this bike. Its taken 100 years for the bike to reach this point.

I have collected/purchased/kept a lot of antique furniture over the last 40 years. Early on, I destroyed a lot of value refinishing furniture, seeking a clean, shiny look instead of cherishing the patina that comes with age. I eventually learned my lesson, but not before ruining thousands of dollars in patina.

trainman999

alexander55 you should post your questions over on the CABE (https://thecabe.com/forum/) they have a thread on pre 1930 bikes. Don't do anything with the tires and wheels someone will want them just as they are

dweenk

^^^^^^ What he said.

StarBiker

I kept looking at this, and everybody is correct. This can be conserved by a pro that knows how to do it. They might even make those tires look remarkable compared to how they look now.

Let a pro do it!

repechage

I would be surprised if the front rim could be steamed back into even display alignment- but maybe.

the tires are toast but might be display worthy somewhere.

there is a fork in the road- learn and return to function or sell and let another make the decisions.

if it were a “gents” frame, I would keep it.

T-Mar

Adult male bicycles garner the most interest from this era. This is at the wrong end of the interest spectrum. There may be some interest for some of the gender neutral parts on it.