T-Mar

CCM produced three models that used the same frame: the Silver Ghost, Mistral and Concorde. The only difference was the color and decals. What color is the frame? The 531 tubes are only plain gauge, while the forks and stays are hi-tensile steel. Dropouts for most years were stamped. They were lower, mid-range fames. The lugs on the early ones leave at lot to be desired aesthetically. Some of the workmanship from that era falls into the same category.

T-Mar

I guess it's all relative, but I wouldn't consider the Flyte an expensive bicycle. It was only about 10% more than the Motorbike or Standard Sport models. Even if you look at CCM's stripped to the bar bones adult model, the Flyte was only 50% more expensive.

The Flyte has become expensive only in the modern era, where it's uniqueness brings prices that are tenfold to a hundredfold what it's CCM brethen from the era can command.

moki

Not mine. This belongs to to Bicycle Specialties in T.O. They also have a coupla ccm track bikes from the 50s, and g*d knows what else.

thebikeguy

Don't forget that it was marketed in the height of the Depression when people couldn't afford a new bike.Let alone the top model.It was only the well-to-do that could afford something like the Flyte.Poor sales are what contributed to it's demise.

divineAndbright

The "silver ghost" on craigslist is silver, and a half chrome fork, actually here is the listing:
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/428190673.html

The seat tube lug looks really nice, no close up of the head tube lug work. I didn't realize it was only the main tubes were 531 on these bikes, and hi-tensile stays, thats rather dissapointing to here. T-Mar, do you know anything about the tour de canada? I remember reading about it in a old bicycle book, was that one full 531?

T-Mar

Yes, that is a Silver Ghost, specifically a 1977 model. The seat lug is not so nice. Look closely and you'll see that it is just a standard square cut lug on the bottom. The head lugs look nice for the actual head tube, but the top tube and down tube portions look just like the seat lug - half finished.

The Tour Du Canada came in two very different versions. One was an entry level model of hi-tensile steel and the other a top of the line model with Reynolds 531 DB. I've got one of the latter, which I've owned for 23 years.

T-Mar

Well, first off the Flyte was manufactured for 5 years, not 3. As for it being manufactured during the depression, that was an aid, not a hindrance. People couldn't afford cars and bicycles sales were up. The first year of Flyte production saw bicycle production in Canada increase by 30% over the previous best year. And production climbed steadily during the remaining 4 fours that the Flyte was available. The fact that Flytes didn't sell during this period is not so curious. I know a lot of people attribute it to the cost, but CCM were selling racers which were 60% more expensive than a Motorbike, a lot more expensive than the Flyte. So, bicycles sales were good and more expensive models were selling. That leaves the design, which was probably too radical for the marketplace. Had they simply streamlined a Motorbike without incorporating the cushioned stays and forks, it likely would have sold well, despite the price increase. It did for Schwinn and other US companies.

Sixty Fiver

Monday is my night to run the co-op so took to checking out an Eaton's Glider we have there which is a re-branded Raleigh and another slice of Canadian bike history.

It has 28 inch wheels on a Perry coaster hub with a threaded cog and lockring and an oiled bb... the oddest part of the bike is the back curving front fork. It also has a 3 piece bb with no identifying marks on the crank and is a little scruffy but will be worth the effort to bring her back to her former glory.

The oiled bb and paintable rims lead me to think this is a pretty old bike and after I finish restoring a lady's Raleigh rod brake roadster I'll probably tackle the Glider.

thebikeguy

CCM reissued the Mustang in 1999 to celebrate their 100th anniversary.They were distributed by CanadianTire outlets and they were sold for$99. I just HAD to have one of them.I modified it with a vintage back tire,seat/sissy bar,and chainring.I put a set of 24"mtn bike forks on it to give it a little more rake/length.The frame is quite a bit smaller than the originals(look at the length of THAT seat post!)The bike is as strong as the originals but the 3speed hub is a POS.First gear went south and now second is going.Gonna swap in a Sturmey hub.The bike is STILL a lot of fun(even at my age-47 years young)


CCM TRIVIA- Did you know that Vincent Massey(Canada's Governor General from 1952 to 1959)and Raymond Massey(actor)were brothers and great grandsons of Daniel Massey(of Massey-Harris)?

squirtsdad

Hey BikeGuy,

I would like to say Hello, and Im new to this forum, I recently came across a CCM tandem, and of all places here in Newport Beach, CA, I did buy it, but honestly I didnt know what I had, and what CCM stood for til recently, and after I had repainted it. It was a true rust bucket!! I would like to know more about this bike, I did find the serial number D244715 on the front seat tube down by the crank. An exact year would be helpful. I do have some pics of it before and after, my 8 year old daughter and I just enjoy to ride it.

oldy57

I have a few CCM bikes mostly older bikes. This one is a CCM made Garry sold by the Ashdown company.


The second is a CCM made Pastime. I am not sure who sold these. No serial number on it.


This one is a CCM Cleveland. It was found in the garbage dump by my neighbor who cleaned it up and painted it. I bought it last weekend for $10. It is a 1937 but has the Hercules 1926 stamped hub. It must have been made before the 1937 was used. In the background is a CCM balloon tire bike wih junk wheels for the garden. The wheel on the left belongs to a ladies Garry.

This one is a CCM Massey. 1938

thebikeguy

Hey Squirtsdad.Welcome to the best forum.Based on the serial number it was built in 1971.The CCM Tandem is fairly heavy bike but alot of fun.Does yours have the "blade forks"?I swapped in a conventional set of forks because I didn't like the flex in the originals.I find it handles better this way.
Pics are ALWAYS nice

squirtsdad

Thank you, Its nice to know the age, the original forks were already replaced before I got the bike, there was a Tange style on it. I will try to get some pics of it soon, Thanks again

Sixty Fiver

I see my pics vanished when I switched to another server so here they are again...

The 1940 CCM "Path" bike... not too much is original except the frame.



The 1933... I would really like to have it re-painted and ready for Canada Day.

moki

1939 (or thereabouts) Flyer

Sixty Fiver

moki - g'dang that Flyer is sweet.

T-Mar

Except it's not a Flyer but the next down Road Racer model.

squirtsdad

This is the tandem I found in newport, its currently far from being original, most of the original parts were so far gone that I really didnt want to try an use them. It took some time to get it this far, the trailer I built from scratch. I will get some before pics soon.

HSean

These are some I had and have.

this is a nice one, it went to a very good


This is a rusty old Elan

oldy57

1939 CCM ladies bike. It had a repaint at one time. It looks great with the paint.

VintageRaleigh

If it happened, I'd be first in line for a season pass to any said CCM Museum!

My luck seems to bring me across more Raleighs (which I also like), but CCM's are where my true interest lies. I just sold a 60's Galaxie 3 speed, but what I ride around our property is a 60's Grand Touring 3 speed... it's a nice green. I paid too much for it but that's ok because it fits me perfectly. I'll post pictures when I get some...

I've always thought that it's too bad CCM didn't embrace Rust-Proofing a little bit more seriously- given this IS Canada! I've come across too many with that horrid speckle on the frame...

Sixty Fiver

Gotta keep things updated and keep this thread alive... I built up some new wheels on 27 inch Araya rims for the path bike and used an old Perry hub for the rear.





Had a fellow come in the other day with an ancient CCM frame with a "CCM Massey" band... I can let him know that within this thread there is a picture of his bike in a complete condition.

A CCM museum would be a wonderful thing to have as would any more information we can get on these much beloved bikes.

Oh yeah... I found a nearly complete CCM Mustang too.

sfclearwater

Here is CCM Cruiser I just sold, and an Eaton's Glider I fixed up for a friend.

beast775

hello my name is mark.grew up riding a 30s colson in the 70s,and have been in awe of old bicycles ever since!i recently purchased a not sure of the year but early 1900s massey silver ribbon.mostly untouched.i will clean this and keep original.i have been waiting along time for such a bike.i had the fork trued,what a nice colour this bike was dark marroon?heres a few pics

beast775

1969 elan sport-this bike was in a closet for 20 years,haha ....i was told.not a speck of rust.rides a little quirky but im glad it had all original equipment.shes a beauty!