Not Exactly Gravel

[MattiThundrrr]

Hello, Canada here. You may not know us, but we're pretty rugged. This is Main Street in Ottawa, the nation's capital, circa 1896. We've been riding rough for a long time.


Norman and Allan Ballantyne by Mary Ballantyne, Library and Archives Canada PA-132226

 

[MattiThundrrr]

In the 20th century, the vast majority of bikes made in Canada were made by CCM, the Canada Cycle & Motor Co. They needed to be tough to survive, and that strength became part of the marketing

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Unlike the American bikes, these were made for adults to ride, as evidenced by the large sizes; the 20" bike listed rolled on 28" rims. This also meant they were made to withstand the abuse of a heavier rider.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Proof of the toughness of these bikes is that they are still found covered in dust in the back of barns and garages across the country
That's mine in the back all covered in dust.
After a quick wipe down

 

[Imlach]

Rambler is undoubtedly the coolest model names in history.

Excited for this build to begin.

Its frankenklunk.

@Woz @grantoury @Guinessisgoodforyou @grey-beard @pw_pw_la @Mickeyspinn

 

[Dr Dremel]

Thanks for posting this here and the brief introduction to Canadian cycling history (turns out to be quite different to the US).

Amazing condition of the framset considering the age!

 

[Rotorhead]

Wow! is it going to be a restomod 1x8? I hope you’ve got some period components up your sleeve. Looking forward to this.

 

[grantoury]

Love the Rambler, it has tons of style

 

[mk one]

Love the history.

Saw this frame over on the RRB forum which i discovered through one of your posts, and looking forward to seeing it come together.

 

[KermitGKona88]

Absolutely stonking frame and forks, I really hope you are going to keep the chainset too?