So recently I had the fortune to purchase one of each: A complete and original Sports Traveler and a Paratrooper- frame and forks, both built in 1946 by Westfield/Columbia. I had planned to clean up and repaint the Traveler but after getting it home I realize it's just too nice, so I'll clean it up and replace the wheels and tires which I'll use on the Paratrooper. The Traveler has a good set of US Chain tires- 26 X 2.125 that aren't checked and hold air just fine. The paint is over all quite nice and so are the decals. Interesting are the differences between the two frames. The Paratrooper will only take 1.75-2.0 tires. I'm loving the different looks with the handlebars- some one should make a market these again? The Traveler is heavy: 47 lbs.! The clamps actually spread themselves when opened all the way- neat engineering there.
Decals
Head badges
Drop outs
Fender Bridge
Over all fun projects to putter with as winter lingers on here in the northeast. There is some interesting material on the web concerning Columbia's decision to build these bicycles, but no real evidence that they ever saw actual combat. I have some "ratty" plans for the Paratrooper but will leave the Traveler as is, nice original and complete bikes don't show up very often. Any thoughts as to how to best deal with the rough/rust patches?
Cheers!
Fred
Decals
Head badges
Drop outs
Fender Bridge
Over all fun projects to putter with as winter lingers on here in the northeast. There is some interesting material on the web concerning Columbia's decision to build these bicycles, but no real evidence that they ever saw actual combat. I have some "ratty" plans for the Paratrooper but will leave the Traveler as is, nice original and complete bikes don't show up very often. Any thoughts as to how to best deal with the rough/rust patches?
Cheers!
Fred