1950s Mead Ranger

[sdframe]

I started with a $50 Craigslist find. I liked the frame design, the patina and the head badge.

Then I just cleaned up the frame a bit, overhauled all the bearings, polished some chrome pieces and the head badge, threw on a 7-speed internal gear wheel, adjustable gooseneck, straight bars, new grips, front brake, NOS seat and a few other things. It's a nice solid rider.

I'm not too thrilled with the way the seat looks on the bike. I may look for a vintage road bike saddle to go along with its new "stripped-down" look. Other than that, I'm satisfied. My grandson will be riding this one when he comes to visit.

 

[wheelbender6]

Nice. Resembles a Schwinn Fastback.

 

[sdframe]

Didn't care too much for the yellow grips and the wide saddle. Came up with a sleeker riveted brown saddle and brown grips. Ignore the silly LED lights on the wheels: they're for when my grandson comes to visit. It'll be his ride this summer.

I'll probably replace the yellow cable housing with a gray or brown one.

 

[sdframe]

Just ordered brown cable housings from France! Will do shifter and brake cables in brown, remove the spinning LED lights, and then I'll be DONE! I think.

 

[sdframe]

One more thing. Gotta remove the reflector from the rear wheel.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Great looking bike! I really like those old lugged frames and that head badge is very cool!

 

[sdframe]

Thanks. That's what drew me to it.

 

[NoControl]

One more thing. Gotta remove the reflector from the rear wheel.

Kinda like removing ticks from a dog, aren't they?

 

[sdframe]

Yeah, they just don't look right to me.