52" Columbia Expert

52” Columbia Expert Serial #12316. The serial number indicates this bike was from the middle to late 1880’s.

This particular bike was owned for decades by a local Wheelman here in Alameda, CA. RBR bought this Columbia and a Standard model the gentleman bought from us back in the 1970’s, from his estate. The Columbia Expert was a workhorse of the Columbia Brand and has shown to be a dependable and very rideable bike for the last 130+ years. They were and are good riding bikes that last and keep rolling. This bike is in moderately good condition with only a few things of note needed to make it rideable. The leather saddle top has rotted and needs replacement. This bike came with a 2nd pattern Kirkpatrick saddle and a set of Double Grip handles on the bars and retains the spoon brake system. One of the grips at some point must have been broken and was cast in aluminum, as a result there are 2 left side handles on the bars. Also, the bars are somewhat bent and in need of straightening. The tires that are on the bike are tight and appear to be serviceable but have certainly been replaced at some point in the bikes life, as have several front wheel spokes and all of the rear wheel spokes. This bike is currently in the condition it was received in from the estate. At some time a great while ago, the frame and fork were painted white with some kind of decal applique on the fork legs, while the rims and bars were painted red. While not original factory colors, this bike looks great and has some vintage history. Some rider, sometime, made it their own.