Wheels:
28” wheels. This was the most common size
for mid century European bicycles. The tubes
were nearly always a presta valve type. You
can use shrader valve tubes if you wish (easier to
find replacements and cheaper too).
ExampleRod brakes:
These were by no means the only type of front
brake but certainly the most common.
Example
Crank sets:
There were of several types. There were
cottered cranks,
Ashtabula
one piece, and swaged crank sets. I have
seen all types, but cottered and swaged were most
common.
Example
Cargo Rack:
The military rack was very large compared to
modern racks and measured approximately 18” x
10” You will see civilian
racks in photos but proper military racks are
handier for hauling your kit and will easily
identify your bike as “military.”
Example
Air pump: The pump has a wooden handle on one end.
These are nearly always for presta valve tubes
which were most common at the time. (It is
easier and cheaper to convert your tubes to
shrader valves) but you will need a pump
regardless.
Example
Pump clips:
There are several types and these are generally
available from suppliers in
Germany
.
These allowed you to carry your pump attached to
the bicycle frame.
Example
Generator
lights: These
appear on almost all period bicycles. The
front and rear bulb are powered by a generator
that rubs on the front wheel when riding obviating
the need for batteries. During the day you
simply pivot the generator out of contact with the
wheel. Period lamps tend to be larger than
their post-war brothers. You would want to
try to get a big lamp if you choose to go with
this option.
Example
Hand-grips:
Plain
grips (no finger grooves) were the most commonly
seen style.
Example
Bell:
Basic thumb operated bell on the handlebar.
Example
Single speed, coaster
brake: This
means there is no gear shift and the rear brake
operates by backward pressure on the pedals.
Peddles:
Peddles with reflectors were not common during the
war.
Kick-stand:
Period
bikes did not have a kick-stand. |