1887 Columbia Expert Highwheel Penny Farthing Bicycle

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What a find in time for Christmas! This is an 1887 Columbia Expert 54 inch High Wheel bicycle expertly restored in 1991 by a former Commander of the Wheelmen, an organization devoted to preserving the machines of the glorious days during the Golden Era of Bicycling. The bike came from North Carolina and has been stored in Pennsylvania for the past five years or so. It represents part of a collection of larger-sized bikes being sold due to the fact that they're not being ridden by the owner. It is a LARGE and substantial bike and the size is way too big for me as I stand only 5'6". You'd need to be about 5'8", 5'9" or 6 feet tall to get the best use of this wonderful piece of transportation history. The fork, backbone and rims are original. This bike was treated to new, heavy-duty spokes, leather saddle and black enamel paint. It is in fine condition and is very comfortable and rideable. Any paint touch-ups or final cleaning will be left to the lucky new owner. Please! Potential buyers! I want this bike to go to a home w it'll be loved and cared for! This is very important to me because this bike is special to me. This bike was purchased by me about 5 years ago as a potential gift to a dear friend who loved to ride highwheels and became skilled at doing it. I tried to help him, teach him and encourage him, something he appreciated at the time. Naturally, he needed a quality, original highwheel and I wanted to provide him with one that would be sturdy and safe so that we could ride together in parades and festivals. We did so and had tons of fun. We enjoyed our time together at the hobby, putting smiles on people's faces and providing quality educational demonstrations at schools, festivals and civic celebrations. Unfortunately for me, he recently met a woman at a local tavern and his life is taking new directions. He lost touch with me for several weeks and has since demonstrated that he's no longer interested in continuing the camaraderie we had once enjoyed. So I'd like to see this highwheel go to a deserving person who will cherish it and continue giving it the pampering and love it once enjoyed. My loss is your gain. I have several highwheels for sale and I am not out to gouge a high price, especially with this model. I've set a reasonable reserve. The bike will be available for pickup in central eastern Pennsylvania, located near the towns of Hazleton and Lehighton. If you're looking at a map, it falls roughly midway between Philadelphia to the south and Scranton to the north. I can also travel a reasonable distance to deliver nearby but would prefer local pickup w the bike is stored. Please, no shipping. This bike is substantial and heavy, especially considering its magnificent radial spokes. I believe they're solid enough to support a rider well over 220 pounds. This would make a unique Christmas gift to ride, display or maybe even hang on the wall of your office, home or business. And again, it is very large. The wheel alone is 54". By the way, for those viewing this posting early in its listing, I have another bike listed - a Rudge highwheel from Coventry - that will finish its auction on Sunday. For those unfamiliar, highwheels are not only the world's first bicycle, but lay claim to being the first machine man invented to allow him to travel far distance on land under his own power. They led to cars, airplanes, etc. and a rare sight from the 1870s and 1880s. In any case, good luck to all interested parties and God bless. Many of you have asked about possible shipping of this highwheel. 's some info that you might find useful. T's a Wheelmen member living in Millville, NJ who likely would pick up the highwheel at my house and ship it to you. He did this just last week when I sold a Col. Light Roadster to a man in California. So t is a distinct possibility he'd do it for you as well. He's very friendly, trustworthy and very co... read more

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