columbia tourist bicycle

JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site.

American Vintage Bicycles

• Coast King Bicycle
• Elgin Blackhawk
• Huffy Radiobike
• Roadmaster Bicycle
• Roadster Bicycle
• Schwinn Black Phantom
• Western Flyer Bicycle
• Foreign Vintage Bicycles
• Vintage Bicycle Parts
• Manufacturers
• Bicycle History
• Vintage Bicycle of The Month
• 1930 Elgin Twinbar Deluxe
• 1930 Girls Elgin
• 1937 Hawthorne Zep
• 1938 Red Hawthorne
• 1948 Schwinn Whizzer
• Elgin Cardinal
• Hiawatha 3 Spd Lady’s Bike
• Columbia Model 41
• Antique Bicycle Restoration
• Bicycle Frame Repair
• Bicycle Wheel Repair
• Bicycle Repair Stands
• Bicycles for Sale
• How to Buy a Bicycle
• Vintage Bicycle Value
• Vintage Folding Bicycles for Sale
• Antique Bicycle Dealers
• Daves Vintage Bicycle
• Menotomy Vintage Bicycles
• Sell a Vintage Bicycle
• Bicycle Riding
• Bicycle Pumps
• Outdoor Storage 911
• Vintage Tricycles
• Cycling Websites

Columbia Bicycles The True American Bicycle

Columbia bicycles have ruled the American bicycle market for many years. It was either the high wheeler of the 18th century or the Summit of 2011; they all have well served the nation in every era of their history. They served the people from the depression cohort by giving them a cheap mode of transportation in times of economic downturn.

They served the Army needs in both world wars, as basic patrolling transportation for sergeants. They served baby boomers in their day-to-day needs, and until nowadays, Columbia is a status symbol for their sophistication and comfortable use.

History in Brief

Pope’s company was not set up for mass production and his first bikes were priced at an astronomical $313, a huge amount of money at that time. Pope bought the original patent for the bicycle from Pierre Lallement, who had moved to the U.S., and proceeded to buy up every bicycle-related patent he could get his hands on. He made a fortune charging other American bike companies royalties to use designs he owned the rights to.

Innovation in the Bicycle Market

Columbia becomes the first american bike company.

In 1878, Pope opened a larger showroom and a bicycle riding school in Boston. He approached the Weed Sewing Machine Co. in Hartford, Connecticut, with the idea of starting up a bicycle shop in their factory. The Columbia Bicycle Company became the first American bicycle manufacturer. The following year, the company’s first bike, the Standard Columbia high-wheeler, was released and retailed for $125. In 1888, the company started to manufacture and sell hard-tired safety bicycles, followed by safety bicycles equipped with pneumatic tires in 1892.

Pope the Cycling Advocate

Pope became a leading cycling advocate and a leader in the Good Roads movement that pressured the U.S. government to make roads safer between 1870 and the 1920s. He also spent a lot of money promoting bike clubs, bicycling journals, and races.

Westfield Manufacturing Co.

In 1914, Pope Manufacturing Co. moved its main offices to Westfield, Massachusetts. The company went through bankruptcy and re-emerged as the Westfield Manufacturing Co. Westfield continued to make Columbia-branded bikes, but also bikes for other companies including the amazing Sears Elgin Bluebird (1935 – 1938), and Blackhawk (1934 – 1936).

Columbia Goes to War

Did you know….

If you manage to get your hands on a Columbia military bike, you might just find yourself in possession of a machine that helped to change the course of world events.

During the Second World War, Columbia and Huffman built bikes for the US military. Military bikes are very rare and collectible these days and there are a lot of fakes, so buyers beware.

You must have seen those vintage Columbia bicycles in military shows across various states on the Veterans Day parade. The olive green chrome frame equipped with metallic rims, tool kit, and front light are the distinguishing features of a military Westfield bicycle. Both male and female versions of the bicycle were made for military purposes. Due to their sturdier finish, they well served the beating of the rugged wartime and are even found in operation by Veterans on special occasions.

Collectible Columbia Bicycles

A company with a history as long as Columbia’s is likely to have an extensive product line. As would be expected, any Columbia bicycle made before 1900 is highly collectible. Wood-wheeled bikes made from the late 1890s to the early 1930s are also valuable, with the Motorbike models being the most highly sought after. These bikes were styled after motorcycles and were designed to appeal to teenage boys. Columbia’s archbar and racing models from this era are also highly desirable.

Pre and post-war Columbia balloon tire bikes are in high demand. Deluxe models had a speedometer and clock mounted in a “dashboard,” and a combination horn/headlight mounted on the front fender. Springer forks and an original headlight and tail light increase the value of a bike significantly.

In general, Columbia bicycles made for women are worth 1/3 to ½ the price of a comparable man’s bike. Girls tended to take better care of their bikes, and more of them survived, so they were more common. Most bike collectors are also men, and it follows that they are more likely to buy a man’s bike.

Famous Models

Columbia produced many hallmark bicycles across history. The Elgin Bluebird is one of those vintage Columbia bicycles that you may find even today at a price starting from $500. The 1953 Five Star Superb motorbike is also a hallmark bicycle from the antique Columbia bicycle collection. The Columbia Elgin Blackhawk and Columbia Falcon are a few other vintage Columbia bicycles still praised by bicycle lovers.

Today’s Columbia Bicycles

What was once the biggest American bicycle manufacturer still exists. The Columbia Manufacturing Co. doesn’t build bicycles anymore but is an importer of bikes sold in department stores.

Columbia Bicycles The True American Bicycle — 4 Comments

WHAT A SHAME WHAT A SHAME….I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO FIND AND BUY A MATCHED PAIR OF SUPERB DELUX F9T BICYCLES A FEW YEARS AGO.THEY ARE FINE EXAMPLES OF A MANUFACTURER WHO WANTED TO BE KNOWN FOR THE BEST .IE….LIGHTS HORNS PAINT, AND INSTRUMENTS….THEY REST IN MY LIBRARY AS I RESEARCH WHAT HAPPENED THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER MADE….SIGNED HENRSCHMI

SINCE A SPACE IS AVAILABLE…I OWN 6 CLASSIC COLUMBIAS THAT ARE FOR SALE AT REALY EXADURATED PRICES… ..A MATCHED PAIR OF DELUX REPRODUCTION F9T HIS AND HERS IN BLUE AND CREAM….. A 1938 ALL ORIGINAL DELUX SOMETHING STRAIGHT BAR….. . A 1937 REPLICA OF A 4 STAR MADE INTO A POLICE BIKE. A 1962 THUNDERBOLT RESTORED IN SILVER AND CHROME… .A LADIES UNRESTORED 1950 MIDDLE WEIGHT. CALL FOR PRICES [email protected] ASK FOR HENRY

I have a Firebolt XR3. Girls bike 20″. Head badge is BILTMORE. Serial number is W666270. Was this built by Columbia?

How do I tell an original five star superb from a reproduction ? The serial number is 6 132 3013……01952 Thanks for your help. John…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This is bike looks and feels classy when you're riding it, you'll be the envy of the town riding this holdover from the good old days of bikes, back when bikes were made well. With a three-speed internal hub, this beauty will get you where you need to go in fashion. 

Vintage Columbia Tourist 3 speed medium/large

If you would like to pay upon meeting, please email me at [email protected] with the bike you are looking at, with your phone number, and DO NOT checkout

• Lightweight Bicycles / Middleweight Bicycles

1944 Columbia Sports Tourist

by eazywind · February 10, 2013

1944 Columbia Sports Tourist wartime blacked out bicycle. Hard to find blacked out handlebars, stem and sprocket. Also has the not so hard to find blacked out hubs. Nice complete original WW2 bicycle.

Tags: Columbia Westfield Manufacturing Company

You may also like...

1939 Elgin Ladies model

July 1, 2014

1970 Iverson Drag Stripper

July 27, 2012

1938 & 1941 Lincoln Autocycle Bicycles

May 31, 2010

• Next story 1937 Peerless by H.P. Snyder
• Previous story 1947 Columbia Westfield Compax Paratrooper

Search the Archive

• Antique Bicycles
• Bicycle Literature
• Bicycle Parts
• BMX Bicycles
• Lightweight Bicycles
• Middleweight Bicycles
• Motorized Bicycles
• Muscle Bikes
• Photographs
• Post-War Balloon Tire Bicycles
• Pre-War Balloon Tire Bicycles

Recent Additions

• Sears Chief Paint Reference and Measurements
• 1936-1937 LaFrance Super-Streamline – Huffman Built
• 1920 Flying Merkel Motorbike
• 1941 Firestone Super Cruiser – Bullnose
• 1958 J.C. Higgins Flightliner
• 1968 Schwinn Collegiate 5-Speed
• 1895 Cleveland No. 18 – Lozier Mfg. Co.
• 1897 Gormully & Jeffery Rambler Light Roadster Bicycle Model 19
• Schwinn Motorbike – Cyclone Coaster Ride
• 1938 Schwinn Cantilever Autocycle Deluxe
• 1940 Roadmaster 4-Gill
• 1937 Roadmaster Supreme
• 1936 Schwinn Aerocycle
• 1931 Iver Johnson Truss Bridge Roadster
• 1941 Schwinn Built LaSalle Autocycle

• Recent Photos
• The Commons
• Flickr Galleries
• Camera Finder
• Flickr Blog
• The Print Shop
• Prints & Wall Art
• Photo Books
• Stats Dashboard
• Get Auto-Uploadr

1972 Columbia Tourist Expert III

Bike that showed up today - a 1972 columbia 3 speed sturmey archer 3 speed hub, weinmann sidepulls, rigida 27" rims () and a somewhat dirty but still cool looking white mattress saddle.   the whole thing was covered with so much fluff and dust that i think it may have been stored under somebody's couch for the past decade..

• News, Current Affairs & Politics

• Cycling Forums
• Vintage & Classic Bikes

Columbia Tourist V

• Thread starter Rebuild1961
• Start date 24 Jun 2021

Rebuild1961

Well-known member.

• 24 Jun 2021

Hello all. Found this in neighbors garage. Cannot find serial number, also cannot find history on this model with the cables running thru the frame, looks all original, suntour equipped. Any info appreciated, tks.  

Attachments

Dogtrousers

Kilometre nibbler.

Oh my, he also gave me a 10 Speed Michelin super speed Kabuki, both bikes in nice condition  

I meant a Bridgestone Kabuki.  

Kabuki  

Just found serial # on the Columbia 9 231 0087  

Legendary Member

Both interesting bikes and would make good run arounds but no great value I would think. Were mostly Brits on here so wouldn’t be brands were familiar with. However @Gravity Aided is in the States so maybe he’d be able to shed some light.  

Ok thanks, I hope my replies are reaching the States. I do the restorations for the fun not the value. I am trying to date the serial number and find out more info on the Columbia, can not find any on internet that have the cables running thru the frame.  

No, they are clean, I will replace and degreaser the bearings, clean up the hardware with quad steelwooll also the rims will be cleaned up, check the spokes. I will be busy since these 2 bike have to wait their turn. Working on a few others.  

It's 16:30 my time in the States, I will be on later this evening, gotta mow the grass .  

Gravity Aided

Might check on that Kabuki, it may be aluminum. Check all over with a magnet, unless there is rust.  

Just checked the Kabuki, magnetic,  

• 25 Jun 2021

These are my other projects. Raleigh Record, Schwinn Sprint and a Chicago made Schwinn that I call a Schwinn,-Zo. Used a crank and the rims from a carbolite that I had laying around.  

Forgot the November 1973 schwinn  

Similar threads

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

• Articles / Columbia History Archive

Columbia Bicycle Factory History

by Kenneth Kowal · September 4, 2020

  The following is a brief historical timeline of the company that made Columbia Bicycles.  Many histories of Colonel Albert A. Pope and the companies that he started have been written. This list is meant to put the bicycle manufacturing of the company he started into perspective.

1877   Pope Manufacturing Co . founded. Offices in Boston Mass.

1878   January. Pope starts importing bicycles from England. The first sign of advertising is in March.

1878   September. Col. Pope approaches the Weed Sewing Machine Co. in Hartford about building bicycles.

1878   November. The first bicycles are manufactured in Hartford. These are copies of an English bicycle, the Bayliss Thomas Duplex Excelsior.

1894 Main offices start to be consolidated in Hartford Ct.

1897   H.A. Lozier & Co . of Cleveland Ohio builds a new bicycle plant in Westfield Mass.

1900   Pope Manufacturing , Lozier and a host of other bicycle company’s join to form the American Bicycle Company.

1901   The American Bicycle Company fails.

1902   The American Bicycle Company is reorganized into the American Cycle Company .

1903   The American Cycle Company fails.

1904   The Pope Manufacturing Co . is reorganized and ends up owning many of the bicycle manufacturers in the previous consortiums. By 1907 the number of bicycle companies Pope owned had grown the the list below.

1905 to 1913   Pope gradually consolidates manufacturing to the Westfield Mass plant. The main offices remain in Hartford Ct.

1909  Col. Albert Augustus Pope , the founder of Pope Mfg dies at the age of 66 years old.

1914   The main offices of Pope are moved to Westfield Mass.

1915   The Pope Manufacturing Company files for bankruptcy.

1916   The company is reorganized and renamed The Westfield Manufacturing Company . The catalogs stating that they are “ successors to The Pope Manufacturing Company”.

1952  Westfield Mfg. Co. starts production of a line of tubular steel school furniture in order to augment sales during the bicycle “off season”.

1961   The company is renamed Columbia Manufacturing Company .

1991 Columbia Mfg. Co. is forced into bankruptcy.

1993 Columbia Mfg. Co. emerges from bankruptcy. Bicycle production is limited after the bankruptcy. A reproduction of the 1941 Columbia Superb is made at the Westfield plant. Columbia badged imported bikes are also sold. A complete line of School and Institutional furniture is now the main business focus for Columbia Mfg.

2008   Several of the original factory buildings in Westfield were torn down including the main building on Cycle St. and the building that housed the museum.

It is important to note that through all of the bankruptcies and name changes, the company has never ceased operations for very long and the company that remains today is a direct descendant of the original Pope Manufacturing Co .

Tags: Columbia

You may also like...

Schwinn Serial Numbers 1970-1982

August 6, 2020

Tandem Columbia’s

September 7, 2020