Tricycle Fetish Blog

Q: Can you help me determine what era this trike is from? All I can get off of it is that it is a Western Flyer, any info you can come up with would be great.  Thanks

A: Your tricycle is a circa 1940 trike that was made by Murray and branded as a Western Flyer for sale in Western Auto hardware stores.  These tricycles were also branded under the Mercury name as well.  You can visit our Murray page for more info and photos of similar tricycles.

The latest tricycle restoration to be submitted to TricycleFetish.com is the cool early 1950’s Garton Delivery Cycle pictured at the left.  Normally we’d say something about the restoration, but the restoration was done by the author of the Racycle Blog and he has a nice detailed write up with lots of pictures of the process.

Tricycles have one of four types of tires: pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, tubular and wire-tied.  All of these types have something in common…they are made of rubber and they wear out.  Most pre-War tricycles that were actually ridden are in need of new tires, whether just for aesthetics or to actually make the tricycle functional.  Read on to see what kind of tires you need and how to replace them.

Wire-Tied Rubber Tires: This type of tire has rubber with a wire in the middle.  Often times, especially on the ones with less wear, there is a spiral pattern of “tread” along the tire.  In heavily worn examples you may see a groove down the center of the tire and possibly even may see the wire inside.  There is usually a small gap where the two sides of the tire come together.

At the left is an example of a 1930’s disc type wheel with a tied rubber wheel in pretty nice condition.  If you click on the picture you can see a line at about 7 o’clock on the tire, which is where the two sides of the tire come together.  This type of tire was used from circa 1900 through 1960’s, with production decreasing for this type at the end of that time period.

Re-tiring wheels with this type of tire is the most difficult.  You will not only need rubber and wire, but also a wire-tying machine that is very scarce.  If you don’t have a wire-tying machine, Brian at the Racycle Blog has developed a do-it-yourself method of re-tiring tricycle wheels that is pretty straight forward and even has a complete list of supplies and tools including a source for the rubber which is pretty hard to find.

For those of you who don’t have access to the tools, The author of the procedure is only a hobbyist, not a service pro, but he is willing to re-tire tricycle wheels on a case-by-case basis. You can contact him with a description of your project at the email address listed on the top right of his web log.  Keep in mind the procedure is time intensive and will likely cost more than you’d spend on a couple of new tricycles from Wal-Mart, but refurbishing grandpa’s old trike is often worth the expense.

Semi-Pneumatic Tires: The next type of tire is the semi-pneumatic type.  These tires usually appear to be solid rubber rings, but in fact have a small hollow center. These tires are common on tricycles from the 1930’s through present.  They are much wider and thicker than wire-tied wheels.  Excessive wear of this type of tires makes the tricycle virtually unrideable.  To replace this type of tire, cut off the old worn tire with a hacksaw and knife.

Once wheel is ready (painted, chromed, etc. to your liking) warm the tire in a large pot of boiling water to make the rubber more flexible.  Then stretch the tire over the rim.  We currently have a decent selection of sizes of replacement semi-pneumatic tricycle tires in stock.

Tubular Tires: These tires have a rubber tire that is separate from the tube and have a bead on each side that hooks into the lip of the rim, just like a bicycle tire.  These type of tires are most common on the more modern tricycles and adult tricycles.  Any bicycle shop should have the most common sizes to fit children and adult tricycles.  Some manufacturers of the hefty or all-terrain tricycles with the large tires also use this type of tire, but finding a replacement might be easiest through the manufacturer.

Pneumatic Tires: These tires were most common circa the 1930’s and are a combination of tire and tube in one piece that is installed on the rim and inflated.  Rims of tricycles that use this type of tire are similar to those that use semi-pneumatic rims, but they have a hole in the rim for the valve of the tire to go through.  Pneumatic tires are also called balloon tires.  They were the big puffy looking tires on many Streamlined Modern tricycles.

Replacement tires of this type of extremely hard to find and very expensive, and we do not currently have a supplier (or even know of one) for reproduction replacements.

Q: Can you tell me the name of the manufacturer and style name of this tricycle, and its approximate value? We may wish to sell it, can you suggest where (website/publication, etc.) we could advertise it for sale?  I have done searches on the internet, but have not found a picture of any other tricycles that look like this one.  Teresa

A: You have a late 1950’s era Murray Supersonic Jet ride-on pedal plane.  This type of toy isn’t normally considered a tricycle.  It’s more of a pedal plane or a ride-on toy in general.  It’s sort of built the same way as a pedal tractor with its chain drive.  This was a toy designed by Viktor Schreckengost and over the years there were some changes.  The exact year is unknown.  If you had catalogs from each year around the late 1950’s, you might be able to pinpoint it based on design and paint scheme, but the exact year really isn’t important.

As far as selling it goes…  I would think that there are some pedal car sites that would have classified ads.  Probably the easiest way would be Craigslist.  It’s free and a lot of collectors search for items there.  If that doesn’t work there’s always eBay, you just have to pay pretty high fees and deal with all of the eBay hassles.

A reader recently sent in this picture of a streamlined modern triple fendered tricycle and asked for information about its maker.  We’ve never seen a tricycle of this model before, but a toy collector has told us that the chrome accents on the fenders match those on Metal Craft wagons of that era.  Any additional info or photos that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: Originally we had said this tricycle was cast aluminum.  That was based on the appearance of the frame and handlebars.  The tricycle is steel, including the frame.

Q: I bought an old Taylor trike and the front tire is shot. I was wondering if the 16′ wheel and tire combo. you have for sale would work for my trike. the size looks pretty close. I was hoping you might be able to help me in that this is the first trike I have bought and I don’t know much about them . Thanks for any help. Keith.

A: First look at the tricycle’s hub.  Does it look similar to this?

Circa 1930's or 40's Taylor Tricycle Hub & Crankset With Pedals

Pictured is a Taylor hub, bearings, fork mounts, crankset and pedals that is indicative of what most Taylor hubs looked like.  Taylor wheels were built with spokes and nipples (like bicycle wheels) that could be adjusted, rather than spokes that were simply welded to the rim and hub.  If this is the case with your tricycle, you could not use our 16 inch wheelset, at least not without getting new cranks and possibly new pedals.

You should however, be able to take the tire off the 16 inch rim and put it on your rim, supposing it is of close enough size.  Oddly the cost of the rims on our wheels is negligible when compared to what it would cost to have a bicycle shop build you a new one with spokes.  If our tire will fit your rim, we can remove it from the rim for shipment and will offer a discount on just the rubber.

Q: Hi, Attached are photos of an old Tricycle that I am trying to identify. The headplate reads “One of the Badger Line”. It makes no reference to a maker or year made. I would greatly appreciate any help you could give me. This one has me stumped. Thanks, Randy

A: Ah, you’ve got us stumped too.  Your tricycle was made in the 19-teens or 1920’s era.  It is very similar to a lot of tricycles made during this time period.  It has a heavy tube and lug design and seems to have generic parts such as handlebars, saddle etc.  Some company must have provided these generic parts and lugs during that time period, because we see a lot of oddball brands, such as yours, in questions from our readers.

There are two possible sources for tricycles such as yours that seem to be one-of-a-kind rare.  Both ways were used by different companies.  One is that a larger manufacturer made the tricycles for a retailer or distributor of some sort and custom headbadges were applied to give the trike the branding of the retailer.  The other source is that small manufacturing or retail companies (anything from hardware stores to toy makers to car makers) bought tricycle parts, tubing and lugs and made their own tricycles.

Both ways are still happening today, mostly in the bicycle industry.  For example, all of Wal-Mart’s inventory is essentially made by one big manufacturer and labeled with different “brand” names.  And tubing and lugs are readily available for any welder to make their own bikes at home.

Sorry we couldn’t be more help, maybe another reader will know something and help out in the comments section.  Also when researching your tricycle, you might want to focus on Wisconsin and toy, bike and auto manufacturing companies there during the 19teens.  Unfortunately your searches online will probably be clogged with Trek bicycle results, so omit the word Trek.

Q: Hello, I recently bought this tricycle at auction. I have not been able to find any pictures on your site that look like this tricycle. Can you give me some more information on the year.  Thank you for your help……..John

A: Your tricycle looks to be circa 1920’s or possibly early 1930’s.  The model is a Skippy Racer made by American National or by Gendron, depending on whether your tricycle was made before or after the 1927 takeover.  Determining the exact year is difficult without having the original catalogs from that time period, and many tricycle models were made for numerous years.

UPDATE: Shortly after posting the original photo and question, we received another question about the same model tricycle from another visitor to the site. Oddly, that Skippy was photographed in front of a fireplace too.

The Skippy brand was named after the Skippy comic strip that started in the mid-1920’s.  Skippy trikes were produced by the American National umbrella corporation that included such lines as American, Skippy, Gendron, and Pioneer.

Q: I have a early 1930’s skline tricycle that I trying to restore. I was wondering if you have any info on these tricycles and suggestions for parts. I see that you have wheels and rims that might fit. What is the process for installing one of those hard rubber tires. Thanks Mike

A: The internet is always the easiest place to look for parts.  The problem is that you need to know what you are looking for, which is hard enough, but also the person selling the parts has to know what they have.  In many cases tricycle parts are labeled – on sites like eBay – with generic titles and descriptions, so you’ll have to look at everything.

Another decent way to find parts is by attending bicycle and pedal car swap meets and shows.  They have a lot of parts in one place, but these are few and far between and you’ll have to travel.  These shows are a good place to meet collectors who may have what you are looking for.

As far as installing the tires goes…  When your rim is ready to have the tire installed, but a large pot of water on the stove to boil.  Dip the tire in the hot water to soften the rubber, then put it on the rim.  Use gloves.

Q: Can you point me in the right place to see if anyone can help me to tell who makes this tricycle?

A: Can’t say definitively, but your tricycle is an institutional type tricycle for use in a daycare center or preschool.  There are a number of manufacturers who’ve been building this type of tricycle for several decades, Angeles being the most common.  But your tricycle is not made by Angeles.

Most likely your tricycle was made by PlayLearn in Missouri or Community Playthings in New York.  Tricycle such as this are meant to withstand a good beating by children.  The frames are nearly indestructible, but since they are played with so much, many times the pedals, grips, tires, etc. are worn out.  Original these tricycle cost a small fortune when bought from the factory, but their resale price is usually quite low.

Q: Could you give me some information on this tricycle and is it worth 100-150?

A: Your tricycle was made in the early 1950’s, probably by Garton for sale in Western Auto stores under the brand name Western Flyer.  The Delivery Cycle text on the sides looks to have been repainted in the photos.  As far as value goes, sorry, we do not give out values.

Q: I have a Colson Flyer Tricycle. I was told the age of it is late 20’s early 30’s. Have searched for pictures/information on it on various sites and have found nothing about it. I was wondering if you have any information or pictures that you can forward on to me because I would like to restore it. It has a 16″ front wheel; leather saddle seat; steal handle bars without grips (did it come with grips ????). Any information that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

A: You can check out our Colson information page for some pictures of other Colson tricycles from that time period.  I don’t think we have any pictures of that exact model in that color scheme.   Some of the pictures you sent were a bit blurry, but your tricycle doesn’t look to be in very bad condition and looks to retain much of the original paint.

One think to keep in mind before beginning a restoration project is your goal.  Most likely a real restoration on that tricycle will cost a large amount of money and time.  ….money that you will never see returned in an increased value for the tricycle.  If you’re just looking to refurbish the tricycle a little bit for your own entertainment, that’s fine too, but I’d recommend finding all the parts, paint etc. prior to beginning the task.  We get a lot of questions from people who are half-way done with something and realize that they need tires or this little part or that little part.

You’re dating of the tricycle seems to be pretty accurate.  Without having Colson catalogs from every year to check the color schemes, it would be hard to tell the exact year.  You can check some of the pictures of old Colsons and  other tricycles from that time period on our manufacturers pages to get an idea of what type of grips would have been on tricycles at that time.  But again, the exact Colson catalog from that time would be the most accurate way to tell what grips you need.  Good luck.

Q: I was hoping to find out some information on this tricycle.

A: Your tricycle is an early 1900’s strap steel velocipede with a wooden horse figure, made to look like a horse pulling a cart or carriage.  It doesn’t look to be complete.  We are unsure of the maker or brand of this tricycle.  There were many makers who made similar tricycles and without markings it is very hard to tell.

If anyone has an ideas, please post them.  There are metal tags on the sides that have HF and the number 43 embossed on them.

We recently received a question about the tricycle at the left from a reader in Australia.  The reader wanted to know about the age, maker, model, value etc. of this old tricycle.  We admittedly know virtually nothing about Australian made tricycles.  As rare as antique tricycles are in the U.S., seeing antique Australian tricycles in the United States is even more rare.  …But we still get quite a few questions about them nonetheless.

We may add pictures to this post when future Australian made tricycles are asked about.  Though we may not know all (or any) of the answers to the readers’ question, please feel free to add comments if you have any information on the tricycles pictured or Australian tricycles in general.

Q: Hello – you have a great website. I have 2 sons (ages 1 and 3) and I am in the market. Do you know which company owns/manufactures the ‘Flexible Flyer’ brand of tricycles? Thank you,  Mark

A: Flexible Flyer is currently owned by Brunswick.  They are currently no making tricycles.  They make hobby horses and swing sets.  You can go to their website for more info or contact information.

Q: Here are some pictures of the tricycle, I was told it was a 1952-1958 VanDuren? I had it sand blasted and painted the color which was under the hand spray painted coats of red. I am assuming this is the original color. I also had the rear bearings pressed and replaced. Could you PLEASE tell me what kind of bike it is, as well as a good site where i might be able to see pictures of the identical bike so i can get the decals painted on.
I might also be interested in selling it, can you please assist me on this as well? Not sure about the seat…. the fur is rolled under and seems to be permanently attached, Is this original????? THANKS!!!!

A: We’ve never heard of a maker by the name of Vanduren.  Your tricycle looks to be from the 1950’s period that you suggested, but it looks to be a Murray chain driven trike.  The original color, if a greenish color as you suspect, was probably a metallic green.

Your tricycle appears to have pedal tractor wheels and tires on the back.  They are not stock on any tricycle that we’ve ever seen.  The saddle is also not original to the tricycle.  Its hard to tell from the photo if the fur is original to the saddle, but most certainly the saddle was not original to the tricycle, at least with the fur on it.  For more info and pictures of other Murray tricycles, you can visit out Murray tricycle information page.

We do not really assist with selling and buying of tricycles at this time.

Q: Can you please tell me anything about this tricycle, I bought it at an estate sale? Sincerely,Jennifer

A: Your tricycle was made by the Junior Toy Company circa 1930’s or 1940’s.  This model was made for a number of years.  You can find more info and other pics of similar tricycles on our Junior Toy Co. tricycle information page.

Q: I have just acquired a 20″ Sky King Tricycle.  The tricycle handle bars have been replaced with smaller batwing style without headlight.Do you have or know where I can purchase old or copies of the original handle bars with headlight?Also, do you know the original color specs for 20″ Sky Kings?

A: Your tricycle is not a Sky King, which was produced by Junior Toy Company in the 1930’s, but rather a Garton tricycle made around the same time as the Sky Kings in the late 1930’s.  Your paint appears to be original, and though far from perfect, it is in decent condition for a 70+ year old toy.  You can find more info and pics on our Garton tricycles information page.

We’ve just receive a shipment of NOS replacement tricycle wheelsets (wheels with tires) and semi-pneumatic tricycle tires in sizes ranging from 7 inches to 16 inches.  They are unused an in brand new condition.  The rims and spokes are silver and the tires are unbranded.

Limited quantities are in stock, get them while they are available.  These tricycle tires and wheels make great replacements for vintage tricycles with rotted tires or damaged wheels.  They allow that old family tricycle to be used by another generation of little trikesters.

Dirt King USA has issued the following announcement.  More information can be found on the Dirt King website: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What a great holiday. It’s not only fun to show your significant other how much they mean to you, but it’s a great time to show your children how much they mean to you. I remember getting all kinds of fun stuff from my parents on this day. New baseball bats, new shoes, posters, candy, and all types of other stuff. With my parents doing this, it allowed me to see the true essence of Valentine’s Day. It’s all about love. Dirt King wanted to offer something nice for this Valentine’s Day. From now until Valentine’s Day we are offering our Pink Dirt King Tricycles forFirst 50 customers only, get them while you can – $199.00

Order by phone by calling 1-800-542-4081 Mon-Fri: 7am-12pm; 1pm-4:30pm Central Standard time, and tell the customer service representative that you would like the Valentine’s Day special. To make this fair to parents that have little boys too, if you buy a pink tricycle at $199 then you can get up to two more tricycles at any color for $199 per trike. This is a once in a lifetime offer to buy “The World’s Best Tricycle” at this price. As always, these trikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and are built to last. Show your children the love they deserve this Valentine’s Day.