Heavner Antique and Vintage Bikes
I (Matt Heavner) am collecting all the information about two specific
bikes that I received from Ron Heavner (my uncle). The first is a
family bike, from "the turn of the century" (most likely 1890s, but
not yet confirmed). This is a tandem with no obvious badge. Take a
look:
Information from Ron Heavner: "Here is what I know about it. It was
given to your dad (James Heavner) when he helped our maternal uncle Roy
Frantz. Probably in the early 60s. I think the bike was likely build
before 1900. I do not know who did it but it appears to possibly be the
product of welding two frames together. The frame has been repaired in
front of the front bottom bracket. Sadly there is no badge. It is a
rear steer. There was a rod that connected the top of the front fork
to the bottom of the rear steer tube. The woman rode in the front and
the captain rode in the back. It had a skip tooth chain. Single
speed. The front chain tension was adjusted via an offset rear bottom
bracket. It likely originally had wooden rims but it had steel wheels
when it came to us. I doubt that the fenders were original. I thought
the seats were very interesting." (02025/07/03)
I have the skip chain (in great shape!). I did get a pair of wood rims
from Durango Vintage Bike Swap in 2025 (now to learn to build
wheels!). John Sheedy hooked me up with them.
Lots of good discussion on the tandem at the bike swap and much more
research and work to do on it!
Second bike - current best guess is this a 1940 bike. European
(British), imported via Canada. The badge say "Commander, T. Eaton Co,
Canada"
This is really fun and is the "practice" bike before getting serious
about doing something with the tandem. It is ridable! John Sheedy, at
the 2025 Durango Vintage Bike Swap, had a head light that was perfect
for the bike - it fit exactly in the handle bar mount on the bike!
More hints on this bike include the Chain Ring Stamp, Perry Hub Stamp ("Perry 40-14 England" - the 40
is for 40 spokes), the Perry
Brake Hanger, and the
(stamp just below the seat post, not sure what to make of this).
More
details and history on the Perry Hub and the Perry & Co who made it.
Last modified: Fri Jul 18 21:14:58 MDT 2025
