I’m tinkering around with this frame and fork I bought at the recent swap meet. I’m told it’s a 1937 Snyder built fastback and it’s badged a Hawthorne.
I first built it up with drop handlebars that are from a road bike I brought home from the “free pile” at the swap. I set it up as a single speed, coaster brake. The brake levers are just hand holds. These old thin and narrow drop bars aren’t very comfy. I haven’t done any measuring but I don’t think this bike is as long as my Schwinn cantilever drop bar klunker. I really enjoy riding the Schwinn with the drop bars and I think it looks pretty good but if I spend too much time on it my back will hurt later. This bike seems a better fit but I think it looks a little goofy.
The following day I built it up with flat bars and a basket. It looks a little better. I missed the drop bars though in the 20+ mph wind I was against going to the grocery store. With this set up I’m still not pleased with the looks. I just don’t think I’m a fan of this frame design.
I bought the frame and fork because I didn’t have this style of frame and the price was right. Not sure what I’ll do with it. Probably ride it a little bit longer then disassemble and stash it away for a while.
I brought home another frame from the swap (Rollfast I believe) not realizing till I got it home and went to stash it in the attic that I already have that same frame. I’ll probably still build it up at some point just because I like it’s rusty patina.
In addition to the 2 frames I also brought home these parts from the swap…
3 Greenfield kickstands, 2 of which were free. A pair of Schwinn caliper brakes and levers, Origin 8 crankset, handlebar grips, Chris King headset and 3 stems and a quill stem adapter.
