Yes, this had "made the rounds" on the inter-not-a-truck-nets over the last week. But if you haven't seen it yet, you should check out this awesome film about How A Bicycle Is Made. Filmed in 1946 for the British Film Council, the fifteen minute film is a tour of the Raleigh factory,* showing step-by-step how a traditional roadster is made. While it is definitely cool seeing all this, I don't wish to be one of those workers sitting near baths of industrial solvents and enamels all day, no matter how good the pay may have been.
And to contrast, here's a short vid from the 1950's showing how a typical American bike is made. In this case it's spelled out that it's Columbia making the bikes. I'm assuming most American bike manufacturing (save Schwinn and a handful of boutique handmade builders) looked like this, stamped chainrings and all. Click here if the embeddin' don't work.
*Though never mentioned explicitly in the film, it's painfully obvious that it's Raleigh.
And to contrast, here's a short vid from the 1950's showing how a typical American bike is made. In this case it's spelled out that it's Columbia making the bikes. I'm assuming most American bike manufacturing (save Schwinn and a handful of boutique handmade builders) looked like this, stamped chainrings and all. Click here if the embeddin' don't work.
*Though never mentioned explicitly in the film, it's painfully obvious that it's Raleigh.
I thoroughly enjoyed em both,my friend! I'd sure love one of those Rudge's now-a-days,a Sports model thankyouverymuch :D
ReplyDeleteThe Disabled Cyclist