Anyone heard of "The Don" frame?

[dharma_bum]

It's an old farm bike currently undergoing rehabilitation into my new pub/shopping machine. The only identifying markings on the much-patina-ed frame are the name: "The Don" as well as some hand detailing and generic-looking decal on the seat tube.

Does anyone here have any idea of its age and origins? It's a single-speed coaster with horizontal dropouts, if that helps. The photos so far are as she came out of the shed [love the wino-style handlebar setup].

So far I've taken it to bits, scratched of a fair bit of rust, polished up whatever chrome is left, straightened all the bent bits, re-greased the innards and added new bearings, cones, a few spokes, tyres [cheap gum-wall 27x1.25"], etc. Cotter pins were a pain. New brakes, seat and handlebar tape are still to come.

Forum isn't letting me link to the photos [new user], so instead maybe check my flickr page by doing a flickr user search for freehand_projects.

[dharma_bum]

Just had a thought . . .

Possibly a reference to Don Walker?

[HappyHumber]

the link for general benefit.

Looks like it's got a good bit of character for a project bike.

I wouldn't personally hazard a guess at it's heritage. There's far more authoritative voices than my own moving in these circles

[kukamunga]

[twowheels]

First thought was a x-promo bike for THE Don, colour of decal makes me wonder if something to do with Essendon, club or suburb.

Perhaps contact the Bradman & Essendon FC museums to see if they know.

[twowheels]

or
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/
or
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/

[dharma_bum]

wonder if something to do with Essendon FC

Well if that's the case i'll definitely have to give it a good dose of the rattle-cans!

[scratchman]

Well if that's the case i'll definitely have to give it a good dose of the rattle-cans!

GO EASY

[twowheels]

wonder if something to do with Essendon FC

Well if that's the case i'll definitely have to give it a good dose of the rattle-cans!

collingwood supporter & colours? would have a few spare cans laying around

[dharma_bum]

collingwood supporter ?

How very dare you. I have a full set of teeth, thanks.

[Ben R]

I have a The Don bike too, that i bought in about 1970 when I was about 11. It is red with 26 inch wheels. As I understood it was a Repco 'Remake' bike. I still remember getting it clearly. I saved up with paper round money to buy it and it came with a foot brake only and nice gearing. It now has a rear free wheel and hand brakes and lives at the beach. I rode it there yesterday and it still rides beautifully, due to its relaxed geometry. Its more rusty now of course. I don''t know if the bikes were ever one type though.

[kukamunga]

I have a The Don bike too, that i bought in about 1970 when I was about 11. It is red with 26 inch wheels. As I understood it was a Repco 'Remake' bike

So.... did you grow up or buy this bike near 'Windy Hill', Essendon Airport or a Don Smallgoods factory? Maybe even Doncaster..... or Bowral?

[Ben R]

No.. In Eltham... to be honest I've never thought of any of those connections for the bike (Bradman or EFC or small goods) until these posts. Maybe an oxford 'don' could be another inspiration for the bike, you know - sweeping black gown, square hat speeding to a lecture hall....

[kukamunga]

Maybe this Don.....

and his little brother Jimmy.....

[smiley]

I know it's a long time since you posted your question but this was the only site I could find that had any reference to Don bicycles.
I had a Don Bike when I was young and so did my brother and sister.
They were made by an older guy, (probably only 40 but I was 10) in his shop in Carnegie, Vic.
They were really well made and had hand-painted detailing, not sure whether he did it.
Mine had my name on it, hand-painted and it matched the other paintwork detail.
He also serviced them in his shop and was a man of few words.
Perhaps his name was Don!

[tedsbikes]

Just to confirm the previous post. Don Cycles shop was in Koornang Road, Carnegie (almost opposite the Rosstown Hotel) in 1940s and 50s. Don't know who the owner was though. Cheers Ted

[cotterpin]

I have a vague recollection of buying some building equipment from a fellow by the name of Vern Collister in 1979,
from memory I think Vern had just handed Don Cycles over to the next proprietor.