Ted Bendi’s 1925 Copper Plated Appelhans
1925 Copper-plated Appelhans
This beauty was created by Willy Appelhans, an accomplished bike builder in the Bronx, New York.
It’s a track bike that was designed to handle the rigors of the long and grueling six-day races of the era. Standard track geometry of the era meant that the bike was comfortable for long hours in the saddle, as well as having a nice “snap” for the sprints. It rolled on light wooden rims, provided rider comfort with a highly adjustable handlebar stem, and attracted attention from racers on the track and fans in the stands with its startling appearance.
The bike was originally owned by Ted Bendi, a successful track racer and the president of the Union Sportive Italiano cycling club in the twenties and thirties.
Instead of enamel paint or even chrome plating, Ted asked for copper. It was a real eye magnet. Imagine this bike, seen from the stands, gleaming copper in a sea of painted bikes.
Willy Appelhans
The head badge lists the shop address
Not restored. Pretty good condition for 90 years.
Imagine the copper gleam from the stadium lights…
The bicycle builder, Willy Appelhans, was highly regarded by the professional racers of the era. The 1935 land speed record holder, Frank Bartell, rode an Appelhans, as did many of his contemporaries.