CCM (cycle)

CCM, formerly an initialism for Canada Cycle & Motor Co. Ltd. The company would eventually split into two separate entities both maintaining the CCM trademark, one maintaining bicycle manufacturing and the other, CCM (The Hockey Company), producing hockey equipment.

History

Established "when the operations of four major Canadian bicycle manufacturers amalgamated: H. A. Lozier, Massey-Harris, Goold, and Welland Vale Manufacturing," [http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/collection/bikes5.cfm] CCM produced bicycles for many years in the area of Weston, Toronto, Ontario. In 1904 they established the Russell Motor Car Company with Thomas Alexander Russell on Weston Road in Toronto. In 1915 the company merged with the American car maker, Willys-Overland.

Establishment

The establishment of CCM came at the same time as an American bicycle consolidation: "42 manufacturers formed the American Bicycle Company and soon afterwards announced plans to open a branch plant in Canada called the National Cycle Company." [http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/collection/cycles15.cfm]

CCM Cycles

CCM manufactured a wide variety bicycles. Around 1899 many smaller bicycle makers went out of business, and CCM became Canada's industry leader. Montreal, Winnipeg and Vancouver, where originally part of diversified network of CCM manufacturing process. However, by 1917, its manufacturing operations where moved into a larger factory in Weston, Toronto. [http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/collection/cycles16.cfm]

Around 1932 CCM introduced the Light Delivery Bicycle, a freight bicycle with a stronger frame made of heavier gauge tubing and a basket. Previously, bicycles had been used as "commercial vehicles, either in a tricycle configuration or as modified touring tricycles." [http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/collection/bikes5.cfm] In the late 1940s a "Pixie" bicycle motor was installed to assist with climbing hills. One Ottawa greengrocer was seen using one of these delivery bikes from the 1930s until the early 1960s.

During the Second World War CCM's production line was declared an essential war service. They produced motorcars [http://www.ccmcycle.com/en/default.asp] , which have allegedly been used as light military vehicles.

Most CCM bikes were simple mass-market bicycles. The CCM Mustang was a popular children's bicycle similar to the Schwinn Orange Krate or Raleigh Chopper ( [http://en.ccmsports.com/index.php] ). During the 1970s the company produced the popular and inexpensive CCM Targa model. In later years the company attempted to produce some high-end road bicycles such as the Silver Ghost. CCM declared bankruptcy in 1983.

The CCM name was purchased by the Quebec firm, Procycle, which has purchased rights to a number of corporate names for use on different lines of bicycles.

See also

CCM (The Hockey Company)

External links

* [http://www.procycle.com / Procycle]
* [http://www.ccmcycle.com/ CCM cycle]
* [http://en.ccmsports.com/corpo/ About CCM's Roots]
* [http://en.ccmsports.com/ CCM hockey equipment]