Union Bicycle

[Ganserelli]

Hello All, I am new to the forum, from Canada and I recently was gifted two Dutch bikes, a Union and a Gazelle. I have some questions about the Union, a) how do I know how old it is? And b) I am missing the left crank arm, are Dutch bottom brackets interchangeable with different bikes or can you replace them with a cartridge bottom brand and add a new crankset? c) I have attached a couple pictures of the bike and I was wondering if anyone new anything about the statue on the fender. Any help would be appreciated these bikes are not common in Canada.

[ReinvB]

Hi, welcome here. I think we could use more pictures to give a date on your bicycles, but my guess would be 1930s to1950s, the statue is aftermarket. For the crank, there were a lot of standard sizes at the time, so you could best take a precise measurement( with a caliper )of the other crank, and of
the axle itself, preferably in metric, and someone here might have the part. I have heard of replacing the bottom bracket by a press fit one, but have never done that myself, Enjoy your bicycle, these are made to be used and built to last.

[Ganserelli]

Thank you very much ReinvB! Here are some more pictures and the dimensions of the crank and axle. The crank arm from centre to centre is 178mm and the axle is 5.5 (approximately) from one end to the other.

[Ganserelli]

Sorry about the direction of the pictures I am learning Dutch as I go here a couple more photos below. Thank you all for any help, so appreciated!

[rowejon]

Hi,
Welcome. That is a 7 inch crank. There were 3 standard lengths, 6 1/2, 6 3/4 & 7 inch. You need to measure the diameter of the crank axle with a Vernier calliper. Success & lots of fun with your bikes.
Best wishes
Jon Rowe

[Ganserelli]

Hi,
Welcome. That is a 7 inch crank. There were 3 standard lengths, 6 1/2, 6 3/4 & 7 inch. You need to measure the diameter of the crank axle with a Vernier calliper. Success & lots of fun with your bikes.
Best wishes
Jon Rowe

Thanks Jon! That is a lot of help much appreciated!