CCM (bicycle manufacturer)
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Canada Cycle & Motor Co. Ltd. or CCM, was founded in 1899 after the collapse of the bicycle market. Established "when the operations of four major Canadian bicycle manufacturers amalgamated: H. A. Lozier, Massey-Harris, Goold, and Welland Vale Manufacturing," [1] CCM produced bicycles for many years in the area of Weston, Toronto, Ontario. They also briefly produced an automobile.
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Canadian Sovereignty
The establishment of CCM arguably was to maintain Canada's sovereignty from the United States and other bicycle manufacturers. This is because, "42 manufacturers formed the American Bicycle Company and soon afterwards announced plans to open a branch plant in Canada called the National Cycle Company." [2]
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 big new factory in Weston, Toronto. [3]
Image:CCM Light delivery motorized bike.jpg
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." [4] 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[5], 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 ([6]). In later years they attempted to produce some high end road bicycles. 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.
Hockey equipment
CCM is probably best known not for its bicycles, but for its line of hockey equipment. The company first started making skates in 1905, and subsequently began manufacturing other hockey gear. CCM acquired the Tackaberry brand in 1937, and "Tacks" have been the company's signature skate since. Over the years, CCM acquired other hockey equipment makers (such as Karhu) and became known as "The Hockey Company". In June 2004, The Hockey Company, along with the CCM brand name, was bought by Reebok.
