Since I'm new to "all things simplex", I was looking over the photos of the model on auction right now.  Is this the "direct drive" system I've seen mentioned in some of the other threads?  I'm assuming when you step on the pedal, it tightens the final drive belt, but how do they keep the primary belt correctly tensioned?
thanks,
Mike Sal

Hello all.  Thought I'd throw an introduction up.  I live in southern Illinois & am an engineer by trade.  My other hobbies are Studebakers ('50, '55, '56, '63, '66), a '54 kaiser Manhattan, a '26 Model T touring, & a '74 suzuki 186 street bike.  I also do blacksmithing, have my own machine shop (mill, lathe, most tools to be dangerous), & participate in ww2 reenactments (read I have no money now).

I had a simplex back when I was a kid, but when I went off to junior college, my dad gave it & my other toys away (I hated that).  I've always had a weakness for the smaller old bikes.  I went to the Lee Hartung auction last month & saw a Simplex there (missing a few parts & a big dent in the tank....I think it brought somewhere around $2200) & it reminded me that I'd like to have one again.  The last one I ever saw sell was about 15 years ago & it brought about 400, so I was quite surprised to see them selling for more than 2 grand.

So, I'm in the market for a bike.  Since I'm such a tight wad, maybe something that needs restored rather than one that's already done.  If any of you have any tips, let me know.
thanks,
Mike Sal