New (Vintage) Bicycles?

Lauren · Apr 5, 2006

Hi!
I was thinking it would be really fun to have a bicyle to ride around in my vintage gear and for WWII impressions. Does anyone know of any repro beach cruiser style bikes that could pass for 30's or 40's? I'm not looking at spending a lot. Thanks

LolitaHaze · Apr 5, 2006

I was just thinking the same thing! But for daily riding!

Dalexs · Apr 5, 2006

Your best best would be form Schwinn. They still make the clasic style cruisers today.
The one thing about bikes is that they really haven't changed that much
(with the exception of the modern bmx off road whatevers...)

Notice... A paper boy from the 1920's

Todays modern Schwinn example (sans chrome fenders) MSRP $229.00

And one more from circa 1915

I'd love a big fat, white wall tired bike with 1 speed!

Dalexs

scotrace · Apr 5, 2006

Here You Are, My Dear,

From Sielger & Company, $495.

The real thing, NOS, on sale.

Marc Chevalier · Apr 5, 2006

It looks like just the bike for a Belgian woman in the Battle of the Bulge.

I don't think it's NOS, though.

Lauren · Apr 5, 2006

Yeah, very pretty! But a bit too high of a price tag for me. I'd like one for under $200 [huh]

J. M. Stovall · Apr 5, 2006

I've always wondered what those black bikes that little old men all over Europe are always riding around. Those look retro (they probably are).

Marc Chevalier · Apr 5, 2006

They are! Europeans hold on to their bikes until rust conquers all. My French relatives use bikes their family has had since the '50s. They look pretty beat up, too. (The bikes, not the relatives.)

Tony in Tarzana · Apr 5, 2006

At the risk of sounding like a snob or a bike geek, I don't think you'll enjoy riding a sub $200 bike on a regular basis.

On the other hand, if you step up to a better-built one you'll enjoy it and ride it much more.

PrettyBigGuy · Apr 5, 2006

Unfortunately, Schwinn just isn't what it used to be. If you want a modern bike with vintage style, I recommend Electra. http://www.electrabike.com/
They have lots of models to choose from, ranging from choppers to old style beach cruisers. Looking at the website I'd say that the "Coaster" or the "Deluxe" would be the most vintage looking ladies bikes. There are even some with 3 speed Shimano hubs to help you with the hills.
My wife and I own a Ratrod and a Betty and we love them! We bought them about 3 years ago and at that time the price was less than $300 ea. They really turned heads when we used to live in Long Beach, CA and they REALLY turn heads here in Chicagoland! They are very dependable and have required very little maitenance. Although they are pretty heavy and if you're used modern mountain or racing bikes you be in for a shock. Also getting used to coaster brakes after a few decades of hand brakes is a little strange! It reminded me of my old Stingray!
PBG

scotrace · Apr 5, 2006

You also might not want to ride very far on one of those bikes. You'll get a sore bottom and wreck your knees.

Lauren · Apr 5, 2006

Ooh, I like those Electra bikes. Does anyone know when they started making different bikes for the different sexes? I mean, the girl's is way easier in a skirt, but I want to be pc (period correct, not politically correct

)

Dalexs · Apr 5, 2006

Check out this site http://www.callihan.com/art/bicycles.html
It shows artwork of vinatge bicycles and some of clothing looks victorian era(?) and the woman are riding girls bikes.

Thas to bad about Schwinn. My uncles have a n original crusier from the 50's that is still in great shape. To bad they're not talking to us anymore!

feltfan · Apr 5, 2006

Go Vintage!

If you're pursuing the vintage look, why not ride a vintage bike?

I recommend finding a reputable bicycle shop (and they
are the exception) and getting a classic 50s-70s three speed,
preferably English, American, Dutch, or Austrian. Some of the
classics include Raleigh, Indian Princess (or Prince, made I
believe, by the same company that made Indian motorcycles),
Robin Hood, etc. If you get a classic three speed with Sturmey
Archer hub and a straight frame, you will have a bike that will
last at least as long as a new one, is in many ways better
designed, and will have the look.

To find a reputable used bike dealer, call around and ask
who is experienced in repairing a Sturmey- Archer three speed
hub. It's complicated. When you find that store, ask them
where to get the bike (or if they have them). You might add
a modern light and perhaps a new English leather Brooks saddle.

Like so many things, vintage is better than repro.

scotrace · Apr 5, 2006

Marc Chevalier said:
It looks like just the bike for a Belgian woman in the Battle of the Bulge.

I don't think it's NOS, though.

No skin off my nose, but Sielger's says it is:

Genuine WWII-era Swiss courier bicycle.
During WWII, couriers rode bikes like these to transport urgent messages. Oh, the stories these bikes could tell. The Swiss mania for quality is evident. Rugged, steel frame with mounted weather-proof leather courier bag. Oversized pedals. Hand/foot brakes. Rear wheel lock. Sealed bearings. Spring-cushioned, grain-leather saddle. Magneto-driven front/rear lights. Vintage, Swiss license plate. Leather tool case. Tire pump. Original tires. In outstanding condition, considering they saw service more than half a century ago. (sure to provide faithful service for generations to come.) An extraordinary display piece, too. We have very few - order early to avoid disappointment. 45 lbs. Shipping weight 60 lbs.

SO THERE.

BellyTank · Apr 5, 2006

NOS Military Surplus Bikes-

Plenty of them here too- and they're very popular- Swedish, Swiss and Danish- all painted OD. In non-hilly European cities people do use old, old bikes to commute. Not everybody likes a new bike, or to spend a lot on one.

BT

Marc Chevalier · Apr 6, 2006

scotrace said:
No skin off my nose, but Sielger's says it is:

Genuine WWII-era Swiss courier bicycle.
During WWII, couriers rode bikes like these to transport urgent messages. Oh, the stories these bikes could tell. The Swiss mania for quality is evident. Rugged, steel frame with mounted weather-proof leather courier bag. Oversized pedals. Hand/foot brakes. Rear wheel lock. Sealed bearings. Spring-cushioned, grain-leather saddle. Magneto-driven front/rear lights. Vintage, Swiss license plate. Leather tool case. Tire pump. Original tires. In outstanding condition, considering they saw service more than half a century ago. (sure to provide faithful service for generations to come.) An extraordinary display piece, too. We have very few - order early to avoid disappointment. 45 lbs. Shipping weight 60 lbs.

SO THERE.

Nope -- Siegler's says it isn't. NOS means "new-old stock", which means "never used". According to the description above, the bikes are "in outstanding condition, considering they saw service more than half a century ago." If the bikes saw service, then they aren't NOS, even if they're in excellent condition. After all, "saw service" means "were used by someone."

SO THERE, THERE.

scotrace · Apr 6, 2006

Neener Neener Nyaaa...

A trifling point, sez I.

UOS then. Still, authentic.

penfencer · Apr 6, 2006

I own one of those Swiss bikes exactly as pictured. I bought it about six years ago for $800 (!)

It has the original pump, bags, tool kit, magneto lights, plates etc. Believe me- it saw heavy use back in the old country.

It's a beautiful bike to look at. A mack truck to pedal. The bad news- it has odd sized tires that are difficult to replace. I bought it from a catalog which wasn't a good idea.

To top it off, I later found out that the bikes were produced well into the seventies. So while it LOOKS like it was ridden right out of a World War Two movie- I can't figure out its age.

So it sits in my garage. I ride it occasionally but if I had it to do all over again I would have done some research first.

Cousin Hepcat · Apr 6, 2006

PrettyBigGuy said:
Unfortunately, Schwinn just isn't what it used to be. If you want a modern bike with vintage style, I recommend Electra. http://www.electrabike.com/

OH MAN, something else for the want list, Big Time...

Thanks for the link Big Guy
_______________
Swing High,
- Cousin Hepcat

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