Raleigh is one of the most iconic bicycle brands with a history that goes all the way back to 1888. It was founded by Frank Bowden who bought Woodhead and Angois and changed the name to The Raleigh Cycle Company. Manufacturing was based in Nottingham, England and by 1913 the company was the largest bicycle manufacturerContinue reading “Raleigh Bicycles History and Facts”
Category Archives: Vintage Bicycles
Vintage Bottecchia bicycles history and facts
Italian bicycle company that is named after Ottavio Bottecchia, the first Italian cyclist to win the Tour de France in 1924. He would also win the Tour in 1925. The company’s history goes back to 1924 when it was started by Teodoro Carnielli. The company was owned by the Carnielli family until 1999 when itContinue reading “Vintage Bottecchia bicycles history and facts”
Vintage Zeus Bicycle and Component History and Facts
Zeus is the only company that I know of that made bikes and almost all the parts. They made frames, brakes, derailleurs, pedals, cranks, seatposts… I think this really sets them apart from other bike companies in history. They seem to be rare in my area as I have seen very few of them forContinue reading “Vintage Zeus Bicycle and Component History and Facts”
Vintage Sutton Bicycles History and Facts
Sutton bicycle is a lesser-known brand that was sold mostly in New York. The brand was owned by TSS Seedman’s which was a department store chain in NY. Wilcox International was the import company for Seeman’s. I believe all the bikes were made in Japan by Kawamura and/or Zebrakenko. Because they are department store bikes,Continue reading “Vintage Sutton Bicycles History and Facts”
Vintage Azuki Bicycles History and Facts
Azuki is similar to Nishiki as both brands were distributed by West Coast Cycle and manufactured by Kawamura in Japan. From what I have seen they mostly made road bikes, but I found some cruisers and BMX bikes also. I believe this brand was much less popular than Nishiki, as I see way fewer forContinue reading “Vintage Azuki Bicycles History and Facts”
Vintage Jeunet Bicycles History and Facts
Jeunet history is elusive, but I’ve found some information on the company. I believe the company started in Dole, France in the early 1900s, possibly 1928. The founder was either Andre Jeunet or Albert Jeunet depending on the source. The company was definitely run by the Jeunet family, and I found a reference for DominiqueContinue reading “Vintage Jeunet Bicycles History and Facts”
Vintage Freccia D’oro Bicycle Saddle
Freccia D’oro is Italian and translates as Golden Arrow. This saddle seems to be a bit of a mystery regarding who manufactured it. My saddle only states Freccia D’oro, nothing else. It does seem to be the only style I have seen with this name. Made in Italy – mine doesn’t state anything, but I’veContinue reading “Vintage Freccia D’oro Bicycle Saddle”
Vintage Nishiki Bicycles History and Facts
Nishiki is one of the more common vintage bike brands you will find, and I remember seeing them as a kid. The brand has a long history going all the way back to 1965 when they started as American Eagle. The head badge never changed, so the Nishiki head badge is an Eagle. The brandContinue reading “Vintage Nishiki Bicycles History and Facts”
1964 Schwinn Traveler Coppertone
This was a great cruiser bike for its time and a nice step up from the Racer. Considered a Schwinn lightweight with 26” wheels, it features stainless steel fenders, generator, and a light. This example is a 3-speed in coppertone color, have a look: Model W11 19” frame W12 21” frame W13 23” frame ColorsContinue reading “1964 Schwinn Traveler Coppertone”
1969 Schwinn Sting-Ray Krate Lemon Peeler
This is one of the most rare and valuable Sting-Ray models. Features a front spring fork, 5-speed Stik-Shift, bucket style saddle, chrome fenders, and MAG sprocket. Front wheel is 16” with middleweight tire and rear wheel is 20” with Gripper Slik tire. Have a look at this nice example: Hand brakes work the rear caliperContinue reading “1969 Schwinn Sting-Ray Krate Lemon Peeler”
