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”
Category Archives: Vintage Bicycles
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”
Suntour History and Road Derailleur Rankings
The history of Suntour goes all the way back to 1912 with Maeda Iron Works Company. They began by manufacturing freewheels and sprockets. It was in the 1950s that they began to make derailleurs. In 1964 Suntour invented the slant-parallelogram rear derailleur. This gave them what most believe was the easiest shifting derailleurs. It allowedContinue reading “Suntour History and Road Derailleur Rankings”
Vintage Zebrakenko Bicycles History and Facts
The history of Zebrakenko bicycles may go all the way back to the early 1900s in Japan, but the brand seems to have not shown up in the US market until the 1970s. The quality seems to be pretty typical of other Japanese brands for the time period, well made and reliable. Most of theirContinue reading “Vintage Zebrakenko Bicycles History and Facts”
Vintage Chimo Bicycles History and Facts
Chimo was a brand owned by Interex Industries located in Vancouver BC, Canada. Bikes were imported from Japan and Hong Kong during the 70s and 80s. The head badge design is actually the Interex logo. The Japan head badges state made in Japan and Hong Kong badges have HKB for Hong Kong Bicycles. Most ofContinue reading “Vintage Chimo Bicycles History and Facts”
Vintage Concord Bicycles
Concord is a bike brand that I believe started in the early 1970s and ended sometime in the 80s. The brand was owned by Columbus Cycles out of Columbus, OH and were imported from Japan. Kuwahara is the Japanese company I most see mentioned as the manufacturer for Concord. During the 80s they had aContinue reading “Vintage Concord Bicycles”
