Anyone know what this little cruiser is?

[blacksheep]

My folks bought this for my daughter today. I have no idea what brand it is and I can't find a serial number on it. The rear hub is a "STYRIA" made in Austria which has a zerk-type fitting in it. It appears to have the original tires which were also made in Austria. The valve stems lock into the wheel with a nut to keep them standing straight up. The crank is a 3-piece. The seat is leather and has a globe stamped into it. The blue paint is a very sloppily done house-paint job. If anyone has an idea what this bike is please let me know. It doesn't really matter, but it's always nice to know.

The plan is to strip the paint, clean and re-lube everything, spray it whatever color my daughter wants, and throw on some new WWs.

 

[user 135]

Re: Old European(?) 20" Cruiser for my daughter

Cool bike. I guessing European from the hub and the cranks. Good luck

 

[blacksheep]

I just noticed that the rear hub has "57" stamped into it and the front hub is "56" stamped. Part numbers or manufacture years?

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

dont know what it is but very cool! 8)

 

[tnt1]

Hubs 57/56 the year

 

[icyuod2]

looks like my czeck made rapido (pre chop)

at least the chain guard (mines a 1980's, much newer than yours)

 

[roadmaster]

could be a steyr. this is a austrian based bike that made 3speeds (i have a 3speed clubsman) under their own lable and some for sears under the jc higgins label. the chainring looks similar to my steyr's and although i never seen a steyr cruiser, its my best guess. and my clubs man also came with styria hubs.

 

[Rustinkerer]

It looks like a Stelber. They made some JC Higgins bikes for Sears as well as their own brand. This is a 26" cruiser I have. ~Adam

 

[elvis51]

hey blacksheep! any way you would come off that license plate? i was born in brookfield missouri and that would be totally cool to have. lemme know man! thanks!

Easy E

 

[Tosa2112]

I have a similar one that's been hanging out in the basement for a while. A bit rougher however...

 

[blacksheep]

I have a similar one that's been hanging out in the basement for a while. A bit rougher owever...

Do you know what brand yours is?

 

[ej599]

Looks like one solid little bike.

 

[Annika]

Looks like one solid little bike.

It's really cute.

 

[Tosa2112]

I have a similar one that's been hanging out in the basement for a while. A bit rougher owever...

Do you know what brand yours is?

No idea. The rear wheel on mine is a replcement since it has a Shimano hub. The bike was brush painted and the thing that looks like it might be a headbadge in the photo is actually the remains of a sticker that was peeled off.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

neat bike. i like the crossed hammers on the brake arm. are those presta valves for the tires?

 

[blacksheep]

I have a similar one that's been hanging out in the basement for a while. A bit rougher owever...

Do you know what brand yours is?

No idea. The rear wheel on mine is a replcement since it has a Shimano hub. The bike was brush painted and the thing that looks like it might be a headbadge in the photo is actually the remains of a sticker that was peeled off.

Ok, thanks.

I found a picture of a JC Higgins(made in Austria) 26" touring bike that has the same chrome fork crown, the same headset, and a very similar chainguard. I guess I just call this little bike a JC Higgins since that's a bit cooler sounding than the Euro names.

Pics borrowed from Old Bike Blog:

 

[GodHatesCleveland]

Take the paint off layer by layer, like with a wool pad. You might find something under there that gives you a good clue.