Our old friend Harv, the Gallery’s first owner submitted, is back—this time with a very cool, very old(for the OTSG) J.C. Higgins ten speed. According to the Sears Archive the J.C. Higgins brand concluded it reign in 1964 when Ted Williams showed up and spoiled all the fun. That would certainly substantiate Harv’s observation that this is indeed a ‘64 or earlier.
In the early 1960’s, Sears Roebuck had a line of bicycles called, “J. C. Higgins”. This tangerine colored example bears a Los Angeles Bicycle License with an expiration date of 1967, making it a 1964 or earlier model. Cottered cranks and rat-trap pedals were state of the art back then. The side-pull caliper brakes gave way to center-pulls by the late 60’s, then it was back to side-pulls a few years later. The tangerine bar tape appears to be original. Probably not, but has the same thickness and texture as the original. I know, I was there when this bike was new.
Thanks again Harv
Harv, our first contributer, is back to show that old-ten-speed-bliss is also available in Dusty Rose. After seeing a couple of his bikes, I can tell Harv a) loves flat bars on road bikes and b) uses any combination of components he has at his disposal. I like it.
This is my Omega Mixte. Frame is Chromoly 4130 Lugged Steel. Found abandoned with missing parts and some damage. Front wheel is 27 inch steel Schwinn item, probably from a 60s or 70s ten-speed. Note the “Ross” leather saddle which was given to me circa 1970. Probably just like the original saddle on Deborah’s bike.
Today’s entry, a 1989ish Ross 10-speed, comes to us from Deborah in Brooklyn. I can see why this guy is your EX, Deborah. I would be pissed too if someone took my 10-speed and ripped all the good stuff off of it! I suppose all is not lost; if his actions got you to ride it more frequently than it’s ok with me. This entry has also prompted a new entry in the OTSG Glossary (HTFC).
Deborah Said:
My father bought me this Ross during the summer of 1989 or 1990. I was 12 or 13, and really upset to have a boy’s bike and didn’t ride it much. About four years ago, my now ex-boyfriend saw it in my parent’s garage and insisted he be allowed at it. He flipped and chopped the handle-bars, cleaned off the reflectors and stickers, new tires, new seat, cut out half the gears. I added some Kryptonite locking skewers and now have the perfect city bike. I have a short commute (only a mile), but love riding this bike everyday.
Thanks for your entry Deborah
