This Sears 3 speed bike, circa 1966 or so, is one I have had for a long time. I sold it to a friend though about 3 years ago and today I bought it back as he wasn’t using it. It is from Austria. I doubt you can buy much made in Austria at Sears today. The Saddle is a “Lepper” brand and is from Switzerland… the front generator light is a Soubitez from France… the rack and kickstand are Pletscher from Switzerland… the pannier bags are also from Sears… black vinyl… with white contrast trim.
It is a very basic but beautiful black bike. I don’t know why I love bikes so much.
unlicensed architect, ex-skateboarder, planning commissioner, shoe designer, all around dork
I’m restoring the ladies version of this bike. Yours looks fantastic! Love the saddle. Mine has the original saddle, and what appears to be an original saddle bag (same vinyl and stitching). Glad I found your photo for reference.
I just bought one of these at an Estate sale and I would like to replace the decals which are a little scratched up. Any ideas on where to find replacement decals?
this australian fellow makes excellent decal sets. I’ve never seen sears specific however…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50627617@N05/sets/
His ebay store is called cyclemondo. His ebay name is gts753. For more decals search ebay under sporting goods then cycling then “decal set”
Eric
I have the very first Sears 3 speed bike. It was made by the Davis sewing machine company and know as the Chief. Sold threw the Sears catalog in 1915. Davis sewing machine company stopped production of sewing machines around that time and focused on bicycle production. They later changed there name to Huffman bicycle company which we know them today as Huffy.
justin… you need to build a site showing all your antique bikes. your collection is AWESOME!
hi, i am new here. we just bought a sears 3 speed bike for 10 bucks at a garage sale, made in austria. i don’t know much about it but we love it. it has an interesting “head-light” also between the handlebars. it also had a basket. the bike is very sound, runs great, my husband just had to fill the tires with air! its a ladies bike, large wheels, and a black leather saddle seat with studs. the paint is such a dark blue it is almost black, and there are white strips, red, and some white pin-striping. just needs a little cleaning which i’ve already started. its a lovely bike. will take pictures in the future. please tell me more about this bike.
debs
I don’t know any more than what I wrote as regards these bikes… Probably made by Steyr Puch in Austria. They make military vehicles… and 4wd stuff for Vanagons and mercedes trucks these days. I am mostly fascinated by the fact that a big chain store was able to market well built stuff from Europe and sell it at a fair price back in the day. These days that bike would cost 1000US$ to buy in Austria!
Eric
i have the same exact one in this pic with the same decals and black color and a reflector sears logo on front of bike and made in austria for some reason the bike seems to give up speed after you pedaled so much and my sheffield 3 speed glides after a few pedals what do you think that might loosen the stiffness of the ride
Omar… take the bike to a bike shop and have them rebuild the front hub… the bottom bracket… and lubricate the rear hub. If you know how to do this.. do it yourself with some fresh grease. Best luck.
Hi! I own an old Sears and Roebuck bike that has no speeds, skinnier tires, fenders, used to be red, has the sears and roebuck plate on front but can’t read any other markings. I think it is pretty old but would like to know how old! I bought it at a thrift store in San Diego about 16 years ago for $25 and have been riding it ever since! I love this bike! Just wondered if you have any info or could direct me to a website that would have info for me. Thank you!
~Kellie
Kellie,
I don’t have any specific websites for you to check out on sears bikes. Sorry. many of the early ones were manufactured by Puch in Austria. also known as Steyr… and sometimes as Steyr Puch. Best, Eric