The Shelby Cycle Company is known for having produced some of the most desirable collector bicycles. In 1928 they manufactured and sold the 'Lindy Flyer', a bicycle with a Charles Lindbergh theme. In the late 1930's they made the Shelby Speedline Airflo, a radically styled bike that is very sought after today. Trek bike serial numbers. In the 1950's Shelby was responsible for the Donald Duck bicycles, which were painted yellow and blue with a duck head on the front of the frame. Shelby, like other manufacturers of the time made bicycles for other retailers such as Montgomery Ward, Spiegel, Gambles stores, Firestone and Goodyear.
Search eBay for Shelby bicycles and parts.
Search Nostalgic.net for Shelby bicycles and literature.
Many times I see people simply post a bicycle serial numberand ask for information such as make, model, etc… . Unfortunately bicycleserial numbers, unlike an automobile vehicle identification number (VIN) oftentell you very little about the bicycle. At the very best it may tell you thedate the serial number was stamped but not necessarily when the bike was made.This is because the parts that the serial numbers are stamped on were oftendone before the frames were ever built and could have set in the parts bin fordays, weeks, or months before the bicycle was ever manufactured.
Firestone Bicycle Identification
Numbering varied greatly between manufacturers as well asrecord keeping. Most people are aware of the fire at the Schwinn factory in1948. Some wrongly assume that bikes before 1948 can't be dated. This is nottrue because collectors have been gathering data for decades to fill in the holesand most Schwinns, at least back to 1933, can be roughly dated off the serialnumber.
Vintage Bicycle Serial Numbers
Schwinn along with Cleveland Welding Company (CWC) andWestfield Manufacturing are probably the easiest to date by serial number dueto very complete records. The numbering for other manufacturers such as Shelbyand obscure makers such as Manton Smith are less understood and dating a bareframe can be difficult.
- The later Hiawatha bikes of the '40s and the '50s were made by the Shelby Bicycle Manufacturing company, we're more agile and had a less bulky look. The hallmark tank, located between the handlebars and the saddle, was bulkier in the early models and got thinner in later models of Hiawatha bikes.
- Noticeably absent are Shelby serial numbers as no reliable list exists. The best way to identify a bicycle is by looking at the bike as a whole and examining frame features, paint schemes, and the other components present. Keep in mind that over the course of 70 years many things may have been changed.
- Check for Serial Numbers, if there are serial numbers on the neck for Schwinn its 1972 or newer. Hawthornes were supplied to Montgomery Ward by various manufacturers. Early prewar balloon bikes seem to have serial numbers not. This auction is for a 1965(Serial Number CA74897) Schwinn Breeze cruiser bike.
This is why it is important to look for other clues as tothe age and model of the bike. The style of the frame, placement of the serialnumber, style of the chain ring, badge, dates or marks on components especiallythe rear hub or crank, or paint and accessories can all help identify thebicycle.
- The later Hiawatha bikes of the '40s and the '50s were made by the Shelby Bicycle Manufacturing company, we're more agile and had a less bulky look. The hallmark tank, located between the handlebars and the saddle, was bulkier in the early models and got thinner in later models of Hiawatha bikes.
- Noticeably absent are Shelby serial numbers as no reliable list exists. The best way to identify a bicycle is by looking at the bike as a whole and examining frame features, paint schemes, and the other components present. Keep in mind that over the course of 70 years many things may have been changed.
- Check for Serial Numbers, if there are serial numbers on the neck for Schwinn its 1972 or newer. Hawthornes were supplied to Montgomery Ward by various manufacturers. Early prewar balloon bikes seem to have serial numbers not. This auction is for a 1965(Serial Number CA74897) Schwinn Breeze cruiser bike.
This is why it is important to look for other clues as tothe age and model of the bike. The style of the frame, placement of the serialnumber, style of the chain ring, badge, dates or marks on components especiallythe rear hub or crank, or paint and accessories can all help identify thebicycle.
How to customize csgo. View More Dursley Pederson Mens' Bicycle. Shelby Flying Cloud Bicycle. Shelby Cycle Company, Shelby Ohio Shelby Flying Cloud. View More Shelby Flying Cloud Bicycle. Ladies' National Hard Tire Safety. 1890 Ladies National Hard Tire Safety Serial Number: 395. View More Ladies' National Hard Tire Safety. Dayton Colonial Lightweight.
When asking for information try to provide as many of theseclues as you can along with good, clear pictures of the entire bike from thechain ring side, head badge, dropouts and other frame characteristics such asfender bridges and fork crowns. By doingthis you stand a much better chance of dating and identifying your bicycle.
Enjoy the ride!
