Another Sears Bike

[Jude Ephesus]

Our local vintage bike club picked up a new member: he’s super into it and has a ton of energy and passion.

He had an old bike that had been in his family he wanted to hop up, but had never restored a vintage bike before.

I didn’t do a good job of before and after pics. The bike was covered with pretty severe surface rust, but no rot.

I told him to bring it over and we could fix it up together. Some of our other members helped him with his handlebars, custom wheels and fresh chain.

He and I are going to get the bike shined up as much as possible and work on his rubbing tires as he’s put some MEATS on a middleweight bike.

Here’s some pics: we’ve removed as much rust as possible and put on some boiled linseed oil.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Put it in the shed last night to avoid rain: still a bit tacky.

Pulled it out to get it some more air

 

[Jude Ephesus]

My friends ‘57 Sears bike all done!!

 

[Wildcat]

It looks great with the original paint. I'm pretty sure that bare spot on the top tube is from riding little kids on the bar like we used to.
I didn't know Columbia made bikes for Sears, but I learn new stuff all the time. The serial number will prove it's a 57 model. It should start with a "C". Here's 59 Columbia Fire Arrow for comparison:

 

[Wildcat]

In your pic, I see the number but can't make out the letter. I just remembered that Sears used JC Higgins until 1963, so that bike must be 63 or newer.

 

[Captain Awesome]

My friends ‘57 Sears bike all done!!View attachment 127673

I love everything but the seat. I'd ride it all day

 

[Rat Pilot]

I love everything but the seat. I'd ride it all day

Agreed about the seat. I would change that out, but overall it looks great!


Do you mind if I use your side shot above in my cantilever comparison thread? I don’t have a Columbia Canti on there yet.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Agreed about the seat. I would change that out, but overall it looks great!


Do you mind if I use your side shot above in my cantilever comparison thread? I don’t have a Columbia Canti on there yet.

I agree on the seat too, BUTT (lol) it is super comfy, and he rides it frequently!

Feel free to use the pic!!

 

[Rat Pilot]

I agree on the seat too, BUTT (lol) it is super comfy, and he rides it frequently!

Feel free to use the pic!!

Thank you!

I’m trying to put examples of all these cantilever style frames in one place for comparison. They are quite a bit more different than originally thought. I always kinda thought they were all about the same.
https://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/i...frame-comparision-thread.111475/#post-1145124

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

In your pic, I see the number but can't make out the letter. I just remembered that Sears used JC Higgins until 1963, so that bike must be 63 or newer.

If I remember correctly JC Higgins was the post-war CFO of Sears. He was an ‘outdoorsman’ so they put his name on everything from bikes to guns to balls and beyond. Pre-war Sears sold Elgin bikes, I believe.


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