Higgins longshot

[Chips_Mahoy]

I know this may be a longshot, but would anyone know what model this 24" J.C. Higgins may be? This is the only photo I have of it. Owner is offering it to me (and 2 older Schwinn lightweights) and is saying it has a Higgins Made in Germany badge. I was under the impression that the German Higgins bikes were all lightweight frames. Any help is always appreciated!

 

[deorman]

50s balloon bike with cotter cranks = imported from Europe.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

50s balloon bike with cotter cranks = imported from Europe.

Okay. Again, learned something new today.

What's a good price for this?

 

[deorman]

You got me there. No clue what the market will bear on that. It looks kinda cool, but it's 24" and I don't like cotter crank bikes so I personally would bail on anything higher than 20 bucks.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I told him $40 would be a reasonable price on it, but I passed on it. I just got the Playboy 88 and the Wheel bike so my plate is full.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I think the Murray strike that forced Sears to go overseas was in 56 or 57. Is there a serial number under the bottom bracket?


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[Chips_Mahoy]

I can only assume there is. I haven't looked

 

[MONARKofSoCal]

It definitely is west German built
(but looks very similar to a 24" Columbia)
if you check out the Higgins gallery
look for a cruiser with the same crank set up
I have seen a couple of 26" on there but no 24"
although I am not that surprised at that size they are not very desirable/popular

 

[horsefarmer]

I have a '56 J.C. Higgins 26" bike frame is different but has 3 pc crank.
Believe it was made by Puch.

 

[horsefarmer]

FYI last year I paid $45 for the above bike off C/L. Different wheels, tires, no chainguard or rack.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I used to have one like that but gave it to another member.

 

[horsefarmer]

Kinda funny, but it is full of creaks and rattles. The cottered crank is not sloppy at all but biggest problem is the gooseneck, its really light weight steel and starting to crack.
The handlebars (Original?)are rusty and bend too. I'm gonna have to tear into it one day - hope it takes a standard size.

 

[Rustinkerer]

I was never able to find any information supporting the strike theory. But, Murray opened a new factory in 56, so I think that's why we see all the imports around that year, -Adam

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I was never able to find any information supporting the strike theory. But, Murray opened a new factory in 56, so I think that's why we see all the imports around that year, -Adam

Makes sense tho.

 

[horsefarmer]

J.C. Higgins “Straight bar” .

• 24 and 26 inch models. 26×2 1/8 or 24 1/8 Balloon tires. Coaster brake. 3 piece crank.
• Made in West Germany. Possibly made by Stelber.
• Price $41.45 for either 26″ boys and girls models.
• Price $40.45 for either 24″ boys and girls models.

https://solex5000.wordpress.com/imported-jc-higgins-bicycles/

 

[Rustinkerer]

J.C. Higgins “Straight bar” .

• 24 and 26 inch models. 26×2 1/8 or 24 1/8 Balloon tires. Coaster brake. 3 piece crank.
• Made in West Germany. Possibly made by Stelber.
• Price $41.45 for either 26″ boys and girls models.
• Price $40.45 for either 24″ boys and girls models.

https://solex5000.wordpress.com/imported-jc-higgins-bicycles/

Stelber was an import co., based out of NY. They didn't make any bikes, but they did import them, and badged them as their own. They probably also sourced some parts from NY neighbors CBC/Ross. Most Stelber stuff probably came from Daimler/Puch/Steyr, who had factories in W. Germany and Austria. -Adam