Raleigh Built Supercycle 3 Speed
Here’s another Kijiji Toronto item. Appears to be in very good condition but not sure of the price…
SuperCycle 3 Speed
A viewer from Lakefield sent me some photos and a request to date her Canadian built Supercycle 3 speed. She writes:
I bought two matching bicycles, Supercycle, and was wondering if you might know where I could find info re: age, etc. I do have the serial numbers (E followed by six numbers). I’ve attached some pictures. I’m going away for a few weeks so if you do happen to have information on these bikes I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Anita, Lakefield ON
The bike is identical to one that I pulled out of the trash a few years ago.
I quite like the green/chartreuse colour but I swapped the Shimano 333 hub and shifter for a Sturmey Archer system.
My bike with a CCM chain ring. This colour was quite popular and I’ve seen a few versions of this same frame.
It’s a two colour application with a silver base and then the green on top.
A nice 10 speed below.
CCM supplied bikes to Canadian Tire that were re branded as Supercycles. Other suppliers include Raleigh and Bridgestone.
The bikes were often assembled from old stock.
Vintage CCM provides the chart below.
This would date your bike frame as being built in 1973 and possibly being sold in 1974 or 1975 (my guess).
Unlike Sturmey Archer, Shimano didn’t stamp a date on their hubs.
This want ad popped up on Kijiji today.
Ray writes:
“I saw this bike on the street in very good condition and was wondering how
many of these are sitting in the basements or garages of houses in Toronto.
It is a 10 speed with a seat called Speedic.
I think I paid $60 for it back in the mid-seventies…at Canadian Tire you
can buy a new 18 speed mountain bike for $99, today…go figure. “
A well preserved Speedic sadldle, a Brooks knock off made in Japan.
Ray writes:
“They are “sharp/detail/colour accurate” pics and with the bike being in such good condition (especially the
seat) it just brought back a great memory of a 13 year old purchasing a bike
that was far too big. I rode it, re-painted it (red) and had it stolen one day after
school while I was taking driving lessons offered by the school.”
Same colour but made in Japan.
Here’s another one for sale in Kingston Ontario.
Hope this helps.
New Home for an Old Friend
This Supercycle 3 speed, pulled from the trash 3 years ago, has found a new owner in Hamilton and is currently getting a make over. Photos to follow soon.
Coming soon, the Third Annual Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show!
Sunday July 27th at Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto.
The work in progress below.
Below the almost finished bike.
A NOS CCM chain ring!
Supercycle 3 speed
An early 1960’s Supercycle 3 Speed built for Canadian Tire.
On Craig’s List Toronto for $150.00.
Supercycle 3 Speed
Reader Marco B. writes:
I had it for I’ve 15 years and it was purchased new by previous home owner in 1973.
I just finished cleaning her and she looks and works great but I did have to get new tires. Also just ordered a old but in good condition blue and white seat to match better as the white seat on the bike is a little damaged but there is a white tool bag as well.
Supercycle 3 Speed
This from a Rob:
Mid to late sixties, senior public and early high school in Richmond Hill – the gold Supercycle racer was definitely the bike to have. I remember a leather seat and steel rat-trap pedals – and of course the coolest guys removed the fenders. Several of my friends had gold racers.
I never managed to own one but modified my Raleigh 3 speed roadster by flipping and reversing the North Road bars and adding my own leather saddles and steel pedals – very hip. We rode those 3 speeds everywhere – the “Hill” in those days was pretty rural – loads of dirt roads and farmers tracks to explore.
I’ve been keeping my eyes open for one of these I don’t think they were all that common – nice find. I did though manage to dig up a 1965 Raleigh roadster – blue and pretty complete , awaiting restoration.
I’m sure I found this add on Kijiji Toronto. The bike is not mine.
I remember the late sixties as well and it seems to me that we all started to think of the 3 speeds as a “kid’s” bike since the older teenagers were all getting 10 speeds, a grown up bike.
I still prefer the simplicity of design and function of the internal hub and find no need for all those extra gears.
Three Speed Mania 