My Dad Bought Me a Bike
Back in 1965 or so, my Dad bought me a bike. It was probably a Supercycle bought at the old Canadian Tire on Dundas. It looked something like this one.
Single speed with a coaster brake.
Even at $40.00 (1967 price), using the inflation calculator, it would equal about $320.00 today or close to half a week’s pay….
I liked my bike very much but by 1967 I really wanted one of these.
My dad and I went back to Canadian Tire, not to buy a new bike but to buy the accessories to convert my bike.
He repainted the frame in a nice sparkle finish green, added the ape hanger bars, new sparkle grips, a banana seat, sissy bar and perhaps monkey fenders.
The re styled bike was promptly stolen by some kid at school. We never locked our bikes back then. Somehow my Dad tracked it down and we went to this kid’s house to retrieve it. I’m not sure how my Dad found it or what happened to this bike afterwards, but I obviously out grew it and moved on to a bigger 10 speed.
Thanks Dad.
If anyone else would like to contribute a story on this theme please comment and I will post.
Super Cycles!
Blog reader, Cassandra has sent me some photos of a pair of bikes rescued from the trash. She writes:
“Hey, just wanted to say your blog is great! My husband and I have just recently gotten into biking, and are really enjoying it. We just pulled a his and hers matching set from the trash. They are supercycle from Canadian tire, but I’m not sure on the year. The gear shifts are on the neck of the handle bars, maybe that will help? They are really cool bikes, I can email you pictures if you are interested in seeing them; I think they are a good find, but I don’t know much about vintage bicycles.”
Good job saving these from land fill.
It’s hard to tell from the photos but I think they’re Raleigh built bikes.
My only clue is the pedal style which Raleigh used in the early 70’s.
I have the same ones on a 1972 Raleigh Superbe. This style was a cost cutting measure as they don’t have bearings.
Supercycle, the house brand of Canadian Tire bought bikes from several suppliers over the years that they re-branded. CCM, Raleigh and Bridgestone all supplied bikes.
Also, look for a “Made in Canada” sticker at the bottom of the seat tube and look at the rear derailleur.
A closer look at the head badge reveals “Made in Canada”,
which probably means assembled in Canada.
This site, Disraeli Gears is a good resource to date your bike.
Anyone else care to weigh in these?
I wouldn’t spend too much $$ on these, but new tires and brake pads wouldn’t be too much and you can try polishing the chrome with some tin foil and water (this really works!).
Good luck and send me some “after” photos.
An Interesting Supercycle
Here’s a Raleigh built Supercycle for sale on Kijiji Toronto. A 3 speed hub with a coaster brake and caliper brakes as well. Priced at $225.00.![$_27[1vcgzfry].jpg](https://threespeedmania.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/271vcgzfry.jpg?w=590)
![$_27xzdsrw[1].jpg](https://threespeedmania.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/27xzdsrw1.jpg?w=590)
![$_27[vcgndf1].jpg](https://threespeedmania.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/27vcgndf1.jpg?w=590)
![$_27bcfzry[1].jpg](https://threespeedmania.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/27bcfzry1.jpg?w=590)
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1978 Raleigh Supercycle
Trash or Treasure? You Decide!
A neighbour dropped off this rough Supercycle frame last night. I suspected that it was another Raleigh re-brand. The small Made in Canada sticker is the same as the one on my Canadian made (assembled?) Raleigh Superbe. The serial number, RN851730 decodes as R (Canada) N (October) 8 (1978).
Supercycle Gran Sport
Bridgestone Youngway
It turns out that this bike is indeed a Bridgestone Youngway.
The store that I bought it from decided to remove all of the lights and horns etc and threw them in the garbage!
Although I quite liked this bicycle It was too small for me so I gave it to a young woman I work with who will get more use out of it.
It originally would have looked something like this.
The used bike shop that I bought it from decided that all of the lights and racks etc. were not an incentive so stripped the bike and threw it all in the garbage…..
The bike below just showed up on Kijiji Toronto.
The same bike re-branded as a Supercycle for Canadian Tire.
Another Supercycle branded Bridgestone seen on the street yesterday.
Raleigh Built Supercycle 3 Speed
Here’s another Kijiji Toronto item. Appears to be in very good condition but not sure of the price…
A Couple of Cool 3 Speeds
This is the 500th post on Three Speed Mania!!
These two 3 speeds showed up on Kijiji Toronto today.
First, a British made Supercycle offered at $135.00.
The second is an Eaton’s Glider @ $95.00.
This one appears very clean and original (except missing fenders) and very good value for the price.
3 Speed Supercycle
A clean and original 3 speed Supercycle, circa 1965. Note the period correct cable braids.
Currently listed on Kijiji Toronto @ $175.00
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!
Rat Bike Trio
Despite the fact that I have several very nice English 3 speeds I tend to ride these 3 Rat Bikes more often. They were all virtually free.
The 67 Dunelt @ $40.00, The green CCM/Supercycle (free from the trash) and the 69 CCM Galaxie ($39.00 in trade).
It’s probably because I’ve invested more of my time into these and I’m not too concerned with their appearance.
Super Cycle!!
Still functional after close to 50 years.
A Successful Bike Show
Thank you to everyone that participated and attended. It was a terrific day and considering that this was our first show, very well attended.
The fleet was assembled that morning for final preparations.
Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show
It’s full steam ahead. The first annual Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show will be held on Sunday July 29th in Trinity Bellwoods Park at the Strachan entrance. Everyone is encouraged to come out and show their bikes. There will be vintage bicycles and parts for sale as well. Vendor rates are $25.00 for individuals and $50.00 for a business payable in advance to the Community Bicycle Network on Queen or on the day.
Vendors are required to provide their own tables/booths.
Street Bikes
A Raleigh Laurentian 3 Speed.
Currently for sale (along with some other vintage bikes) in Kensington Market.
The seat, made by Shields in Toronto.
Another green mid 70’s Supercycle.
And a Ladies’ Sears.
Toronto Vintage Bike Show Update
We finally have a date for the Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show.
Vendors tables will be available @ $25.00/Individual
$50.00/Business
Contact Community Bicycle Network to arrange payment
761 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1G1
416 504 2918
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Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
Roncesvalles Street Bikes
An English (Raleigh) built 3 Speed Supercycle.
An interesting CCM Elan. English built with an optional Dyno-Hub front wheel and lights. I’ve only seen the Dynohub on Raleigh Superbes before.
Comprehensive information on Dynohubs can be found here.
Another Raleigh built Supercycle, single speed.
Note the cotter-pinned cranks.
The Current Fleet
From front to back, a 1957 Flying Pigeon with drum brakes, my everyday 1975 Raleigh Superbe,a 1967 AMF Hercules, the re-vamped 1967 CCM Galaxie and the mid 70’s CCM Supercycle Rat Bike.
The $30.00 Bicycle
This mid 70’s Supercycle by CCM was pulled from the trash recently and I decided to make it a little project. It appeared that the owner had started some repairs and then gave up i.e. new tires and brake pads.
The original Shimano “333” hub was discarded and replaced by a used Sturmey Archer back wheel and hub from Community Bicycle Network on Queen. Bike Pirates on Bloor provided the correct shifter and indicator chain. It’s not much to look at but a pleasant bike to ride and it’s been a good project to learn on. It will be going to good home come spring.
As it turns out this cast off Supercycle has turned into my main ride. It’s unassuming and very reliable for crossing the city.
Currently running a 1963 hub.
Total expenses to date:
Bike-free
Back wheel-$10.00
Shifter and new cable -$10.00
New brake cable-$5.00
New bell-$5.00
Here’s a ten speed version in the same colour.
Here’s another one for sale @ $140.00
A Japanese leather Speedic saddle.
And finally, here’s a 10 speed version spotted in Kensington.
Three Speed Mania 