Hiawatha identity
10-04-20, 04:15 PM
#1
57cruiser
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1
Bikes: Hiawatha Cruiser yr?, Peugeot 1975
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hiawatha identity
Interested in knowing if there are restoration hobbiest of old Hiawatha cruisers? Just bought one at a garage sale and have no idea how old it is or where to get spare components. the serial number is 7H032103. great shape for an antique.
10-04-20, 05:30 PM
#2
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,699 Times
in
935 Posts
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
10-28-20, 08:30 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Rupert's Land
Posts: 1,243
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh GP, 1985 Norco Bush Pilot, . . .
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 241 Post(s)
Liked 187 Times
in
136 Posts
I see that you are from Alberta, Canada. Your Hiawatha was probably from MacLeods stores, but you might have a Hiawatha from Gambles Department store in the USA.
Both of these retail chains had bicycles made for them from a variety of manufacturers. In restoration it is sometimes helpful to know who the manufacturer was, but this may not be essential. Pictures of the bicycle and the serial number stamping can be used to identify the manufacturer. If you post pictures or create an album someone may be able to identify the bicycle.
If you are close to Edmonton there is a bicycle cooperative called Bike Edmonton. They have two locations. They are staffed mostly by volunteers some of whom are knowledgeable and who can help you. They also have used parts which can be useful in restoration.
Edit: Was the serial number located where the rear wheel bolts to the frame (the dropout)? If so the manufacturer of your Hiawatha may be Csepel of Hungary.
Last edited by Hummer; 10-28-20 at 08:59 PM. Reason: More info
10-29-20, 07:39 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
Another possibility. given the serial number format, would be a Huffman product. In which case, the '7' is the last digit of the year of manufacture. You'd have to determine the decade by component and frame features.
10-29-20, 08:38 AM
#5
Full Member
Post a photo. Like T-Mar said, component and frame features can help determine era and manufacturer. That's how I determined that my COVID project "Coronarat" Hiawatha is a 70's Murrray. Ratrodbikes is also a good resource.
Last edited by wintermute; 10-29-20 at 08:47 AM.
