German Bicycles?
#1
On the road
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New England
Posts: 2,171
Bikes: Old Schwinns and old Raleighs
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 373 Post(s)
Liked 847 Times
in
323 Posts
German Bicycles?
Alright for some time I've wondered about whether there are any decent-quality German-made bicycles in the USA that are pre 1985. I know of a number of Austrian, English, Dutch, French, Italian, Japanese etc brands. However, I haven't heard much of vintage German brand road bikes for some reason. Germany is known for industry but I wonder where all the bicycles are. Anyone own, or know of vintage German-made road bikes in the US? I'm curious about them (or lack thereof).
__________________
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Here's a link to a German bike-- an Express Werke-- that was discussed here.
#3
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
Originally Posted by SirMike1983
Alright for some time I've wondered about whether there are any decent-quality German-made bicycles in the USA that are pre 1985. ... Anyone own, or know of vintage German-made road bikes in the US?
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#4
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
I have wondered about that, myself. Perhaps Germany was too busy profitably exporting automobiles, starting with Mercedes diesels, VW bugs, and BMW Isettas, to the U.S. With no automotive industry, Austria exported guns (Steyr) and bicycles (Steyr[DaimlerPuch] and Capo). (Sounds a bit like the Public Television series, "Guns, Germs, and Steel." )
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by SirMike1983
Alright for some time I've wondered about whether there are any decent-quality German-made bicycles in the USA that are pre 1985. I know of a number of Austrian, English, Dutch, French, Italian, Japanese etc brands. However, I haven't heard much of vintage German brand road bikes for some reason. Germany is known for industry but I wonder where all the bicycles are. Anyone own, or know of vintage German-made road bikes in the US? I'm curious about them (or lack thereof).
Cycleurope is the largest contemporary European bicycle manufacturer, and if you check their website, they have production sites in Denmark, France, Italy, and Sweden-- but none in Germany.
Interesting question.
Last edited by Blue Order; 04-10-06 at 05:17 PM.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Kothke was a custom frame builder in West Germany. However, only saw one in person; frame was very Cinelli-like, with full Campi.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Pleasanton Tx
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: old,older.and very old
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 31 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A friend hasan Adler fixed gear 3 speed with gears in BB.Opel was a bicycle company.Schwinn started in Germany before he came to the USA.But your right we have a hole where great German bikes should be
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 1,007
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
During the '70s bike boom in the US there was a shop in my town that did a good business selling a German made "10-speed" named "Kalkoff". It was quite similar to various low end euro bikes of the time: lugged, not particularly light frame of indifferent finish, cottered steel cranks, Bailla brakes (!), Simplex plastic derailleurs and a rock hard, uncovered plastic saddle. From what I recall, the cranks were notorious for comming loose. These bikes were certainly nothing to get excited about.
#10
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
jemoryl, are you referring to Kalkhoff (https://www.kalkhoff.de)? If so, they've come a long way. They're sold as quality bikes around here, prices (and components) varying from entry level to more up-scale. They have a reputation of being durable bikes.
--J
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#11
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Blue Order
Cycleurope is the largest contemporary European bicycle manufacturer, and if you check their website, they have production sites in Denmark, France, Italy, and Sweden-- but none in Germany.
www.accell-group.com/uk
Posted some stuff on more upscale German manufacturers on the 'oldschoolmtb' board recently:
1995 Müsing brochure
Made in Germany
- Melvin
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 1,007
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Juha
jemoryl, are you referring to Kalkhoff (https://www.kalkhoff.de)? If so, they've come a long way. They're sold as quality bikes around here, prices (and components) varying from entry level to more up-scale. They have a reputation of being durable bikes.
--J
--J
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,392
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
25 Posts
I was in the army stationed in southern Germany in '70-'71 and I had a hard time finding a decent bike to buy. It's strange, because it's such a beautiful place to ride. I finally bought a German bike and did a lot of touring. I can't remember the brand. There was nothing special about it.
I was stationed in Vicenza, Italy for a while, too. I had no trouble finding nice bikes there!
I was stationed in Vicenza, Italy for a while, too. I had no trouble finding nice bikes there!
#14
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
Originally Posted by frameteam2003
A friend hasan Adler fixed gear 3 speed with gears in BB.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#15
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,393 Times
in
2,092 Posts
#16
Stop reading my posts!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,582
Mentioned: 90 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1443 Post(s)
Liked 1,062 Times
in
787 Posts
Diamant. This brand crops up in East Germany and later in Belgium...Deutschland definitely preferred to let the outlying countries make the bikes they bought, maybe they just thought of bikes as being too Dutch, and not for them to bother about. I wonder where Mannesmann was based, maybe Austria? They produced a lot of the tubing for Italian and perhaps French companies that the consumer thought was pulling their own...I've heard of Oria, Excel, Falk as actually having some if not all of their tubesets drawn by Mannesmann...sure looks German to me.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Velo Schauff made singles and tandems. A few of the tandems were imported to the US. Have ridden one, a bit on the heavy side.
#18
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
27 Posts
Originally Posted by Blue Order
I checked out Herlihy's book, Bicycle: The History, and there was a German bicycle industry, interrupted only by WWII. The German bicyles were apparently built for export, but Herlihy doesn't provide any clues about which countries these bikes were exported to. I suspect the U.S. was not one of those countries however, because he does talk about French and British exports to the U.S.
Cycleurope is the largest contemporary European bicycle manufacturer, and if you check their website, they have production sites in Denmark, France, Italy, and Sweden-- but none in Germany.
Interesting question.
Cycleurope is the largest contemporary European bicycle manufacturer, and if you check their website, they have production sites in Denmark, France, Italy, and Sweden-- but none in Germany.
Interesting question.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
A pair of German Fleetwings on Craigslist Portland (not mine):
Pair of "town bikes" - $110
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-157255661@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-03, 5:04PM PDT
German made "Fleeetwing" single speed coaster brake 26" wheel city bikes. Have fenders, chain guards and mens has new tires. Perfect for errands, shorter commuting and low anxiety to lock up on street. Metallic copper and in good condition. Price is for pair: would consider selling seperately, but these make a great couple! E mail or call 503 236 1313.
Pair of "town bikes" - $110
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-157255661@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-03, 5:04PM PDT
German made "Fleeetwing" single speed coaster brake 26" wheel city bikes. Have fenders, chain guards and mens has new tires. Perfect for errands, shorter commuting and low anxiety to lock up on street. Metallic copper and in good condition. Price is for pair: would consider selling seperately, but these make a great couple! E mail or call 503 236 1313.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Another German bicycle on Seattle Craigslist (not my bike):
Extremely Rare German Made Bike Late 40s
Extremely Rare German Made Bike late 40s - $1000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-158274350@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-06, 7:46PM PDT
A late 40s Heidemann works bike rides well very nice bike good bike for collectors. All fare offers are accepted as this bike is very unique
Extremely Rare German Made Bike Late 40s
Extremely Rare German Made Bike late 40s - $1000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-158274350@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-06, 7:46PM PDT
A late 40s Heidemann works bike rides well very nice bike good bike for collectors. All fare offers are accepted as this bike is very unique
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Blue Order
Another German bicycle on Seattle Craigslist (not my bike):
Extremely Rare German Made Bike Late 40s
Extremely Rare German Made Bike late 40s - $1000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-158274350@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-06, 7:46PM PDT
A late 40s Heidemann works bike rides well very nice bike good bike for collectors. All fare offers are accepted as this bike is very unique
Extremely Rare German Made Bike Late 40s
Extremely Rare German Made Bike late 40s - $1000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-158274350@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-05-06, 7:46PM PDT
A late 40s Heidemann works bike rides well very nice bike good bike for collectors. All fare offers are accepted as this bike is very unique
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Orangevale, CA
Posts: 389
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
there are a lot of german bicycle's in germany, just not to many "german" road bikes:
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Germany/Germany.htm
the german road bikes ive seen are a little heavy, but still well built. i love german anything, they build things perfect. but road bikes is not their cup of tea.
and i think the 70's bike boom was all about french/italian and english bikes. a puch is even a rare find and i love thoose bikes!
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Germany/Germany.htm
the german road bikes ive seen are a little heavy, but still well built. i love german anything, they build things perfect. but road bikes is not their cup of tea.
and i think the 70's bike boom was all about french/italian and english bikes. a puch is even a rare find and i love thoose bikes!
#23
meet the mets
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bucktown, Chicago
Posts: 1,555
Bikes: Raleigh conversion (hours spent making it look like a Pista); Porter Track, Samson Track, Leto Roadie.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
__________________
Originally Posted by monkey
You could be doing blow off a dead hooker with a needle sticking out of your arm and you wouldn't get kicked out of Humboldt.
#25
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Heidemann Werke bike from the early 60's that was bought from a VW dealership. It's a folding bike that will fit under the hood of a Beetle
if anybody is interested i am open to offers. I sold my beetle so i don't display it anymore
djeaudio@hotmail.com
if anybody is interested i am open to offers. I sold my beetle so i don't display it anymore
djeaudio@hotmail.com