The SuperCycle Thread- A Celebration of Vintage Supercycles
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
The SuperCycle Thread- A Celebration of Vintage Supercycles
Some of the English Three Speed group suggested we should have a unique thread for the Canadian marketed Supercycle. I currently own two including a 1976 Supercycle Excalibur.
The Canadian Tire Corporation or CTC or to some simply "the tire" sold bikes from the 40's to this day. Modern ones tend to be BSO's but through the past there were lots made by CCM, Raleigh, Bridgestone and others. They were the bikes of my childhood and I will featuring mine in this thread as well.
Hope we get lots of input!
The Canadian Tire Corporation or CTC or to some simply "the tire" sold bikes from the 40's to this day. Modern ones tend to be BSO's but through the past there were lots made by CCM, Raleigh, Bridgestone and others. They were the bikes of my childhood and I will featuring mine in this thread as well.
Hope we get lots of input!
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
A Pink Supercycle
This one is a recent acquisition found in completely original condition. It was made in Japan circa 1974 and was equipped as a stem shifted ten speed with 26X1 3/8 wheels. The shiny shifters and Shimano Lark SS RD are being used on another project and the Supercycle will be built with a Shimano three speed.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,648
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 478 Post(s)
Liked 634 Times
in
336 Posts
I posted a similar picture in another thread, but here's a couple of mine: Huret derailleurs (they're OK but don't shift all *that* well, CLB brakes (they are pretty decent), chrome rims (27"). Bars were changed to upright by the previous owner....
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#5
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
Sorry I didn't check to see that you had already started a Supercycle thread @markk900 . You had a great idea. I guess now we have two!
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
1976 Supercycle Excalibur
The sales blurb says it all:
"Excalibur is our best 10 speed and it's loaded withfeatures. It's built
by Bridgestone and comes with their super lightweightTechnart die-cast
frame. Wide ratio,multiple gearing gives everything from low-low to
extra-high for cross-country work. Shift leversare ratchet type for
positive selection. Reflectors all round. Blackpadded saddle. Lots of
features in good looks department, two chromed forktips anda beautiful,
pearlescent mariner blue finish. It's a SUPERCYCLE to compare with the
best. 71-1085X -Men's 21" or 23" frame; 27" wheels.".
"Excalibur is our best 10 speed and it's loaded withfeatures. It's built
by Bridgestone and comes with their super lightweightTechnart die-cast
frame. Wide ratio,multiple gearing gives everything from low-low to
extra-high for cross-country work. Shift leversare ratchet type for
positive selection. Reflectors all round. Blackpadded saddle. Lots of
features in good looks department, two chromed forktips anda beautiful,
pearlescent mariner blue finish. It's a SUPERCYCLE to compare with the
best. 71-1085X -Men's 21" or 23" frame; 27" wheels.".
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
Likes For browngw:
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
Golden Glow Express
Another Supercycle to add to the list, a 1972 Raleigh built three speed racer (dropbar). Acquired in a rusty and unused state last summer it is now set up with inverted Bridgestone bars and a thorough cleaning and refurbishment. The frame is a 21" as most of the Raleigh Sports derivatives seemed to be and sold originally for $69.95. The original Wrights saddle was brought back to life but the tires, chain, cables etc. were all replaced. The Sturmey Archer hub was cleaned and oiled and still works well.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
Likes For browngw:
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
The Ascent of the ATB
In the late eighties and early nineties the "All Terrain Bike" (ATB) became a popular consumer choice by emulating the mountain bike which was developing at an enormous rate. This Supercycle Ascent ATB was made in Canada, likely by Raleigh, with a welded steel frame and 26" wheels. The original bars were the bull moose type with the smaller 21.1mm stem.
This example was rescued from a local junk pickup and was fitted with alloy wheels and various parts from my parts bin. It could still provide pleasant riding on trails, paths and streets. I'm hoping to find a new home for it soon.
This example was rescued from a local junk pickup and was fitted with alloy wheels and various parts from my parts bin. It could still provide pleasant riding on trails, paths and streets. I'm hoping to find a new home for it soon.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
In the late eighties and early nineties the "All Terrain Bike" (ATB) became a popular consumer choice by emulating the mountain bike which was developing at an enormous rate. This Supercycle Ascent ATB was made in Canada, likely by Raleigh, with a welded steel frame and 26" wheels. The original bars were the bull moose type with the smaller 21.1mm stem.
This example was rescued from a local junk pickup and was fitted with alloy wheels and various parts from my parts bin. It could still provide pleasant riding on trails, paths and streets. I'm hoping to find a new home for it soon.
This example was rescued from a local junk pickup and was fitted with alloy wheels and various parts from my parts bin. It could still provide pleasant riding on trails, paths and streets. I'm hoping to find a new home for it soon.
#11
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 45
Bikes: Fuji Feather, KHS Urban Soul, GT Course, Specialized Sirrus, Miele Uno LS, Nishiki Bushwhacker, Wheeler Cross Line 4000, Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times
in
7 Posts
I just picked up a 10-speed Excalibur with working cable speedometer on it too for $60 CAD.
Happy to search around and find out they were made pretty well!
Happy to search around and find out they were made pretty well!
#12
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
The absence of a traditional binder bolt on the seat lug indicates this bicycle was contract manufactured by Bridgestone of Japan using their Technart process in which the lugs were die cast around tubes that had their ends flared and plugged. The die cast lugs were more brittle than traditional stamped or bulge formed lugs, so the seat lug ears were prone to cracking when the binder bolt was tightened to clamp the seat post. Consequently, the ears were eliminated sometime in the late 1970s and a expander bolt style of seat post was employed. Another identifier of the Technart frames are faux spear points cast into the lugs. This one appears to be very late 1970s to early 1980s but the serial number will tell us the exact year of manufacture.
#13
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 45
Bikes: Fuji Feather, KHS Urban Soul, GT Course, Specialized Sirrus, Miele Uno LS, Nishiki Bushwhacker, Wheeler Cross Line 4000, Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times
in
7 Posts
The absence of a traditional binder bolt on the seat lug indicates this bicycle was contract manufactured by Bridgestone of Japan using their Technart process in which the lugs were die cast around tubes that had their ends flared and plugged. The die cast lugs were more brittle than traditional stamped or bulge formed lugs, so the seat lug ears were prone to cracking when the binder bolt was tightened to clamp the seat post. Consequently, the ears were eliminated sometime in the late 1970s and a expander bolt style of seat post was employed. Another identifier of the Technart frames are faux spear points cast into the lugs. This one appears to be very late 1970s to early 1980s but the serial number will tell us the exact year of manufacture.
I've been curious about year range.. it starts with X982*** if that helps - I'm not totally comfortable putting the whole number out there publicly
I actually swapped the wheels (for now) from a Raleigh Grand Prix I have since they were converted to QR so I can use it on my trainer.. perhaps I'll convert these ones over the winter to QR and get them back on to keep it closer to original.
I was planning to finally get it out for a ride today since we've already had snow and I've been busy.. but it'll need some new tires soon too since they're cracking hah.
You're dead on that it's Bridgestone, still has the sticker on it just under top post
Here's a few other photos I took when I first bright it home
#14
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
#15
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
OP, your bike looks like it was barely ridden in 40 years so ride the heck out of it!
Here's one example of a circa 71 model (one of Randy's) but I can't make out the lugs.
Last edited by clubman; 11-28-19 at 04:21 PM.
#16
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 45
Bikes: Fuji Feather, KHS Urban Soul, GT Course, Specialized Sirrus, Miele Uno LS, Nishiki Bushwhacker, Wheeler Cross Line 4000, Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times
in
7 Posts
#17
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 45
Bikes: Fuji Feather, KHS Urban Soul, GT Course, Specialized Sirrus, Miele Uno LS, Nishiki Bushwhacker, Wheeler Cross Line 4000, Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times
in
7 Posts
Yeah if that odometer is even close to accurate, that's 784km.. it'll be fun to clean it all up and get riding on it more!
#18
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
#19
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
Hey T-Mar, IIRC, those faux lugs were also found on the early 70's models, you know the lime green models with the yellow headbadge sticker. Does that mean they were also Bridgestones?
OP, your bike looks like it was barely ridden in 40 years so ride the heck out of it!
Here's one example of a circa 71 model (one of Randy's) but I can't make out the lugs.
OP, your bike looks like it was barely ridden in 40 years so ride the heck out of it!
Here's one example of a circa 71 model (one of Randy's) but I can't make out the lugs.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
If you wanted to, you could get rid of those auxillary brake levers, modify the stubs and put the stem shifters where the auxillary levers were like this.
Cheers
Likes For Miele Man:
#21
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
Likes For clubman:
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
1976 Supercycle Excalibur
Another few shots of my beloved 76 Excalibur.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,544
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
229 Posts
Very hard to make out, but I think B681256 is the serial number of my Supercycle Excalibur. The previous owner had etched his SIN number in the frame back in the day. Local police had told him it was the best way to get back a stolen bike. Today we would be worried about identity theft!
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
Likes For browngw:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Anyone have any images of the Excalibur circa 1986? They were white with brown bar tape and brown suede-like saddle. Alloy rims, handlebar and stem.
Cheers
Cheers
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,648
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 478 Post(s)
Liked 634 Times
in
336 Posts
browngw suggested I post some pictures here of the finished Motobecane/Supercycle. I see that the originals vanished with Photobucket so you'll have to guess what it looked like when I got it
Handlebars and seat are replacements, but the rest is pretty much stock. Decals had faded to shadows on the frame so I had Velocals make up "supercycle" equivalents of the Motobecane Nomade decal set, since that appears to be the bike the Supercycle Tour de France was based on.
Anyway - here are the photos:
Atom hubs and MB wing nuts
Head badge with “distributed by Canadian Tire”
My first Allvit derailleur - not super impressed!
CLB Racer brakes....
Handlebars and seat are replacements, but the rest is pretty much stock. Decals had faded to shadows on the frame so I had Velocals make up "supercycle" equivalents of the Motobecane Nomade decal set, since that appears to be the bike the Supercycle Tour de France was based on.
Anyway - here are the photos:
Atom hubs and MB wing nuts
Head badge with “distributed by Canadian Tire”
My first Allvit derailleur - not super impressed!
CLB Racer brakes....
Likes For markk900: