Paul's Vintage Bikes

06/20/2026

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06/19/2026

Tomorrow’s project is a mysterious Phoenix Crosswinds 3x7 (21 speed) that is set up with all Suntour components, including the Suntour MT2 multi terrain twist shifters. It has a decal that clearly states “made in the U.S.A.” I originally assumed that it was made by the Chinese Phoenix company but I don’t believe it was. It looks like it is competing with the popular Specialized Crossroads multi terrrain series. I’m guessing that it is from the late 80’s. Suntour also filed for bankruptcy in the late 80’s but still produced components until the early 90’s. Any input will be appreciated.

06/18/2026

Come visit my Vintage Bicycle Museum in Elizabeth, Il. this Saturday from 10-2. 137 N. Main St.. Over 1000 vintage and antique bicycles on display. Admission is always free. Hot air balloon festival this weekend at The Galena Territory, only 11 miles NW of Elizabeth.

06/18/2026

Sharing a few pictures of my United States Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) badged bike, sold by Montgomery Ward in the late 1970s. It is not a high-end bike, but it does have internal cables and Positron indexed shifting.

06/16/2026

The Montgomery Ward AAU project is ready for rebuilding tomorrow. I love unique low production bikes that few collectors have seen before. This one was donated last weekend by the Green family in Savanna, Il. I will post completed pictures tomorrow and it will be on display Saturday from 10-2 at my Bicycle Museum in Elizabeth, Il..

06/16/2026

Travel through time.

06/14/2026

My next project is a very unusual 12 speed bike from the late 70’s (?) sold by Montgomery Ward. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 and is still in existence today with over 900,000 members. The internal cable routing on this department store bike is a very rare feature. Probably built by Huffy or Murray. Early Shimano Positron system. Probably a very limited production bike.

06/11/2026

The 1978 JCPenney 10-speed "Super Star" has been restored to its former glory and is now on display, with its 50th anniversary approaching, still looking like a new bike. I am fairly certain that Huffy was the manufacturer of this bicycle for JCPenney department stores. It boasts 26-inch wheels, a Shimano Positron II rear derailleur, and a very nice saddle by Persons. 100% original with exception of cables and possibly tires. Serial number indicates it was built in March, 1978.

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

Today’s project is a 1978 JCPenney “Super Star” 10 speed. I believe that this one was built by Huffy and marketed by JCPenney. This was an entry level 10 speed that is still in great condition with original parts. This is also the 2nd year for the Shimano Positron II rear derailleur index shifting. The front derailleur is a Shimano FE.