Top Spyder bicycles weave valuable deals

The first pedal powered bicycle to become commercially available was made in France in the 1860s. It was made of wood and cast iron and was quite difficult and uncomfortable to ride due to its weight and lack of shock absorption; hence the nickname bone-shaker.  In the 1870s, the Penny-Farthing design came into being. That’s the design of the nostalgic high-wheeled bicycles we envision being ridden by formal gents in top hats. In fact, they were quite dangerous, so the design didn’t last long. 
  By the 1880s, bicycles began looking more like they do today with two wheels of the same size, a saddle seat and a chain drive with pedals to propel the rear wheel. Those new “safety bicycles,” as they were known, changed everything as the bicycle went from being a curiosity to a practical and affordable means of transportation.
  Bicycles made between the 1890s and 1930s can look rather similar to the novice but a knowledgeable antiques dealer can narrow down the vintage by identifying the innovations it incorporates. 
  In general, all bicycles from that era or earlier can be desirable to the collector. The bicycles that baby boomers will remember best are the English racer designs. They were lighter weight than earlier models and had a short wheelbase, low handle bars and multi-speed transmissions to make hill climbing and descent more efficient. Those bicycles are more common and usually are not sought after by collectors unless they were particularly good or unusual models. The big cruisers of the same period, usually single speed with coaster brakes, are more desirable, with the most outrageous looking models bringing the most money.
  By the 1960s, bicycles became common “tickets to freedom” for teenagers to own. Soon, clever designers learned to appeal to the younger rider’s desire for fantasy styling and fun and the “banana” or Spyder bike was born. Schwinn lead the charge, but eventually every bicycle maker offered a version of that iconic design – complete with their banana seats and Spyder handlebars. The very best of those bicycles can now sell for thousands of dollars.
 
Scott Davis operates Rhode Island Antiques Mall, 345 Fountain St., Pawtucket. Contact him at (401) 475-3400 or Scott@riantiquesmall.com.