Vintage John Deere Bicycle
July 31st, 2006 by MikeBuy, sell and discuss John Deere bicycles at weirdbicycles.com.
While helping my uncle clean out his garage a month or so ago I stumbled across a vintage John Deere bicycle. I don’t really know much about about it yet, other than it is from the 70’s and looks to be a 5-speed. I took a few pics, if you know any more about it feel free to leave a comment.
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Oh yeah! The ubiquitous J.D. bikes! Odd that a fiercly American workforce would have put up with these “foreign” machines, but they did!
These aren’t all that valuable as bikes. HiTen tubing and lower level componentry will keep the cycling collectors at bay. Sometimes you can find a J.D. nutcase that’ll pay upwards of $75.00 or so for one, but that’s rare.
These came in four colors that I’m aware of. Your’s appears to be white, which is one of the most common colors. The other really common color was black, then green and yellow, which are a little more rare. I’ve heard tell of a sky blue one, but I’ve never seen one, and if they do exist, they would be the rarest color of all.
I live in Waterloo, Iowa where the tractor works are, so we see a lot of these around here.
As someone who grew up driving farm tractors, this is pretty sweet. Now, if only it was a Ford!
ebay it!
that is the bummer
so many old women’s bikes
so few old men’s bikes
I hate to step on anyone’s toes, but as a former bicycle mechanic who was working in the trade when these things came on the market, they were nearly the worst. Made in Taiwan, assembled using the cheapest components, just plain cheap crap. Sorry! I was surprised that Deere didn’t spec thse any better. Your averge bike mechanic could have helped along in that regard. What happened to all the Deere engineers when this was ahppening. I know it was not much more than a promotional product, but it reflected poorly on Deere, when all else they do smacks of quality.
Since I was one who had much to do with building these bikes in Taiwan, I know pretty much
everything there is to knoww about them.First of all,the engineers ( at Horicon Works Wis ) had little to do with the actual manufacture,it was a program that was marketing driven and the powers to be were hoodwinked into thinking they would be succesful in having these built in Taiwan.One thing to understand is at that time, the 10 speed craze was in full swing and no U S capacity was available. The pressure to produce a line of biycles by a certain date was very intense. It was promoted, and it had to happen ! With extensive experience in that country at that time, I tried to convince them it would never produce the quality associated with the Deere name. After the first few shipments, that message came thru loud and clear. TOO LATE !
Black was a mens 10 speed, white was a womens 5 speed an green a mens 3 speed. Also a yellow 20 inch banana seat boys and girls. In the early 70’s Taiwan was just entering the industrial revolution and manufacturing skills,labor and machinery were in infancy. You could not imagine the conditions or materials with which these bikes were manufactured.
Since I was one who had much to do with building these bikes in Taiwan, I know pretty much
everything there is to knoww about them.First of all,the engineers ( at Horicon Works Wis ) had little to do with the actual manufacture,it was a program that was marketing driven and the powers to be were hoodwinked into thinking they would be succesful in having these built in Taiwan.One thing to understand is at that time, the 10 speed craze was in full swing and no U S capacity was available. The pressure to produce a line of biycles by a certain date was very intense. It was promoted, and it had to happen ! With extensive experience in that country at that time, I tried to convince them it would never produce the quality associated with the Deere name. After the first few shipments, that message came thru loud and clear. TOO LATE !
Black was a mens 10 speed, white was a womens 5 speed an green a mens 3 speed. Also a yellow 20 inch banana seat boys and girls. In the early 70’s Taiwan was just entering the industrial revolution and manufacturing skills,labor and machinery were in infancy. You could not imagine the conditions or materials with which these bikes were manufactured.
I’d like to thank Dick Robinson for adding his valuable insight into this bit of history. It was an interesting time for the bicycle business. Imports from Europe and Asia were flooding the market and the competition was terrific. Sadly, the JDs doesn’t fit into the collectible segment, just a historical curio. Dick is right. There was no US capacity for quality, lugged-framed bicycles. At the time, the US only made the cheaper, department store types, one-piece crank, cheap lugless frames, etc. Even Schwinn had to import their good bikes, except for a few, the Superior and Paramount.
I used to work for JD in Dallas in the 70 and bought one of these JD bikes. I have kept it in mint condition hoping for the big score as it matured. Reading all of your comments certainly has bust my bubble. I have certainly found nothing wrong with the mechanics of the bike and have enjoyed it when I did use it. It hangs in my garage and gets several good laughs when people see the name John Deere on it, and say “I didn’t know John Deere made bikes”. I guess I will continue to keep it and see what happens in several more years. I like my bike and I am proud of it, as it reminds of the good old days working for John Deer in Dallas. D
To Dianne..As a conversation piece these bikes are probaly great. I often wish I had kept a few around. If you are happy with yours that is fantastic. I hope some day it wiil have some value. As a ex JD employee you know what quality they demanded and the bicycle did not come close to measuring up and is a venture ( or adventure ) they would like to forget. Much like the hydraulic wheel motor tractor fiasco. If anyone remebers that I would like to hear about it.
Timely thread, which I found while looking for info on the JD men’s 10-speed we bought today as a fixer-upper. It is all original, and the tubes even held air, even though the tires are nearly rotted. My 12 yo son is going to replace the components to make a road bike for himself. He’s trashing everything but the frame and the bars. We’ve already determined that he can get a new crank spindle for the bottom bracket. Our question is about the material the frame is made of. Is it steel? What’s HiTen as mentioned above? Do you think the JD sticker as pictured above (identical to the one on our bike) is available somewhere? (not that it matters–he will probably paint it with flames or something anyway.)
Any help or insight is appreciated. BTW, we paid $135, but that was cheaper than a new frame and bars, and this is in fine shape minus the components. Thanks!
The frame is welded steel tubing As for the decal, contact a JD dealer Maybe they are still available thru the parts system
Thanks! Our bike shop pronounced it a suitable frame for building up, and we will be able to get modern components for it, so we’re really excited. He’s considering repainting it black with JD Green flames, and the verbiage, “Nothing rides like a Deere”.
Anyone need some brakes, cranks, saddle, shifters and wheels from a JD Men’s Racer, just email!
Hi, I am looking for vintage John Deere bicycles for a friend. If you have one for sale in the area of Illinois or that can be shipped please email me at duwbryd@gmail.com. He is especially interested in a yellow one but may be interested in others.
To Kato…I am interested in the JD Men’s Racer parts! I just recently aquired one and I need some parts. What is the color of your racer? Black or white? Please let me know…Thanks!
Chris
New Brighton,MN
cslindman@msn.com
Chris, ours is black. We’re holding onto the bottom bracket, cogs, rings, cranks (basically the whole drive train) until we get the parts to build it back up. He’s also keeping the handlebars. That leaves the brake levers and calipers and pads, the saddle and seatpost, the shifters, and miscellaneous other parts like reflectors, pedals and such. The seat is in decent condition considering its age, but it’s not pretty. The brake pads are hardly worn. A plastic boot that went through the brake levers was brittle and broke apart when we removed them. It might be replaceable, though. The cables were cut for removal, but if you’re going to ride your bike you want new cables anyway. I don’t have a complete inventory stored in my head and it’s cold outside. If there is something in particular you are looking for, let me know.
Kato, thanks for replying. I am looking for the following parts:
* amber reflector behind the head tube or all reflectors
* original saddle (brown color)
* original brown handlebar wrapping cloth
* complete front derailleur
Let me know…
Chris, I don’t know about the reflectors. Seems like there were some. Definitely have the saddle and front derailleur. Email me at ribbonclaw@aol.com and I’ll send you some pictures, and we’ll take this off the page.
Kato
I have a John Deere 26″ white men’s 10 speed that I bought new in 1976. It is in very good condition except for one broken bracket for a brake handle. The original tires still have tread and about once a year I air up the tires and take a spin in the park. I also expected it to someday be a collectors item and am disappointed to find out I was wrong. Oh well. Maybe someday someone might still get interested.
Monte
Fort Worth, TX
zippyande@aol.com
Kato…did you change your mind on the parts? I have tried to contact you a couple times, but no response. Please let me know…Thanks!
I have a womans lohn deere bicycle 1970s model any idea what it is worth contact me.
on bicycle john deere you can reach me at earley49@hotmail.com
Hi all, I have both the 10sp Men’s Racer in green (or is it greene, LOL), 21″ frame and a white, 17″ frame, 5sp, Ladies Universal Touring model. I’m looking to get both of them out to a good home… or two. I was going to put them on eBay this week unless someone really “needs” the pair!
They need tune-ups, tires on the men’s and a good cleaning/touchup.
Lou
Stamford, CT (35mi NE of NYC, used to see the upper half of the WTC)
onlygreatstuff@hotmail.com
I have the same bike as the picture above but the color is sky blue. It really does exist! I found it outside by a dumpster along with some broken furniture and trash and I was thrilled to get a free bike, even more so when I saw it was a John Deere. I love it, it rides so smooth, the seat is big and super-comfy and I get tons of compliments on it. It is practically mint, with the exception that I could use some new tires. I’m really surprised to see it written that this bicycle is the worst and made with cheap crap because I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I may not know a lot about bikes, but I know what I like and I completely adore everything about mine!
To Amanda…
Is your bike a 3 speed or 5 speed?
I have the sky blue john deere bike. I bought it brand new back in the 70’s with my bean walking money. It is a 3 speed and I have kept it all these years and has never been left outside. Just wondering what it would be worth, the paint is still like new.
I am also searching for a 1968 Schwinn Run-A-Bout with the 3-speed stick shift in Campus green. Must be a complete and clean unrestored original. Any or all information and leads would be greatly appreciated…Thank You!
I have a men’s 10 speed black John Deere bike and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My dad is a farmer and he bought the bike for me on my 10th birthday. It was the second bike I recieved as I was groing up. I still have it and, it’s still the second bike I’ve ever owned. I have put many, many, many, miles on this bike, most of them on dirt roads around the farm even though it probably wasn’t intended for that. I just recently replaced the origional tread a few years ago. My Dear ol’ John Deere is just recently, at this time in need of some refurbishing(paint, bearings)
My bike and I have been quite a distance, I have been riding it for 34 years now and still riding it. Yup, you got it, it still runs like a Deere! (Regardless of it being built in Tawain). It has never let me down. It has been my trusty friend.
Oh, I tried to get the decals in 2003 and they no longer make them specifically for the bike but you may be able to get others that might come close.
I’ve also aquired a womens 5-speed painted white that someone tossed. It’s not in very good shape though. I’ll have to do some work on it.
I have two black 10 speed racers. the first one I recieved on my birthday in 73 and the other I bought online for parts. Now I think I may restore it. Hey, it outlasted my sisters Schwinn.
I’m also looking for parts.
Hey, just got a hold of a white men’s ten speed john deere bike which I really want to fix up. I definitely need some replacement parts including both a front and rear dérailleur and front brake mechanism. I would also love to find some original cable housing as the housing I have is beginning to deteriorate. Any information would be helpful. Feel free to email at apenner@tulane.edu.
Hey Tim, I got my ten speed in 1973 also. I was trying not to give up my age. Oh well! The bike has now been ridden for 34 years and still going! Mine has also outlasted my brother’s schwinn’s. I think that is way cool!
Amazing! I’ve recently taken my trusty friend to a local bike shop to have it refurbed - figured will be a good secondary bike, and she needs it after uhem,,, ~30 some years of many many multiple miles on gravel and dirt and pavement, during elementary and high school, college, and professional years. Have always wondered about the manufacturer of the JD bikes, who and where, but never until now have actually looked to find more info. Like Julie, I have very much enjoyed this bike [also black 10-speed], and while it is left in the dust by my Specialized bike, I do look forward to riding her again. Yes, and I too enjoy showing the bike off - c’mon,,, how many people have heard of, let alone owned, a John Deere bicycle?!?!
Hi! A friend of mine in Canada mentioned (grumbled) that there was nowhere to get parts for his John Deere Bike that he rides almost every day. I thought I would surprise him by finding a source. I have no idea what parts he needs, & he does NOT use a computer. He lives in Tillsonburg, ON. Any ideas? Thanks!
Most all the parts can be replaced more modern parts. There is nothing really different about these bikes than any other vintage 10 speed. Most bike shops should be able to get parts for your friend in Canada. If he wants to restore it to original that might be a different story. I have a black racer that I ride around every once and a while.
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2891119
We recently have come across a men’s 3 speed — green. Anyone know of anyone that may be willing to purchase. We like riding, but as mentioned above about JD “Nut Jobs” — we are afraid some one will just steal it while we are on a bike ride.
I have one of these - a green men’s three speed with original (faded) paint and original stickers. It’s a great ride. My son used it to earn his Boy Scout Merit Badge. He did a 20 mile rode trip with it, said among the guys in his group, he was the least winded - and they were riding many speed mountain bikes! His buddies all took a turn at riding it and agreed it is a great bike. We keep it in riding condition and us it often.
Just picked up a blue 19″ ladies 3-speed so that makes two of them. This one is actually going to be my wife’s farm bike. She’s so excited to ride another Deere around the farm!
I have a mans and ladies both in green, original except tires and tubes and they ride great. I thought they had more value than indicated in some of the above.
To Terry…
Would you be interested in selling them?
I have the John Deere Black Mens 10 speed. I got it brand new when I was a freshmen in high school back in 1975. I was so proud. Now in hangs in the garage. Original tires, tape, paint. I take it out once in a while just to “show it off”.
I saw a sky blue ladies bike at a rummage sale today in a small town in MN. They are asking $135.00 for it, and it does have some surface rust on fenders and chain but otherwise looks ok.
To Mark…
What small town in MN is the bike located?
Hutchinson,MN
Do you remember the address or whereabouts in Hutchinson? Are you from the Twin Ciies?
To Chris - Please email me mjschuetz@hotmail.com
So….I am about to check out and hopefully buy a sky blue ladies John Deere three speed….the guy is asking 60.00 but that is negotiable. Pictures look like the bike is in good shape and the bike is in rideable condition (that could mean a lot of things). Good deal or a piece of junk?? Reading the posts have left me confused…
Hi,
I recently found a black 10 mens speed in poor condition–it’s now grey, but the decals look good. How much should I expect to pay for it? They’re asking $75. Is this reasonable? I was thinking it would be a great gift for my friend who is a bike mechanic. He loves rare bikes–probably would fix it up, rather than spend a lot of time riding it. How rare are they?
I bought the ladies 3 speed for 40 bucks, cleaned it up and had a blast with it yesterday. Does anyone know where I can get replacement John Deere stickers for the sides of the bike? On one side, the name is scratched and faded. The bike is actually green and the John Deere name stickers are yellow with a very thin black outline. How the heck do I replace these???
Wow… this post is getting popular…that’s good! Keep it going!
This is very interesting. My uncle was part owner of a john deere equipment store in northern MN so… we had to get our bikes from him naturally. I rode my 10 speed with my friends and somehow that bike never was sold like the others (an orange crate for instance). So now I have it (less a saddle) sitting intact in my garage. Also started collecting other pretty much worthless bicycles from the 70’s, which drives my wife nuts, but heck that’s what I’m supposed to do, right?
Hi everyone, there is a new place to buy, sell and discuss bicycles like the John Deere brand.
Visit http://www.weirdbicycles.com
I have a men’s black 10 speed racer in good condition with all of the original parts. I am located in Alabama. I am interested in selling.
I may be interested in your 10 speed. Please e mail me at plmeisner@msn.com
I have a John Deere girl’s bike in fair condition. It is white with yellow striping “Universal Touring” model, 19″ frame, 5-speed. Anyone interested in purchasing it? I live near Chicago. Can send photos.
You can send the photos to my E-mail plmeisner@msn.com. Thanks
hey patrick-
I just sent a email with pics attached. Did it come thru? If not let me know and I will try again
I am writing from Idaho regarding an old John Deere banana seat boy’s
bike that we have had on our farm for as long as I can remember. I was
probably 10 years old when I first pulled it from one of the old sheds
to ride it on it’s flat and freyed tires. That memory is already twenty
years old–and the bike was sort of hammered then.
I thought of it again recently and wondered if it was still leaning against the old rotting
shed. I finally remembered to check this weekend while visiting the
folks, and SURE ENOUGH—it was in the same place I had left it two
decades earlier! I decided to rescue it from the elements. The rust has clearly claimed some
parts (mainly the seat pan, chain, and wheels/spokes)…Anyways, I think it could be fun to get the essential components refurbished and cruise it “Mad Max (of Thunderdome)”-style.
(I hadn’t noticed any mention of the boy’s/girl’s model yet, so I figured I’d better contribute) =any others out there?!
I found your website by search enging (google) while attempting to
learn more about this bike. I sort of like the idea of having it restored,
but I also think the wheathered patina is cool. I haven’t neccesarily
decided what to do with it as of yet
I came up with a matching men’s and ladies 3 speed, John Deere Green. I don’t care what they’re worth really, but am more curious as the years manufactured.
The ladies bike, I aired up the tires and took for a spin around the block, rides and shifts nice.. found them at a church bazaar in Iowa and paid $8 for the pair!!
I just picked up a JD white 5 speed.willing to sell for parts or the whole bike. the one I have is just like the one pictured here shoot me an email:bikechgo@yahoo.com
I have a childs bike that is green and yellow with a “banana seat” and “butterfly handlebars”. It is all original. Unless I missed it in the above comments I have not heard anyone mentione this one. Anybody know anything about this type and if so the desirability?
Thank you,
Pat
O.K. Boys and Girls.
YOU NEVER KNOW what somethings are worth…AKA: A JOHN DEERE BICYCLE….. I recently WITNESSED, with my own two eyes…. a John Deere Bike, “A 1970 Ladies 3 speed in John Deere Green and Yellow Bike”, sell for 1250 u.s. Dollars at a collector Car auction in Reno,Nv. The seller stated: “That almost all John Deere Bikes and painted Green with Yellow Bading…. Were, Green MENS 5 speeds, and that was why His Ladies 3 speed was rare… It was built for a John Deere Rep. in Lincoln, Ne. GOOD FOR HIM.
Just found two, men’s 3 speed green, bikes in a junk store. They are in great condition. Any one intrested in them please e-mail me at lazydranch@embarqmail.com
I have a white with green stripe and lettering John Deere bicycle. It appears to be a 5 speed. Would like to sell, located in Tennessee. Please telephone Mark at 931-265-4438.
I WAS SEARCHING FOR INFO REGARDING THIS TYPE OF BIKE. I HAVE ONE OF THESE IDENTICAL TO THE ONE YOU HAVE SHOWN. THE ONE I HAVE HAS ONLY BEEN RODE ONCE OR TWICE.IT STILL HAS THE NUBS ON THE TIRES FROM WHEN THEY WERE MANUFACTURED. APPARENTLY THE BIKE WAS GIVEN TO MY WIFES UNCLE WHEN HE PURCHASED A NEW TRACTOR THEN JUST PUT IN THE BASEMENT. ALTHOUGH I WAS DISAPOINTED TO SEE IT WAS MADE IN TAIWAN IT IS STILL IN AS NEW CONDITION AND PARKED NEXT TO MY CLEVELAND WELDING ROADMASTER I GOT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE HE WAS TOO OLD TO RIDE IT.OLD BIKES ARE COOL!!!
Interesting conversation piece. I recently came upon a white five speed and a blue 21″ three speed. Being in the heart of farm country (Minot, ND) I have never seen a bike with a jd logo on it, never to old to learn something new.
Don’ t know if any one is still lookin at this thread but here are a couple for sale.
http://boise.craigslist.org/bik/446286224.html
I have a matching pair of the green JD bicycles. It looks as if someone has spotted them on craigslist here in Boise. After reading all the messages here I can see that I am CLEARLY asking too much for them. I would have thought that regardless of where or who they are made by, they are still a collectors item. Especially for the pair. I’m certainly open to offers.
I have two (2) Black 10 speed John Deere bicycles that I purchased new and would like to get them restored, or SELL. I am in the Scottsdale, Arizona area and would appreciate any information on local reputable shops.
Are you selling it ?
Yes I am selling. After my last post on here several weeks ago, I have been doing some research, and I do not think I have the dedication to restore the units — so if your interested email me at ….. lynnhmiller@yahoo.com
thanks for your inquiry
Leo, are you totally serious about that ladies 3-speed? What condition was it in?? A couple of years ago I picked one up through a friend for $40 at a church garage sale. It’s basically in pristine condition, with original tires with the “nubs” still on them. It looks like the pedals have absolutely no wear on them. I’d done some research afterward and came up with the “JD bikes have little value.” Anyway, I’ve been sloooowly going over it and getting it back into riding shape–repacking bearings, etc. The 3-spd hub is apart at the moment. I got it strictly for my own personal collector’s joy, but if it’s really worth that much, I’ll be a bit (heck, a lot) more protective of who rides it when it’s back together! “Sorry, kids, this is Daddy’s personal bike….”
I just picked up a black men’s road bike for $10. Made in Taiwan or not the bike has a unique geometry that makes it fun as hell to mash and, though mine is now a franken-bike, the newish amenities make the thing a not-to-heavy, completely-pimpable, perfectly functional commuter/rabble-rouser that totally compares to any 70’s road bike. People may say it is a crap bike with crap parts made by a crappy manufacture, but the rest of us who really try to beat the hell out of them say, “Nothing rides like a Deere!” And doncha forget it! I wouldn’t sell mine for $100, even though no one would pay that for it.
I have a boys and a girls John Deere bike. They are both green. They are located in north central Kansas. I’d like to sell them if anyone is interested, please email me at yogablonde@excite.com. I don’t have pictures right now but I will get some.
just found a green three speed in barn in Michigan tires flat but everything is in good condition anybody interested in puchasing it
I Have A blue Men’s 3 speed. Have had sinc the 70’s. Have not ridden in a while, but it still is in excellent shape. Might sell
To Dave….
Could you please send me some pics?
My father bought a John Deere black 10 speed bike for me in 1972. This was the year I switched from riding horse to riding bike. My horse was struck dead by lightning and part of the insurance check went towards my bike. Ironically my horse’s name was Lightning! I had the bike for many years but my husband and I don’t recall whatever happened to the bike. This year my sweet hubby surpirsed me by buying me a JD bike in mint condition with the original tires identical to the bike I had. He found it on EBay and probably paid more than he should have but to me it is the best gift he has ever given me. I’ve graduated to a Giant OCR 1 roadbike but my John Deere 10 speed brings back so many happy memories. The bike my husband bought has a John Deere tire pump mounted to the frame…….is this somewhat rare?
I have an old frame I have been trying to identify. It has been repainted so the original paint and decals are hidden. It looks like the bike pictured above with the unusual double top tube.
It has a sugino crank with 2 chainrings like a 10 speed. there is a 6 sided head badge also.
do the JDs have sugino cranks and a 6 sided head badge? tia
also the frame is lugged, a sign its not total crap imo.
Well, I’m getting one of the 3 speed green demons from a non profit bike joint out of mankato for about $75. We’ll see how rough it is when it shows up tomorrow. the lugged frame is going to be a work horse as long as there isn’t any cancer in the metal. The one I’m getting is already converted to a single speed, which makes part of my job easier on the rebuild. I’m going to have to clean up some surface rust, I’m also going to be removing the cable stays, then I’ll try to do a decent job of putting some fresh rust-o paint on in such a way that it maintains it’s 70’s vibe with the sweet ring stripes on the different tubes etc. Mine even has the deere head tube badge on it, which I think is pretty cool.
I’m looking forward to making this bike my commuter for the spring summer and fall seasons. Heck, I may even put some cyclo-cross tires on it for the winter and ride it then too. The fenders are deere yellow and the seat as well, let me tell you it is going to get some funky looks on the road!
thanks to all who have posted upon this site, it’s unusual to find this much good info in one thread on the internet for such an obscure peice of information.
Cheers.
I have a John Deere 27″ black 10 speed that I bought in April 1975 while in college. It’s stored in our basement as I haven’t ridden it for many years. I also have the owner’s manual.
Hey tom, what all is included in that owner’s manual you have i might want to get my hands on it
I have a mens John Deer bike in black wanted to know
what they where going for.I anybody knows i would like to hear from them.
My husband bought a black 10 speed men’s JD bike for me off of EBay last August. It is in perfect condition with original tires, seat, owner’s manual and it came with a John Deere tire pump mounted on the fram. I believe he paid $150.
I have two 26 inch BLUE John Deere bikes–men and women’s–looking to sell them to someone who will enjoy them–I have several digital pictures of them—we loved them–been in a garage–decent shape! Bought them new in the 70’s Haven’t ridden them in 16 years!
I have two 26 inch BLUE John Deere bikes–men and women’s–looking to sell them to someone who will enjoy them–I have several digital pictures of them—we loved them–been in a garage–decent shape! Bought them new in the 70’s Haven’t ridden them in 16 years!
Connie, How much do you want for the pair of blue 26 inch John Deer bicycles.
I’m in the process of fixing up a black 21″ mens bike. I need to replace the seatpost, does anyone know what the exact specs are for the seatpost diameter? Something like 25.8mm? Thanks!
I’ve had a black JD 27″ 10 spd hanging in my garage for years, bought it in ‘76 or ‘77 and used to ride it daily. Had to replace the tires and the handlebar wrap, everything else original. Also have the manual. Was wondering about the value as am going to donate it to a club for a fund raising auction.
Thanks for all the info.
I have sold my two blue John Deere bikes—-thanks
I have a green/yellow ladies 3 or 5 speed I need to get rid of, if any one is interested
I have a green John Deere Men’s 3 speed bicycle in good condition. All original parts, 26 inch wheels, fenders and black seat. I live in Eastern Iowa and I’m looking to sell it. Please inquire, can email pictures upon request to serious inquiries.
Thank you.
John
I found an identical bike for $5 at a thrift store. That was 17 years ago. I still ride it to work. It sets out in the rain, snow and sun. I grease the bearings, and put on new all terrain tires every couple of years. This is the best built bike I’ve ever had. The center pull breaks, heavy duty frame, and comfort ride handle bars. The only upgrade besides the seat and basket is that I spent a little extra for longer sure stop break pads. One of the cranks had a worn tapered bolt hole when I bought it. But I just filed a shoulder bolt to fit the worn hole. If I found another – even as rusty as mine has become – I’d pay triple what I paid for mine. The only reason I would not pay more is because I believe mine will outlive me.
I have a solid green women’s three speed for sale, everything works,can send pics, any interest?
I’m just ready to put my 1973 John Deere Ladies 5 speed on EBay and thought I’s first inquire if anyone out there is interested. Have pictures and Owners Manuel. standsch@yahoo.com
hi, was just reading about all this. After reading the first post, would like to say, i have a sky blue John Deere bike, mens, 3 speed. Still rides beautifully. My dad has had this for quite some time, unfortunately, he’s left it out in the weather so there is considerable rust on the handlebars and fenders. I’ll be cleaning that up, but, believe it or not, the bike frame itself is in mint condition. I see that many people have these bikes as well and enjoy them. I’ll be enjoying this one as well….Happy Riding….
I googled JD bikes and wound up here. I saw a JD road bike that I guess to be 10 years or less in age. Saw it this summer on the GOBA ride in OH. Was wondering if it’s a production ride, or someone painted and decaled another bike. Have a picture, but never saw the bike’s payload to ask any questions. Longer frame - tourer, not racer. Any info?
I live in central Illinois and my elderly Mother has 2 of the men’s green 3-speed J.D. bikes in her garage. She purchased them new in 1977 and rode one of them up to about 2 years ago. They are in pretty good shape for 31 years old but definitely would need work as some of the chrome-plated components have started to deteriorate.
I also have a men’s 26″ green that needs cleaning and new tires. Everything is original and in one piece; reflectors, etc. Has to go if anyone is interested. I live about 40 minutes West of Detroit.
I just stumbled across this site. My father-in-law worked at Horicon works and he still has my late mother-in-law’s JD 5-speed, which is in pretty good shape. I had a JD 20″ boys bike. It was kind of cool looking yellow with green stripes and a seat shaped like a snowmobile seat. But it was junk. The chrome on the fenders rusted just from humidity in the air. The threads for the pedals on the crank arms stripped on me three times. But I wouldn’t mind finding another boys 20″ to hang in my bike room as a conversation piece.
My father-in-law also has a photo of something really cool–a prototype John Deere motorcycle from the 70s. When Deere was getting into snowmobiles, they apparently kicked around the idea of building a motorcycle, but didn’t pursue it.