photo courtesy Memphis Bicycle Company
Why am I always the last to hear about these things?
In the 1950s and 1960s — heck, most of my life — if you wanted a brand-new Schwinn or J.C. Higgins bicycle, there was only one place to get it, the Memphis Bicycle Company on Summer. For a while, you could even buy motorcycles there, too. The store was just PACKED with two-wheeled vehicles of all brands, colors and sizes, along with tires, seats, parts, accessories, you name it.
Well, they are holding a massive liquidation sale of ALL their old inventory this weekend, May 16th-17th, and wow there will be some treasures here.
This is from the company’s Facebook page:
The first phase of the liquidation of the historic Memphis Bicycle Company will be held this Saturday and Sunday May 16 & 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old store at 2575 Summer Ave. There are many old Schwinn and other brand bicycles, parts, signs, etc., going back over 50+ years. Many bicycles still in original boxes that were never sold. Cruiser bikes from the 1950s - ’60s, 10-speeds from the 1970s, tons of parts, seats, bike racks, frame and hand pumps, tires, tubes ... Too much to list. The pictures do not do it justice. The new owners of the building are selling the contents to the public for very reasonable prices. Bikes range from $25-55 on average, with a few more expensive models. Saddles and seats, tires, tubes, derailleurs, tubes, etc., all ranging around $5 each. Bundling items for better prices is encouraged, as they need to clear everything out. This is a GREAT opportunity to see some Memphis bicycle history and get some really cool vintage gear for a fraction of its price.
I’ll be first in line. I’ve been needing a new bell for my Schwinn Tornado ever since I ran over those orphans playing jacks along the sidewalk in front of the Mansion.
