They were called “10-speed” because they had a two-gear system on the front wheel and a five-gear system on the back wheel, giving the rider a total of ten different gears to choose from.
Some of the most popular brands of vintage 10-speed bikes in the United States included Schwinn and Raleigh. These bicycle brands were known for their high-quality frames and components, which made them a popular choice among serious cyclists.
Vintage Schwinn 10-speed bikes – Racer Varsity 1960
Classic Schwinn sports bikes (1963)
Enjoy the outdoors on a Schwinn bicycle (1963)
Western Flyer Galaxy 10 bike – 1967
If your dad tells you all bikes are alike, tell him humbug! (1968)
Maybe all bicycles were alike once. Strong and long-lasting and easy-to-ride. Perhaps in your dad’s day. Today, they aren’t. So if you’re asking for a new bicycle, say for Christmas, be sure to ask for a Raleigh. You can tell your father that with a Raleigh, there’s no question that you’ll have the finest. And at a fair price.
ALSO SEE: Why people used to really love those iconic high-wheel penny-farthing bicycles
If he’s in need of convincing, point out the way a Raleigh is built. Nothing is skimped in their construction. Only super-strength materials are used for durability. Raleighs are painted to last, too. First with three undercoatings, then with two coats of brilliant, high gloss enamel. Chrome plating is the highest quality, also.
Should he ask about performance and safety, tell him Raleigh bicycles come with a choice of three-, five- and ten-speed gears, safety-quick caliper brakes and road grabbing, premium Dunlop tires.
For a clincher, you can say that most Raleighs come with “extra-cost” accessories … at no extra cost! On second thought, don’t just tell your dad Raleighs are different, show him. Get him the dickens on down to your Raleigh dealers — now. Only a Raleigh is really a Raleigh. Made in England. . . serviced throughout America, guaranteed around the world.
Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1969
1970s Huffy brand 5- and 10-speed bicycles
Viscount Aerospace Cycles – Bicycles 1970s
Schwinn Varsity 10-speed bike (1972)
Springtime… and Schwinn bike time again! (1972)
Time to open your heart to the excitement and exhilaration of getting there under your own power. Whether you ride to fight pollution, enjoy your leisure, or just for the honest fun of it… be one of the really “in” people by riding a Schwinn… a sophisticated Schwinn designed for the adult rider. Schwinn makes the quality difference — quality that proves itself with every ride.
Stop in at your nearby Schwinn Cyclery, select from their huge selection of 10-speed, 5-speed and 3-speed models . . . each styled with the adult in mind . . . and your Schwinn Dealer will assemble, adjust, and personally fit your new Schwinn — all no extra charge.
Tandems – Racers – Lightweights – Exercisers – Tri-wheelers – Unicycles – Manta-Ray
Raleigh 10-speed bikes from 1972
Christmas time is Schwinn bike time!
Nothing beats the crackling excitement of receiving a new Schwinn bike. So beautiful with gleaming chrome and bright holiday colors you’ll wish you could hang it on the tree … and the joy lasts all year long with the fine quality and exquisite workmanship that has come to mean “Schwinn” to millions of satisfied riders.
Your nearby Schwinn cyclery — your neighborhood bike expert is waiting to show you his selection of America’s greatest bike values. And as an added service, your Schwinn Dealer assembles, adjusts and fits your Schwinn at no extra charge … why not make it a Merry family Christmas this year with a new Schwinn bike for all!
Springtime means bike time!
And to millions of fitness-conscious Americans that means bike time, too! Time to get out and ride . . . breathe in the warm fresh air . . make friends … exercise a little or a tot . . . and enjoy life at its healthful best. Make the most of it.
Ride a new sophisticated Schwinn designed with the adult rider in mind. Quality makes the difference . . . Schwinn quality that proves itself in wheels, frame, fine equipment and most important, the ride! Stop in at your nearby Schwinn Cyclery, order from a big selection of 10, 5 and 3-speed lightweight models.
Murray 10-speed bikes for kids from 1972
Murray Bikes make everyday a holiday – For cycling fun all year ’round choose exactly the model you want from America’s greatest bike line—Murray! Murray Lightweights give you a thrilling ride of effortless ease.
Murray Lightweights are available in 10 speeds — 5 speeds — 3 speeds and coaster brake models. They come in 4 frame and 4 wheel sizes. too. You can pick a lightweight just right for you. Or if you want a “fun” bike. pick a high-rise, polo-seat Murray Eliminator or Wildcat … So for years of cycling pleasure get going on a Murray!
DON’T MISS: See popular BMX bikes from the 70s & 80s
Fashionable 70s women riding bikes in the park (1972)
Sears Lightweight retro 3-, 5-, and 10-speed bikes (1973)
Vintage Free Spirit 24-Inch Youth Lightweights (1973)
Vintage Free Spirit 10-speed bikes from 1973
Murray Racers vintage 10-speed bikes (1973)
Sears 10-Speed Racing Lightweight bikes (1973)
Our finest 10-speed Racing Lightweight has our lightest frame, our widest gear ratio
Time to get out and ride again!
Never before have so many fitness-conscious Americans looked forward to the warm weather days ahead with such enthusiasm. Time to get out and ride again! Enjoy life at it’s healthful best!
Make the most of the great outdoors. Ride a new sophisticated Schwinn designed with the adult rider in mind. Quality makes the difference Schwinn quality that proves itself in wheels, frame, fine equipment and most important, the RIDE! Stop in at your nearby Schwinn Cyclery, order from a big selection of 10, 5 and 3-speed lightweight models.
Lightweights – Sting-Rays – Exercisers – Unicycles – Tri-wheelers – Tandems – Racers
Lots of 10-speeds in a Pepsi bike race (1974)
Ride the Free Spirit 10-speed – the official bicycle of THE SUPERSTARS (1975)
Schwinn bicycles – 10-speed Sprint (1975)
Schwinn X-Tra Lite Bicycles (1978)
PUT A NEW LIGHT IN YOUR LIFE
Looking good and feeling great! The Schwinn Le Tour III X-tra Lite 10-Speed bike is where its at. Just under 31 lbs. of fast-paced fun.
Zales sports bike family picture (1978)
Sears Christmas sale BMX and 10-speed bikes (1980)
Classic Touring bikes from Sears (1983)
Bikes you can count on to run errands, exercise or just ride for run
NOW SEE THIS: 50 vintage banana seat bikes for kids from the 60s & 70s
3 Responses
What years were the Murray Pheonix? Was made in blue between 1965-1972?
My parents gave my brother, sister and me the 1980 Sears yellow 26″ 10 speed bike for Christmas. We were thrilled. I quickly learned how to ride mine without hands on the handlebars. I wish I had that same balance these days!!
How can I find out when my Murray Racer was manufactured?