Vintage 10-speed bikes from Schwinn, Murray, Raleigh & more

Vintage 10-speed bicycles

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Vintage 10-speed bikes like these were popular during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Designed for speed and performance, they were used in road racing — but more than that, they were popular with everyday folks who just wanted to get out and ride. (They certainly fit adults better than old-fashioned banana seat bikes!)

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

Vintage Schwinn 10 speed bikes - Racer Varsity 1960


Classic Schwinn sports bikes (1963)

Classic Schwinn sports bikes (1963)


Enjoy the outdoors on a Schwinn bicycle (1963)

Enjoy the outdoors on a Schwinn bicycle(1963)


Western Flyer Galaxy 10 bike – 1967

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.

Vintage Raleigh bicycles from 1968


Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1969

Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1969


1970s Huffy brand 5- and 10-speed bicycles

1970s Huffy brand bicycles


Viscount Aerospace Cycles – Bicycles 1970s

Viscount Aerospace Cycles - Bicycles 1970s


Schwinn Varsity 10-speed bike (1972)

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

Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1972


Raleigh 10-speed bikes from 1972

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!

Christmas time is Schwinn bike time 1972


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.

Vintage Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1972


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!

Murray bikes for kids from 1972

DON’T MISS: See popular BMX bikes from the 70s & 80s


Fashionable 70s women riding bikes in the park (1972)

Retro bicycle ad (1972)

Two young women riding sport bicyles (1972)


Sears Lightweight retro 3-, 5-, and 10-speed bikes (1973)

Sears Lightweight retro bikes (1973)


Vintage Free Spirit 24-Inch Youth Lightweights (1973)

Vintage Free Spirit 24-Inch Youth Lightweights (1973)


Vintage Free Spirit 10-speed bikes from 1973

Vintage Free Spirit 10 speed bikes from 1973


Murray Racers vintage 10-speed bikes (1973)

1973 Murray Racers vintage 10 speed bikes


Sears 10-Speed Racing Lightweight bikes (1973)

Our finest 10-speed Racing Lightweight has our lightest frame, our widest gear ratio

Sears 10-Speed Racing Lightweight bikes (1973)


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

Vintage Schwinn 10 speed bikes from 1973


Lots of 10-speeds in a Pepsi bike race (1974)

Pepsi bike race in 1974


Ride the Free Spirit 10-speed – the official bicycle of THE SUPERSTARS (1975)

Sears 1975 vintage 10-speed bikes


Schwinn bicycles – 10-speed Sprint (1975)

1975 Schwinn bicycles - 10 speed Sprint


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.

Scwinn X-Tra Lite Bicycles (1978)


Zales sports bike family picture (1978)

Zales sports bike family picture ad (1978)


Sears Christmas sale BMX and 10-speed bikes (1980)

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

Classic Touring bikes (1983)

NOW SEE THIS: 50 vintage banana seat bikes for kids from the 60s & 70s

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Comments on this story

3 Responses

  1. 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!!

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