I know what this is,but I dont know what it is..:-P

[bikesnbuses]

I posted this bike in the Sunday show and tell thread..
I picked up this odd(as in I cant find any info on it), "Astro" lightweight bicycle..Im assuming that most of the parts were switched out with American parts?;Schwinn grips,prewar stem,ND 2 speed,US Royal Chain tires..etc..? Yes?
The headbadge decal reads; Astro Cycle Company, Smethwick Birmingham '
But I couldnt find any info on it,and I ASSUMING someone bolted on almost everything Amersican/ Schwinn to the frame/fork ? Or maybe for some reason this was something that was sold like this??
Any thoughts?I have the serial # also.. Thank you! Jeff

 

[bulldog1935]

here's another Midlands bike brand, maybe the same?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillips_Cycles

I don't get the Schwinn thing. Looks like a Brit lightweight to me.

ps - looks like it probably has a bend in the steerer tube

 

[catfish]

Never seen one before.

 

[bikesnbuses]

here's another Midlands bike brand, maybe the same?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillips_Cycles

I don't get the Schwinn thing. Looks like a Brit lightweight to me.

ps - looks like it probably has a bend in the steerer tube

I also noticed the Phillips relation,same place in England,and ..I noticed the tweak in the fork too..Thanks!Jeff

 

[SirMike1983]

Many different brands, large and small, were made in Birmingham. The city was a large center of manufacturing. Your assessment is right: it's an English bike that was stocked with American parts because they were what was available here. You might be able to straighten the steerer tube with a press rig or a Little Brute tool. Interesting bike.

 

[bikesnbuses]

Thanks for the help guys..This bike is really cool!I love the patina! But..not what I collect..Trying to figure if I should part it out or sell it as a whole..

 

[PatrickZ]

Great bike! I think the combination of the English frame (like mentioned above, I also suspect Astro may be a Phillips sub brand) with American lightweight parts is really interesting - an original "Frankenbike". I vote for keeping the bike whole.