Squiggle Dog
Finally riding a big boys bike
This thread is dedicated to the Hi-Lo bicycle, built between 1965 and 1967? by The Modern Tool & Die Company (MTD). Please share any pictures or information related to these unique bicycles. MTD built them for Western Auto and Firestone. The Firestone version was known as the Vagabond. These portable bicycles had 16" wheels and the frame came apart in the center with the turn of a knob. Here are some observations which may or may not be correct:
MTD Hi-Lo:
Sticker-type headbage.
Available in black or red.
Had a frame decal with a red stripe inside white stripes.
2-speed Bendix blue band or Sachs Torpedo Duomatic overdrive kickback hubs.
Deep, plated seat springs.
Crash rails on seat and carrier.
Basket on carrier.
Western Flyer Hi-Lo:
Riveted headbadge.
Available in black only.
Had silk-screened frame graphics in white only, no red stripe.
Western Flyer handgrips.
Single speed only.
Shallow, painted seat springs.
No crash rails on seat nor carrier.
Basket on carrier.
Firestone Vagabond:
Riveted or sticker-type headbadge.
Available in blue or green.
Decal on frame with red stripe inside white stripes with Vagabond lettering--sometimes the lettering is inside the stripes, sometimes below it. Sometimes had "Tires by Firestone" on rear part.
Single speed only.
Shallow, painted seat springs.
Crash rails on carrier, not on seat.
No basket on carrier.
I have noticed that in the advertisements they show a Wald 52 tooth sprocket, however I have only seen them with the Monark-style sprockets. Front baskets are shown as an option, but I have never seen one with an original front basket.
MTD Hi-Lo:
Sticker-type headbage.
Available in black or red.
Had a frame decal with a red stripe inside white stripes.
2-speed Bendix blue band or Sachs Torpedo Duomatic overdrive kickback hubs.
Deep, plated seat springs.
Crash rails on seat and carrier.
Basket on carrier.
Western Flyer Hi-Lo:
Riveted headbadge.
Available in black only.
Had silk-screened frame graphics in white only, no red stripe.
Western Flyer handgrips.
Single speed only.
Shallow, painted seat springs.
No crash rails on seat nor carrier.
Basket on carrier.
Firestone Vagabond:
Riveted or sticker-type headbadge.
Available in blue or green.
Decal on frame with red stripe inside white stripes with Vagabond lettering--sometimes the lettering is inside the stripes, sometimes below it. Sometimes had "Tires by Firestone" on rear part.
Single speed only.
Shallow, painted seat springs.
Crash rails on carrier, not on seat.
No basket on carrier.
I have noticed that in the advertisements they show a Wald 52 tooth sprocket, however I have only seen them with the Monark-style sprockets. Front baskets are shown as an option, but I have never seen one with an original front basket.
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