Jaguar bike. Would love some info about this!

[Zdariot]

Hello!

My name is Jeffrey, I am from The Netherlands and new on this forum. I have stumbled upon this bike a few days ago. I cannot find any info on it. Where it's from or anything. The saddle is Dutch, Gear is Simplex. Please let me know if you can educate me. Hope to hear from you all.

- Jeffrey

 

[juvela]

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Hello Jeffrey and welcome to the forum!

Bicycle manufactured in Germany by Panther Fahrradwerke A-G. (AKA Pantherwerke AG)

Panther Fahrradwerke – Wikipedia

We had another one recently here on the forum:

Jaguar First Class | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

Hello, I have a Jaguar First Class, stamped "Made in Germany", that I received in about 1977. It's in decent condition, a couple alterations, but nothing major. Does anyone here know much about the brand? I haven't been able to find much. More out of curiosity on my part, than anything. Thanks!

thecabe.com

The cycle's hubs and pedals appear to be WECO brand (DE).

Saddle not original to bicycle.

Date appears near to 1974.

You should be able to get a specific date from the machine's Simplex gear mechs:

if the bicycle's wheel rims are Rigida SUPERCHROMIX brand you may also find a date inside a small diamond symbol as here:

hope this helps you a bit.

if you have any other questions about it shall essay to answer...


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[Zdariot]

Hello Juvela,

That is a lot of clarity already. Thank you very much. I love those rims. They're so pretty.

One more question would be 'is there a market for the bike? Do I have something special?' In The Netherlands no one seems to know a lot about it, but on the German Ebay it seems pretty common.

- Jeffrey

 

[juvela]

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Hello Jeffrey,

German products in general do not get much respect amongst vintage bicycle enthusiasts.

We have another member located in NL @non-fixie . He should be able to give you some helpful information on the NL cycle market...

All best wishes from California

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[non-fixie]

Welcome to The Cabe, Jeffrey!

Interesting find! Juvela is correct. BITD German bicycles were regarded as cheap and flimsy, compared to the sturdy Gazelles and Batavus'. They weren't very popular (the fact that the Germans confiscated many Dutch bicycles during WWII probably didn't help matters either) and the ones that made it to Holland were run into the ground pretty quickly. Pretty amazing you found one in such a nice condition.

It's not worth much, but if it's your size, and you like it, it is worth finding a more appropriate saddle for it (this one is designed for more upright riding) and positioning the brake levers correctly, i.e. a bit higher, for comfort and looks.

Enjoy it!

 

[Zdariot]

Hi Non-Fixie,

Now this is also very nice to read. That's very interesting. And logical. And I was thinking the same. Kind of crazy that this one is in such a condition still.

To be honest, driving it feels really special. I think I'll keep it, and, as you also suggest, put a different saddle on it. Positioning the Brake levers is a nice idea too. I'll try keeping it in a crisp condition. Thanks again En goed om te weten dat er in Nederland zoveel kennis is over retro fietsen! Dankjewel.

Gr. Jeffrey

 

[non-fixie]

You're welcome. Hope you get many enjoyable miles from that bike!

 

[juvela]

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Hope you enjoy it Jeffrey.

It is quite unusual to find a forty-six year old cycle in such fine condition and so all original.

Appears that only the saddle has been changed from what was there from the factory.


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