Vista Cruiser
 

Hello all,

I recently acquired a Vista Cruiser bicycle. Other than that, I don't know much else about it other than it is from 1972 (based on the serial number) and was wondering if anybody would be able to give me some more information on it (model, value, etc.) I have some various pictures I have taken to aid in any attempts at help. Other than a few scratches it seems to all be original and in fairly good shape.

Thanks,
Neilhog

Interesting, it looks like a commissioned bike. Kind of like something Huffy would do for a department store. I'm curious about it as well.

Pretty far down the pecking order in terms of quality (as in "rock bottom"), but if everything works and it fits you, it should be a nice cruiser if you keep the moving parts lubed and properly adjusted.

No significant resale value. Clean it up and ride it, if you haven't got another bike you already like better. If it is undamaged, you could carefully unwrap and rewrap that handlebar tape to fit better and fill in those gaps you can see in the pix. I did that on an old Univega I bought last summer that was otherwise dead-mint condition. :thumb:

What a tease I was hoping for something more like this!

http://www.jeff-young-design.com/Wor...-Cruiser-2.jpg

Ohhh yeah!!!!! :D

Same here. The pre-73 models with the extended wheelbase and vista roof are awesome!

Had one! 455 cu.in.. Posi! Rocketship! Black!

I remember Chescrown Olds and the Smothers Bros. ( Yes, THOSE Smothers Bros.! ) running Olds Vista Cruisers in NHRA Super Stock late 60's early 70's. There's just something about a big old station wagon with the front wheels 3 to 4 feet in the air that puts a grin on my face! :D

Sorry for the hijack!

My mom has a Vista Dutch ess (I have to spell it like that or the forum naughty-word filter makes it all ******** for some reason) and it is a similar bike although it is a step-through ladies bike. It was even the same color before I repainted it. Solid bike and not too heavy for a bike with an Ashtabula one-piece crank.

Nice!!! Wouldn't mind the Buick either! Too bad it doesn't have that option as well.

OK then, I won't try to spell it out. I also have one of the 'Dutch......" models in its original maroon. It came along on in a bundle with my Raleigh Pro Mk IV and the Nishiki International. I thought it was destined for the re-cycling container but I tore it down anyway and was a bit suprised at how good it was. Standing next to a step through Schwinn Varsity it holds its own. As I understand it, Vistas (at least the early models like my 1975) were created by Service Cycle Supply working with Columbia Bicycles to be a competitor to Schwinn. Mine is a US made machine as the headset and BB bearings are both USA from Hartford, CT. Yup the ashtabula cranks are forgettable but the drivetrain is Suntour accushift, the hubs are Sansin/sunshine. Dia Compe/weinmann center pulls. Decent and, I vote, a step above the Schwinn Varsity.

Great and collectible? Nope. POS gas pipe disaster that should be melted down? Nope. Solid bike that won't break down, will be worth maintaining and should keep someone happy for recreational riding. Oh yes. And that someone will not worry about theft. Good deal, eh?

The brakes are decent and the Huret Alvit derailer is bullet proof. I don't like the look of those crimped stays, though.

On Fast and Loud they dropped a blown 454 in a Vista Cruiser. It was an especially ugly green one with fake wood on the sides. They sold it to a clothing company called Ugly Kid.

Looks good in purple I think.

The chainrings are pretty nice for a OPC.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/481/vistanx.jpg

I threw a Tourney RD on it as the original was a little messed up. Some modern drop bars and levers liven things up a little to. This shot is pre barwrap.

Amesja, exactly what I have but maroon vs purple. A nicer bicycle than I expected when I piled it on the rack. I also have the stock chrome fender set. My chain rings are not as clean as yours. Nice bike.