For just over a year now I've been helping KC's Bikes and Trikes for Tikes liquidate the donated adult bikes. Distribution of these bikes is not part of our prime mission but the proceeds from the sale pays for tires, tubes, tools, WD-40, & c.
Most of the adult bikes that come in are lowgrades with a heathly smattering of medium grades and only occasionally a fine classic or something rather odd.
Yesterday we took in a medium grade, pearl-colored, lugged, hex-tube Jupiter-Beat Deluxe (Bridgestone related?). It looks like early 70's. Suntour components mixed with Sun hubs. Its in great shape and with lots of checker-board decal panels.....a bit of an eye-dazzler. I didn't measure it but as I recall it looked like a 22".....maybe.
We'll be putting this one up for sale but I am absolutely without a clue as to the history or dollar-value of this bike & whether or not it has any kind of a following among collectors.
If you're in the KC area and want to see it give me a call. I'm going to find a better place to show it since some of the jokers (well-intentioned volunteers) over @ Bikes for Tikes have no repect for 10 condition cosmetics. Maybe Sarah has some room for it out at Old Town Cyclery....I'll ask'er when she gets back from the Sunday ride.
My thanks for information any of you can share.
Calvert Guthrie
Kansas City