While certainly not my "funky love-object" as Harvey would say, I found this CL purchase interesting enough, in a circus freak kind of way, to keep and restore it, though I'd originally thought it would be good only for the Campagnolo Gran Sport F&R derailleurs and Brooks saddle to use on my RIC. Check out the weld spatters on the crimped-top seat stays, the seams on the lugs, and the elegant transition of the front and rear dropouts to the fork and stays.
I'd seen many J.C. Higgins (Sears) before but all were some type of cruiser bike; I had no idea they made road bikes. I understand another list member has one similar to this one. Here it is, in nearly as-found condition, in process of being taken apart for cleaning and restoration. When I first purchased it I rebuilt the BB which was a little stiff and took it out for a ride. I can't really comment on the quality as it's too big for me. The front wheel, an Atom hub laced to a Schwinn steel rim, is not original.
If by any chance one of you knows how I can get my hands on a head-tube badge or a wheel to match the rear one, please contact me off list.
Link to photos here:
http://s343.photobucket.com/
Carlos Ovalle
Long Beach, California, USA