The amazing Huffy Radiobike combined two of America’s passions during the mid-1950s – the automobile and radio. The bike was introduced in 1955 and immediately became the ultimate object of bike envy for kids everywhere. An advertisement in the November 1955 issue of Life magazine called the Radiobike, “one of those world-of-the-future gadgets you read about.” Kids crowded around department store windows to get their first look at one of these technological marvels. The Huffy Radiobike was available for two or three years, and only about 8500 were built, making it less common than a lot of other cruisers from that era.

Features

The Huffy Radiobike was like a conventional cruiser except for the fully functional rain, shock, and tamper-proof vacuum tube radio that was cleverly tucked away in the faux gas tank.

The radio was turned on and off with a key, just like a car ignition. The on/off switch, volume control, and tuning knobs were on the right side of the gas tank, within easy reach of the rider. The radio was powered by a battery pack mounted on the rear rack beside a telescoping antenna. A sweeping truss rod helped to protect the forks from the inevitable impacts with curbs, dogs, and parked cars.

Other features that set the bike apart were the reflective hubs with red glass jewel centers and a beautiful, cigar-shaped headlight resembling a rocket mounted on the front fender. The bike used thinner tires than most other cruisers – 26″ x 1.75″ rather than the usual 26″ x 2.125.” The recommended tire pressure was 45 lbs, which pushed gas station tire pumps to the limit.

The Huffy Radiobike was available as a single-speed or multispeed version that used a trigger-operated Bendix two-speed hub. It was available in three colors – Flamboyant Red with black and white trim, Flamboyant Emerald Green with white and red trim, and Flamboyant Blue with white and red trim.

Current Prices

As with any vintage bike, the value of a Huffy Radiobike is highly dependent on the condition. Complete, unrestored bikes with a working radio sell for between $1500 and $2500. Price also varies with color. Red is the most common, followed by blue. Green Radiobikes are very rare. Battery packs are no longer available, but it’s easy to make a new one if you have basic electronic aptitude.

With its mix of 50’s cruiser cool, space-age styling elements, and rock and roll technology, the Huffy Radiobike was, and still is, an amazing ride.

Find more Huffy Vintage Bicycles on eBay.com

	(Used) 1971 HUFFY DRAGSTER BOYS BANANA SEAT MUSCLE BIKE LIQUIDATOR ELIMINATOR RAIL 5 70 (299.95 USD)
	(Used) 1970 HUFFY LIQUIDATOR 3-SPEED BOYS BANANA SEAT MUSCLE BIKE ELIMINATOR RAIL 5 70 (679.95 USD)
	(Used) 1968 HUFFY DRAGSTER CHEATER SLICK Olive RARE Muscle Bike Original Survivor 68 (829.63 USD)
	(Used) Rideable Vintage Huffy Radio Bike (3500.00 USD)
	(New) Huffy 56301P7 26M Rock Creek 18 Speed MT Bike Blue (75.00 USD)
	(Used) 1970s HUFFY MONO-SHOCK MOTO-BIKE 20" BICYCLE YAMAHA BMX MUSCLE MOTORCROSS DIRT (249.95 USD)
	(Used) 1970s HUFFY DIRT RIDER THUNDER ROAD MOTO-BIKE BMX RAIL PRO MONO-SHOCK MX STORM! (349.95 USD)