A Different Kind of Deere Story
Most people think of John Deere and picture tractors, combines, or maybe that pickup truck that never showed up. You can still read about that one on our site: The truth about the John Deere pickup truck 2025. But long before smart tractors and self-driving harvesters, Deere decided to try something lighter – bicycles. Real bicycles painted in that famous green and yellow.
When the 1890s Went Pedal-Crazy
Back in the 1890s, America caught bicycle fever. Just about every company that could bend steel wanted in. Deere’s branch in Minneapolis, called Deere and Webber, joined the trend with bikes named Deere Leader, Deere Roadster, and Moline Special.
These early bikes were built by outside makers and sold through Deere dealers. The same stores that offered plows and wagons now offered bicycles for weekend rides and town errands.
“In 1894, Deere & Webber ordered 1,000 bicycles and a year later had sold more than $150,000 worth — a fortune for the time.” – Farm Collector
The 1970s Comeback
Jump ahead to the early 1970s. Gas prices were high, bike trails were popping up, and families were ready to ride. Deere came back to bicycles with a fresh line for kids and adults.
Production came from Terra-Products and Steel Master Enterprises in Taiwan. Deere handled branding, color, and marketing. Local dealerships displayed the bikes next to lawn tractors and garden gear.
“They were not manufactured by John Deere, only marketed by the company.” – The Furrow
In 1973, prices started around fifty dollars for the 20-inch Hi-Rise kids model and went up to just over a hundred for the 27-inch 10-speed. They were not built to win races. They were built to look good, ride easy, and carry that green and yellow pride.
Were They Any Good
Even Deere has a modest take on their own bikes.
“John Deere bikes are an enigma… they are not particularly great pieces of technology, as bicycles go.” – The Furrow
The point was simple fun and familiar style. Production wrapped up by 1975, and that short window made survivors collectible. Today, people hunt them more for nostalgia than performance.
“John Deere entered the bicycle business in 1973 and just as quickly stepped out in 1975.” – FarmShow
What Folks Paid Back Then
For some parents in 1973, a hundred-dollar bike felt steep. Years later, many wish they had grabbed one off the dealer floor.
“A 20-inch Hi-Rise was $49.95 … 27-inch 10-speed $109.95 … priced more than I would pay for a bike for my 8-year-old at the time — dumb ol’ me, eh?” – Yesterday’s Tractors Forum
Clean survivors and careful restorations now show up at farm shows and auctions. The draw is the story and the colors as much as the ride.
Custom Deere Bikes Built by Fans
Across Texas and the Midwest, hobbyists keep the idea alive. You will see custom builds with tractor headlights, green frames with yellow striping, and real John Deere decals. It is not about museum rules. It is about making something that feels like Deere and rides like Saturday.
“Original untouched bikes can be found hanging in barns and sheds… Restoring a vintage John Deere takes some extra consideration.” – FarmShow
A Short Ride That Still Rolls
From the Deere Leader of 1894 to the Taiwan-built 10-speeds of 1975, this short bicycle chapter shows how far a farm brand could pedal without losing its roots. The Deere name moved from soil to street, from work to play, and folks still smile when they see one of those green bikes roll by.
Model and Price Table
| Model or Type | Years Sold | Wheel Size | Speeds | Manufacturer | Country | 1973 MSRP USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deere Leader | 1894 to 1896 | 28 in | 1 | Outside build for Deere and Webber | USA | About 50 in 1895 | Sold via Deere branches including Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha |
| Deere Roadster | 1894 to 1896 | 28 in | 1 | Outside build for Deere and Webber | USA | About 50 in 1895 | Part of the 1890s bicycle craze lineup |
| Moline Special | 1896 | 28 in | 1 | Outside build for Deere and Webber | USA | About 50 in 1895 | Short run model handled by Deere branches |
| 20 in Hi-Rise boys or girls | 1973 to 1975 | 20 in | 1 | Terra-Products | Taiwan | 49.95 | Banana seat kids bike in green and yellow |
| 26 in 3-Speed Cruiser | 1973 to 1975 | 26 in | 3 | Steel Master Enterprises | Taiwan | 79.95 | Upright bars, hub gears noted by collectors |
| 27 in 5-Speed | 1973 to 1975 | 27 in | 5 | Steel Master Enterprises | Taiwan | 99.95 | Adult road model |
| 27 in 10-Speed | 1973 to 1975 | 27 in | 10 | Steel Master Enterprises | Taiwan | 109.95 | Drop bars, marketed by Deere dealers |
| Modern custom builds | 2000s to today | Varies | Varies | Independent builders | USA | — | Tractor green repaints, JD decals, occasional tractor headlight conversions |
Sources
- The Furrow – Pedal Power – Deere’s publication confirming 1970s bikes were marketed by Deere and built in Taiwan
- Farm Collector – American Bicycle Craze – 1890s program, Deere and Webber orders and sales figure
- FarmShow – John Deere bicycles – 1973 to 1975 window, restoration comments
- Yesterday’s Tractors forum thread – period prices and owner recollections
- SlashGear – John Deere bicycles overview – model range summary for general readers
- MyCountyLink – archived price list reference – corroborates 1973 pricing examples
