They also keep the weight of the bike low, making it easier to maneuver, which is ideal for those just starting out in mountain biking. 1982– In a strategic diversification programHuffy CorporationacquiredGerico, a maker of infant car seats and strollers. mongoose bicycles operated this brand under the ‘Gerry Baby Products’ label. They also acquired YLC Enterprises, a provider of product assembly services for retail consumer purchases.
A few of the most popular models included the Special Roadster, the Racer, the LaFrance, and the Streamliner. It has its roots in 1887 when George P. Huffman purchased the Davis Sewing Machine Company and in 1890 moved its sewing machine factory from Watertown, New York, to Dayton, Ohio. The Davis Sewing Machine company made their first Dayton bicycle, in Dayton, Ohio, in 1892. In 1924, George’s son, Horace M. Huffman, Sr., founded the Huffman Manufacturing Company.
Prior to the recession, foreign competition was also putting pressure on U.S. bike makers. In 1972 foreign imports accounted for 37 percent of the U.S. market. The devalued U.S. dollar, however, cut this share to 15 percent by the end of the 1970s. New federal regulations setting safety standards for bicycles also cut into the sale of foreign models.
The women’s Deluxe cruiser is one of Huffy’s cheapest bicycles on offer. This is a good-looking single-speed cruiser bicycle that’s great for first-timers and recreational riders. At their peak, the bicycle division manufactured over two million bicycles per year and were the free world’s largest bike company. In 1949, Huffman developed the Huffy Convertible, which was a children’s bicycle with rear training wheels and foot steps. The invention of the training wheels revolutionized the market for children’s bicycles, and this was the first Huffman bicycle under the Huffy brand.
When it incorporated in 1928, the company posted earnings of $3,000. 1997–HuffysoldGerry Baby Products Cofor $73 million and with the money purchasedRoyce Union Bicycle Co– a New York-based maker of high-end bikes. In addition, also snapped up a bankrupt manufacturer and distributor of basketball goods calledSure Shot International, for$1.5 million. Sure Shot International was then absorbed into Huffy’s Sports Co. subsidiary. During the1960’sand early1970’s, the company continued to steadily grow. Domestically, the market for adult bicycles expanded as people began cycling for fitness and using bikes as an alternative to driving.
Part of this effort included the decision, in 1977, to change the company name to Huffy Corporation. During this period, Huffy’s management also opted not to enter the moped manufacturing field because of doubts about the motorized bike’s potential in the United States. Instead, $5 million was spent to expand existing production facilities. 1990’s– The biggest problem faced byHuffywas the huge success of Asian bicycle manufacturers infiltrating the US market. Lower production costs in Asia meant that domestic manufacturers couldn’t financially compete.
“For far too long the cycling industry has been solely focused on the pinnacle athlete, but these results show that a broader, family and beginner focus can reap gains. This is a silver lining, and one of the important sports retail lessons to come out of the pandemic,” said NPD’s sports industry advisor Matt Powell. Huffy beach cruisers are heavy and come with some low-tier components, but they are good for budget-constricted buyers. If you want a bike to ride occasionally, have fun on the weekends, or do short commutes, a Huffy cruiser bike is a decent choice.
huffy beach cruiser Corp., one of America’s best-known bicycle makers, said Monday that it will stop making bikes domestically because of competition from China. The corporate headquarters, which had been in Centerville for about 10 years, is where the company does design, sales, marketing, product development and other corporate operations. The new facility will have amenities for employees like a new fitness center.