Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. Notable mentions include the sophisticated and elegant-looking Corvette/Cruiser style bikes, or the iconic motorbike-inspired design of the Schwinn Aerocycle. The Paramount was first introduced in 1938 and became one of Schwinn’s longest running models. During this period, Schwinn briefly had a successful motorcycle production division.
Most models of Schwinn bikes have years of images and information via old catalogs, advertisements and Schwinn documentation. This page lists Schwinn bicycles models (sorted alphabetically) and links to their details. This famous vintage Schwinn exercise bike with a sleek and curvy schwinn bikes frame was produced from 1966 to 1982. Although made with imported Panasonic components, these bikes still packed a punch. In fact, even at the time, they were nearly a match for the Paramount – but much cheaper. The Superior and Sports Tourer were relatively heavy all-steel bikes.
The SRAM Double Tap Rival drivetrain was aided with a Wipperman chain. We always like the Fizik Arione saddle, and has anyone ever had a problem schwinn online discount store with the popular Mavic Askium wheels? The Schwalbe Stelvio tires were new to some test riders, and they received high praise for holding a line.
This, combined with the import-dominated market and outdated factory, meant that the company management shifted the majority of production to Japan. Throughout the 1950s Schwinn continued expanding and buying up smaller companies. Schwinn also began producing a lightweight racing-style bike to rival those being imported from Europe, which at the time had become incredibly popular.
By 1990, other United States bicycle companies with reputations for excellence in design such as Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale had cut further into Schwinn’s market. Unable to produce bicycles in the United States at a competitive cost, by the end of 1991 Schwinn was sourcing its bicycles from overseas manufacturers. This in turn led to further inroads by domestic and foreign competitors. Faced with a downward sales spiral, Schwinn went into bankruptcy in 1992.[59] The company and name were bought by the Zell/Chilmark Fund, an investment group, in 1993. By the mid-1970s, competition from lightweight and feature-rich imported bikes was making strong inroads in the budget-priced and beginners’ market. While Schwinn’s popular lines were far more durable than the budget bikes, they were also far heavier and more expensive, and parents were realizing that most of the budget bikes would outlast most kids’ interest in bicycling.
Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike. In the late 1960s, the Varsity and Continental pioneered the use of auxiliary brake levers, which allowed the rider to rest hands on the straight, horizontal center section of the ram’s horn handlebars, yet still have braking control. This feature, attractive to older riders, soon found its way to other Schwinn models, especially those intended for senior citizens. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders. We have spent over a century building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are so many beautiful – but less widely-known -vintage Schwinn bikes worth buying beyond those listed above. One of (but not the only) iconic motorcycle-inspired designs by Schwinn, the Stingray had high, hanger-style handlebars like a Harley Davidson, a long saddle (perfect for carrying a mate on), and a very relaxed frame design. Here are a few iconic Schwinn vintage bike models to watch out for. Schwinn also faced increasing competition from other high-quality US-based brands such as Specialized, Trek, and Cannondale. By the late 1970s, Schwinn’s factory was terribly outdated compared to Japanese and Taiwanese rivals and lacked the financial backing to modernize their manufacturing process.
They’re generally likely to be better performing than much older counterparts. Despite their fall from grace, Schwinn produced high-quality bikes for decades. Many were made in limited quantities and are considered highly desirable nowadays. They lost prestige schwinn road bike compared to other US brands due to their reliance on imports, yet also couldn’t produce bicycles as cheaply as foreign rivals. However, after failing to purchase shares in Giant, Schwinn ditched their arrangement and moved manufacturing to China.