This bike seemed like it was ready to take on any trail or obstacle. You want to get away from it all and enjoy the majesty and adventure of the great outdoors. You want to feel the sun and the wind and the thrill of it all.
In fact, this can be an ingenious way to get an old Schwinn for an affordable price. If your vintage Schwinn needs some restoration, you can hunt down parts on eBay or other specialty sites. If there is a serial number, it’ll always appear on the actual frame of the bike rather than on a removable part like the seat, handlebars, or wheels. Ride up to 20 MPH with the 500-watt hub drive pedal assist motor that gives you a boost while you pedal, making it easy to climb to the top of the trail.
HardtailHardtail mountain bikes have front suspension and a rigid frame. This style of mountain bike is best for dirt paths and trails. Hardtail bikes are lighter and more agile than their full suspension counterparts, but they’re not as well suited on ultra bumpy, rough terrain. All-terrain, wide knobby mountain tires provide the grip and stability you need out on the trail, while alloy wheels add lightweight strength. Schwinn’s mountain bikes are all single frame size bikes, which are designed to fit most adults.
I could not get up this mountain (hill) even with a triple chainring up front. So, I rolled back down to the gas station at the bottom and called my sister to come and get me. Although the selection of merchandise is constantly changing, Craigslist can be a great place to score a deal on a vintage Schwinn. This isn’t the place to go if want a bike in the next few hours, but if you’re patient and carefully watch the listings, you may just find the vintage bike of your dreams.
“F. W.” Schwinn, took over day-to-day operations at Schwinn. W. Schwinn returned to Chicago and in 1933 introduced the Schwinn B-10E Motorbike, actually a youth’s bicycle designed to imitate a motorcycle. The company’s next answer to requests for a Schwinn mountain bike was the King Sting and the Sidewinder, inexpensive BMX-derived bicycles fabricated from existing electro-forged frame designs, and using off-the-shelf BMX parts. ElectricElectric mountain bikes are hardtail mountain bikes with pedal assist motors and throttle. While it’s probably not a great idea to use these on the most rough-and-tumble terrain, they do great on most trails and paths.
EBay schwinn hybrid bike is a great resource for all kinds of antique and vintage items, including Schwinn bikes. You’ll see many of the models Schwinn produced in the last half of the 20th century, along with some older models from the earlier part of the company’s history. You’ll also find parts for Schwinn bikes of all ages. If you’re buying a vintage Schwinn on eBay, be sure to ask lots of questions about the bike’s condition. Also keep shipping costs in mind, since packaging and transporting a bike can get expensive.
Forty-five pounds lighter I started working at bike shops and raced every race I could find. It’s been 33-years since the car ride and proposition that altered my life. I sometimes wonder where I would be today if she had just asked to go out for a cheeseburger, beer and a couple cigarettes.
However, there are some of these that stand the test of time. Old images, catalogs, and advertisements are often more readily available than serial number compendiums. One of the best ways to identify an old Schwinn bike is to compare the bike you have to advertising images and photographs of other Schwinns. This can give you some clues about the model, the year it was made, and any options it may have.
To determine the condition of your bike, examine the paint, tires, spokes, and all equipment. The more you know about the bike and its condition, the better your value estimate will be. From streamlined Aerocycles and classic Phantoms to Varsity eight-speeds and Sting Ray Krates, vintage and antique Schwinn bicycles are runaway hits with collectors. In addition to the fond memories these beautiful bicycles inspire, enthusiasts praise their quality workmanship and enduring value.
Single frame adult bikes may be available in a range of wheel sizes, from 24” up to 29”. While the wheel size can offer guidelines for the recommended height range, always check the product description for each bike, as it may vary a little by model. Check out the chart below for a complete list of height ranges.