Now that I could drive, a bigger world opened up to me. The Sting-Ray28 sales boom of the 1960s accelerated in 1970, with United States bicycle sales doubling over a period of two years. However, there were clear warning signs on the horizon. 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. Ignaz Schwinn was born in Hardheim, Baden, Germany, in 1860 and worked on two-wheeled ancestors of the modern bicycle that appeared in 19th century Europe.
Rotate the tabbed washers so the tabs engage the holes on both fork dropouts. Save up to 50% on select bikes at Schwinnbikes.com. Charges for non-qualifying items, shipping and sales tax are excluded from discounts. No adjustments on previous purchases, or orders in progress that have not yet shipped.
Check TiresInflate the tires to the manufacturer’s schwinn mountain bike recommended pressure, which is marked on the tire sidewall. Just put on your helmet and you’re ready to ride. 21-speed twist shifters provide quick, precise gear changes on the trail.
Hardtail bikes are lighter and more agile than their full suspension counterparts, but they’re not as well suited on ultra bumpy, rough terrain. 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.
Questor/Schwinn later purchased GT Bicycles in 1998 for $8 a share in cash, roughly $80 million. The new schwinn mountain bike company produced a series of well-regarded mountain bikes bearing the Schwinn name, called the Homegrown series.62 In 2001, Schwinn/GT declared bankruptcy. As a result, Schwinns became increasingly dated in both styling and technology. By 1957, the Paramount series, once a premier racing bicycle, had atrophied from a lack of attention and modernization.