We have print at home, paperless and collection options available. 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. In 1895, with the financial backing of fellow German American Adolph Frederick William Arnold (a meat packer), he founded Arnold, Schwinn & schwinn mountain bike Company.
There were bicycles when I was in grade school, but those were for going block to block to see friends and immediately throwing them to the ground behind a parent’s car in the driveway. Most of the bicycles of my youth (think of the 70’s) were rolling tetanus sleds full of rust just waiting to infect. Even so, I did put in more miles than my friends. As detailed in a previous post, “My first Bike“, I would be up early and turning pedals.
Wide, knobby mountain tires provide the grip and stability you need out on the trail, while alloy wheels add lightweight strength. It was black with silver splatter paint and yellow logos. The knobby tires and cantilever brakes were new to me. Last time I rode a bike it had skinny road tires and brakes that needed 100 yards to come to a stop.
And thanks to the electric motor, you ride the trails without worrying so much about long distances or steep hills. A couple great examples of this style schwinn cruiser bike would be the Healy Ridge and Ridgewood. In late 1997, Questor Partners Fund, led by Jay Alix and Dan Lufkin, purchased Schwinn Bicycles. Questor/Schwinn later purchased GT Bicycles in 1998 for $8 a share in cash, roughly $80 million. The new company produced a series of well-regarded mountain bikes bearing the Schwinn name, called the Homegrown series.62 In 2001, Schwinn/GT declared bankruptcy.
Schwinn distributed unbranded and/or rebranded bikes through other companies, especially before the 1950s. In excellent condition, vintage Schwinn bikes can be worth thousands of dollars. In rough shape, they may still be worth several hundred. Compare schwinn mountain bike your bike to others that have sold recently to get a sense of how much yours might be worth. These recently sold examples of vintage Schwinns can give you a starting point. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders.
I soon found a road bike that really got me excited (no splatter – 3 color fade instead) and I began to ride almost every day. Gone were the cigarettes along with some extra weight. I was hooked and I soon found myself wearing tight Lycra clothing and hideous Oakley sunglasses.