Classic Sting-Ray is Back

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The classic sting-ray is back.

The Schwinn Classic Sting-Rays you know and love are back for a limited time and are available to a new generation. These Sting-Rays never go out of style and they're available in two colors to choose from: red or blue. 

These replicas are built to the same specs and standards as the originals. Available for ages 6 and up or 4'0" to 5'0". This Sting-Ray has all the classic parts and features from the Schwinn era such as the iconic Schwinn Sting-Ray steel frame and rigid fork. It has that vintage look and feel with a single speed drive train and intuitive rear coaster brakes for sure and easy stops.

And don't forget the cool classic Sting-Ray banana seat, high-rise ape hangar handlebars and 20" wheels for easy riding, cool wheelies and fast manouvers. Comes ready to be assembled with a limited lifetime warranty. Get yours while they are still available!

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Okay girls, Schwinn has you covered too. The Schwinn Classic Sting-Ray is available in the Fair Lady model for girls. It has all the same features as the Classic Sting-Ray but with a style appealing to the feminine rider. It also comes in two colors to choose from: pink or purple.

And, so you know, it has all the same tough features as the iconic Schwinn Fair Lady Sting-Ray: Steel frame, rigid fork, flowered banana seat, high rise ape hangar handlebars and a pair of cool shiny chrome fenders. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

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Schwinn - From World Leader To Bankruptcy

The Schwinn Empire came about as the result of one man's dream to introduce to the world a quality product created under a well planned strategy that would knock the socks off their competitors. Ignaz Schwinn, a German immigrant who came to America in 1891, had the desire to be the best and would not accept anything less.

Four years later in 1895, Ignaz Schwinn teamed up with Adolf Arnold, a member of a successfull meatpacking and banking family. Together, they formed the "Arnold, Schwinn & Company." Their focus was to produce a bicycle that was safe, dependable and easier to operate than the current bikes on the road.

In 1896 there were some 300 bicycle companies in the United States. The bicycles of that day had a way to go to be seriously accepted by the overall population. Early bicycles up to the late 1800's were riding on hard rubber tires and were hard to operate. And with prices ranging from $100 to $125, they were not easily affordable to the average Joe.

As the turn of the 20th century was approaching, there was a growing market for dependable and affordable transportation. The world was changing and new inventions were popping up everywhere. Some were hot and others were flops.

Ford's Assembly Line-Model T

The biggest contender in the early 1900's was Henry Ford, the father of the assembly line. His success in the automobile industry was an example and an inspiration to Schwinn. Schwinn sought endlessly to produce bicycles that were innovative, dependable, and affordable.  

Schwinn Cruiser-The Softer Side Of Life

Tired of the fast pace of every day life? What better way to enjoy the world around you than to go for a nice relaxing ride on a genuine Schwinn Cruiser bike. It’s the perfect remedy to break free from the daily grind, allowing you to crack a smile and enjoy life’s softer side.

You don’t have to go fast to experience the joy of riding a Schwinn Cruiser bicycle – unless you want to. Schwinn Cruisers are strong and dependable and feature plenty of eye-catching colors and clean lines to get you around in style. And with their classic balloon tires and cushy saddle seats, they are sure to provide you with a soft, comfortable ride.

 Vintage Cruiser

Schwinn cruiser bicycles were first built during the Great Depression and remained the most popular cruiser for three decades. Who wouldn't love the classic look of these Schwinn cruisers? It's a no-brainer. Personally, I enjoy riding in my own neighborhood with my wife and daughter. It’s a great way to keep active, relieve stress and meet people in the community. 

Win a Schwinn 50th Anniversary "Fritz Fifty" Sting-Ray

 50th Anniversary "Fritz Fifty" Sting-Ray
First Ever Chrome Frame

It's been 50 years since the Schwinn Sting-Ray changed the bicycle world literally overnight. Schwinn is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sting-Ray with an all new 2013 Special Commemorative Edition. Schwinn exchanged wits with none other than the man himself, Al Fritz, who is responsible for making the Schwinn Sting-Ray a reality. Appropriately, they named this new version Sting-Ray the "Fritz Fifty."

Schwinn had the privilege to work with Al earlier this year to create the first newly designed Sting-Ray since 1973. And, for the first time in history, the Sting-Ray will have a chrome frame, a feature that had always been a dream of Al’s. The commemorative "50th Anniversary Fritz Fifty" Sting-Ray is Al's last model design of the bike loved by millions. Sadly, Al passed away May 7th 2013 from complications of a recent stroke.

Only 500 of these collectibles will be available at independent bicycle retailers in the U.S. throughout the first week of December, 2013. Each bike will be individually numbered and will include a limited edition seal of authenticity signed by Al Fritz. A portion of the proceeds from the bike sales will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Al Fritz.

A Schwinn Bicycle Story

1974 Schwinn Fastback Sting-Ray

My personal encounter began in 1985 when I purchased a 1974 Schwinn Sting-Ray Fastback from a Salvation Army thrift store for $13.50. I decided to keep it as a collectors item. But like a fool I hung it outside under my deck and forgot about it. As the years passed the weather took its' toll. It was all rusted, the seat faded, the brakes were locked, the chain froze up and I thought it was ready for the dump. I was surprised that with a little lubricant and polishing how easily it cleaned up and came back to life. That was when I realized how well built Schwinn bikes were.

I've always known that Schwinn bicycles were the most coveted bikes in America, and now I understand why. As a child I never owned one and I envied anyone who had the privilege to have one. 

The Schwinn Bicycle Company has a fascinating history. Schwinn was the world leader in quality, safety and innovation in the bicycle industry. They produced the safest and highest quality bicycles in the world. 

I chose to create this blog revolving around the accomplishments and setbacks that surfaced during those years. It is my desire that you find "Schwinn-Go Bicycle And Fitness" an informative, fun and helpful resource. 

Schwinn Website Redesigned

Schwinn’s new redesigned website features large, lifestyle-focused imagery and educational content. Schwinn has combined their two former websites into one well balanced and exciting website. You can now have up to date information about Schwinn bikes and gear all in one place.

On this new website you can watch informative videos, research bikes, shop for gear or visit the Schwinn Life tab for tips, information, blogs and more!

Find your desired ride choosing among Schwinn's Signature bikes or the value conscious Schwinn Brand items.

Schwinn Signature items are sold only at independent bike dealers:

• Professional expert advice to help you find the bike that is right for you
• Personalized bike assembly, fitting and servicing by trained mechanics
• A wide range of Schwinn Signature bikes to meet your individual needs

Cycling For Runners?

Cross-training With Cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways to build overall fitness including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength in your glut-es, quads and hamstrings and flexibility through your hips and ankles. The fitter you are overall, the stronger and faster you’ll be able to run! 

 5 specific benefits to cross-training:

1. Injury prevention: If you’re new to running, cross-training with cycling can help you establish a base of fitness and get your muscles and joints used to repetitive motion without the impact. As you begin to mix in more running mileage, you’ll be stronger and better able to handle the impact. This decreases the chance of injury and makes running much more fun! The same goes for seasoned runners. Cycling builds and helps maintain strength in the glut-es, quads and hamstrings, minimizing muscular imbalances that lead to injury.

Unicycle Club or Circus-Which Is It?

Schwinn 20″ Unicycle

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This 20" Schwinn Unicycle

Improve your balance while enjoying a whole new exercise experience on a unicycle. Schwinn has been manufacturing their unicycles for about four decades. If you would like to venture into the unique art of unicycling, the Schwinn 20 Inch Commuting / Touring Unicycle is the smart choice.


Based on the original design and updated with current technology, it features a 3 piece cantilever design for superior strength. It is very attractive with chrome forks and a 20x1.75" white wall, classic brick tread design tire with a steel wheel. The Schwinn 20 Inch Commuting / Touring Unicycle is just right for 9 year old's to adult.

Schwinn Unicycles On eBay

The safest way to learn unicycling would be to join a Unicycle Club. There are Unicycle Clubs all across the country and throughout much of the world. Do a search here "Google search on Unicycle Club" to find a club near you. So, if your up for the challenge and want to try something extraordinary, unicycling is definitely in the running.

Leagal Disclaimer: If you do try unicycling, keep in mind that injuries can happen and that we recommend wearing all of the necessary safety gear which includes, but is not limited to, a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and shin guards. Unicycling is a fun and challenging skill that maybe should be left to skilled individuals, clowns and other professionals. It is not recommend that everyone try unicycling. It is a very difficult and dangerous skill that should be taken on with extreme care.

Getting Started On Your Unicycle

How To Go Forward

Why Recumbent Exercise Bikes Beat The Competition

Exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle. And you can use it any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of your home.

Exercise bikes don’t take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for users of any level, from beginners to seasoned competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.

   5 Reasons Recumbent Bikes Are A Smart Choice 

1.) Recumbent Bikes Work for All Fitness Levels - Even the most inactive person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little or no resistance as you pedal. People who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more comfortable than other exercise bikes. Athletes will find the recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The resistance can become incredibly difficult. The bike can simulate pedaling up hills. Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to sprint and tackle hills. If you want an upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat.

Burn More Calories On A Treadmill

Your goal when engaging in physical activity is to burn down calories and keep yourself physically fit and healthy. Compared to just 500 calories per hour on the exercise bike, the average medium-intensity treadmill workout burned 700 calories per hour. Dr. Hoffman said that one reason for this difference is the amount of muscle mass that is used in both exercises. Apparently, when you walk or run on a treadmill, you use more muscles than you do on a bike, stationary or otherwise.

The greatest benefit of treadmill exercise is burning calories. However, it is not the only reason why you should consider this type of workout. For people with certain health conditions, engaging in vigorous physical activity can be detrimental to their lives and their health. People such as those with osteoporosis, hypertension, and back pains are recommended to do no more than walking when they exercise so as not to overexert themselves. The treadmill, therefore, provides them with an exciting alternative to just plain walking outside.

A treadmill can add consistency to your walking workout. Most models have programming in them that allow you to maintain speed and intensity throughout your entire workout. They also have an incline device that would let you control the inclination of your walk, exactly as though you are walking up or down a hill.

Walking for 45 minutes, five times a week can cut your chances of getting a cold or flu in half, according to a research conducted by the Harvard Medical School. But you can’t really walk, can you, if it’s raining outside? That is why the treadmill, where climate changes don’t matter, is great to have around.

Furthermore, the treadmill can be used by anyone, young, old, male, female, pregnant, not pregnant etc. Let’s take pregnant women, for example. While some aerobic activities can be risky during pregnancy, walking is actually beneficial to both the child and the mother. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can loosen ligaments. In order to tone muscles down and strengthen the joints that support the growing baby, walking is recommended for pregnant women.

The treadmill also helps prevent injuries that could happen when you run outside on uneven or even wet ground. Gravity can have very nasty effects, however beneficial running and sunlight might be. A treadmill with good cushioning on the belt will help support each foot-strike you make, making your running or walking easier.

Finally, if you are just looking to get in shape, walking or jogging on a treadmill improves muscle tone and not just in your legs, but all over your body. Strengthened muscles means the heart can pump more oxygen-rich blood with each step you take.

How To Burn Calories and Lose Weight By Doing Interval Training:

Schwinn 860 Treadmill

The Schwinn 860 Treadmill is designed to help you move from the place you are to the place you want to be. With a generious running surface, powerful motor, integrated heart rate programming (chest strap included), multi-color dual screen consoles, and optimally cushioned running surfaces, these treadmills are your ticket to ride (or walk or run!) Learn more about the Schwinn 860 Treadmill.

See the Schwinn 840 Treadmill which is very simular to the 860 but with a few less features and at a moderated price.

Do You Want A Mountain Bike?

What is a mountain bike? In thinking about the type of cycling you want to do, if you plan on doing a lot of off-road riding, like zipping through the woods or traveling across desert areas on sandy or rocky trails, a mountain bike is probably what you need. Buying a mountain bike however, can be an expensive business, with entry level bikes going for about $250 to $300 and some of the top models selling from $4000 to $5000 and even more.

Schwinn Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes are designed for riding under more diverse and rugged conditions than other types of bikes. They typically have a stouter, more upright frame and offer a higher clearance. A good mountain bike can take a lot of stress and abuse and still allow the rider to semi-comfortably negotiate rugged terrain and go over or around obstacles that he or she may encounter on the trail.

Wheels: Mountain bikes usually have wide knobby tires that offer more substantial grip and traction over bumps and on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, rocks and sand. Tire pressure on mountain bikes is less than on road bikes, due to their greater volume and better traction offered by the softer tire. The rims and spokes on a mountain bike are stronger and more durable enabling it to handle the rough riding that mountain biking consists of.

Frame: The key factors to consider in choosing which frame material is right for you, depend on your own level of commitment and of course, your budget. There are four types of frames to consider and as the materials get more advanced, the price increases.

• Steel: Most entry-level mountain bike frames are steel (also called “cro-moly”), due to the strength and durability the material offers and the low price of steel, relatively speaking. The fallback of steel is its weight and that it is susceptible to rust. For many non competitive riders, where weight is not much of a deciding factor, a steel frame is probably fine.
• Aluminum: A good lightweight, rust-proof and relatively strong frame is aluminum. But over time and when  subjected to repeated stress is prone to break. I would not recommend aluminum frames for mountain biking, simply due to the rough nature of off road riding, which constantly subjects the frame to significant stress, particularly when a heavier rider is involved.
• Carbon fiber: The next higher level of material and similar to aluminum in being lightweight rust-proof and very strong is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber frames may be suitable for the average or smaller sized riders, but the stress of mountain biking can also lead to breakage. Keep in mind, when they go it happens suddenly, usually resulting with much inconvenience.
• Titanium: A titanium frame on a mountain bike is an excellent choice for large riders because of its ability to handle heavy loads without becoming fatigued. It is super light and incredibly strong. The bad news is, titanium is very expensive. Because of the cost, bikes with titanium frames usually fall way above the range of all but the most serious and competitive cyclists.

Handlebars: Mountain bike handlebars are basically flat, and go straight out from the stem. With a wider grip, usually about shoulder width, these handlebars allow riders to sit upright and offer a better position for vision and control of the bike on up and down hill terrain.

Riding position: The way that a mountain bike is designed allows riders to sit upright in a position that gives them the best control of the bike, with a well-placed center of gravity and the ability to shift weight forward or backward to provide balance and adjust to the varying terrain.

Gears: Mountain bikes have a wide range of gearing to allow them to handle a broad range of terrain. With low gears that go well below that of most road bikes, riders are more easily able to conquer some very steep hills. On the high end of the gear range, mountain bikes typically are not so tall in the gearing as what you’d find on a road bike. Rarely is there the need for wide-open, racing speed such as you’d have on a road bike, and the bike’s over-sized, knobby tires are not really appropriate for going super fast anyway.

A mountain bike will have either two or three chain rings in the front as part of the crank assembly, again smaller than what you’d find on a road bike, along with eight or nine gears in the cassette on the rear wheel, many times featuring one impressively-sized gear called a “granny gear” to help with the particularly steep climbs. This combination allows for anywhere from 16 to 27 possible gear combinations, a range that accounts for virtually every type of terrain that a mountain bike will cross over.

Pedals: Basic mountain bikes come equipped with platform pedals. This is useful if you’re the type of rider who frequently puts your feet down. Other more advanced riders may prefer to use toe clips or even clip-less pedals that allow the rider to secure his or her cleated shoes to the pedals.

Accessories: Mountain bikes may include cyclocomputers, frame pumps, tool bags, water bottles and cages. Also, because of the rugged nature of mountain biking and the frequent distances from “civilization” that it entails, many mountain bikers carry tool kits with extra tools and replacement parts that road bikers need not bring.

Buying Advice: Be sure you will be doing plenty of off-road riding before you decide to buy a mountain bike. If you are just going to be riding mostly in town or on paved or hard smooth flat trails, there are better bike choices that will be more comfortable and serve you better, such as hybrids, cruisers or road bikes.

Also, beware of cheap, heavy mountain bikes sold by box stores like Target and Walmart. Though they may offer snazzy-looking front and rear shock set-ups, generally these add a lot of weight to the frame, and being made from cheap components, they wont last very long under the types of rugged riding conditions they encounter.

Some Major Brands specializing in mountain bikes are Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Trek, Diamondback, Kona, Charge, NS Bikes, Mongoose, Orbea, Revell, Yeti, Orange and Schwinn.

Safety: Always Be Safe and wear a helmet. Make sure you have a CPSC-approved bike helmet that fits properly. It should not wobble or flop around on your head when your chinstrap is buckled. Even with a great helmet, you might be unconscious if you crash. Carry ID, any important medical info, emergency contacts, and your insurance information. Adequate clothing, gloves and shoes are also recommended. It’s also a good idea to carry a cellphone, just in case.

Check out "Should I Get Shocks On My Mountain Bike"

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Learn To Ride A Bike

How To Safely Take That First Ride

I remember the day I first learned to ride a bike. It was a beautiful spring day back in May of 1962. I just turned 6 years old and never rode a bike before. I learned on my cousins' old 20" cruiser bike that had fat tires and was painted light blue (maybe it was a Schwinn, I don't know). My mom, dad and I, along with my 4 siblings went over the train tracks to my Aunt Jessies' house in Rosedale, Maryland (she just turned 90). 

The roads near my aunts' house were very lightly traveled with small up and down hill inclines, so it was just right to easily coast. I'm not sure how long it initially took to learn (maybe 30 to 45 minutes or so) but I remember riding through the neighborhood most of the day. What a great sense of achievement I felt as I circled those back roads over and over again. It was the time of my life for me.

Now Sarah is 6 years old and wants to take off her training wheels. Is she ready to take the next step? If she's confident enough riding with her training wheels on, it just may be time to take them off. Once you've decided to take the training wheels off, take the following steps.

First of all, you'll want to make sure you have all of the necessary safety gear needed to prevent injuries. You'll need a certified bicycle safety helmet that meets legal CPSC standards. Also, you'll need knee and elbow pads in case your child falls.

Now that your child has accomplished riding on 2 wheels, make sure to teach these important bike safety rules for on road riding. 

• Stop at stop signs and red lights. 
• Ride on the right with traffic. 
• Have approved reflectors and/or lights. 
• Go over proper use of the bikes brakes. 
• Make sure your child understands how to stop. 

If your child is riding at a playground, make sure they take off their helmet before getting on playground equipment to avoid strangulation.

Okey, now that you have all that done, find an area that has a smooth, slightly inclined surface (preferably a quiet secluded neighborhood off the beaten path). When she gets on the bike so that both feet touch the ground, and starts to coast, she’ll be riding that bike in no time at all, just like me.

Schwinn Sting-Ray Story

Revisit The Magic

From the mid 1960's and well into the 70's, just about every suburban child had a banana-seat bike. There was the extremely popular original Schwinn Sting-Ray followed by many knock-offs like the Sears Screamer, the Murry Muscle Bike and the Montgomery Ward Hawthorne Bike. 

Schwinn pioneered these bikes thanks to the foresight of Schwinn's designer, Al Fritz, who in 1963 heard that kids in L.A. were rebuilding their bikes to look like motorcycles, customizing them with high-rise, ape hanger handlebars and low-rider banana seats so the rider was lower to the ground. 

Inspired, he designed his own lowrider prototype for the youth market called Project J-38 and rode it around the Schwinn warehouse. At first, his colleagues laughed at him, but soon his co-workers were taking it for a spin only to find that this odd contraption was actually fun to ride. The era of the muscle bike had begun. 

Sales were initially slow, as many parents desiring a bicycle for their children did not find the Sting-Ray appealing in the least. However, after a few appeared on America's streets and in their neighborhoods, many young riders would accept nothing less than a genuine Sting-Ray. Sales took off and within a year, 70 percent of all bikes being sold in the U.S. were Sting-Rays. Schwinn began shooting all promotional material on location in Disneyland. Young Al was onto something big!

Schwinn Sting-Rays were on the market from 1963 to 1979 at the height of the muscle-car craze. There were essentially four models: The basic Sting-Ray; Sting-Ray Deluxe (that added chrome fenders and white wall tires); Sting-Ray Super-Deluxe (that added a springer fork); and the Krate series (that added a five-speed "Stik Shift," shock struts on the rear seat and the 16" front tire and 20" rear tire).

Vintage Schwinns - How To Find Yours

What makes a vintage Schwinn a big deal? 

Here's a little of Schwinn's history. Ignaz Schwinn, with his partner Adolph Arnold, incorporated the "Arnold, Schwinn & Company" on October 22, 1895. Within a few short years of its creation, the company became an acknowledged technical and quality leader of the American bicycle industry. 

Schwinn 1930's Saddle

After the "Great Depression", Schwinn broke with tradition and debuted the Aerocycle, the first bike with balloon tires, and added a large spring-supported saddle that made the ride smoother and more comfortable. By the 1950s the company's product was called "The Cadillac of American Bicycles."

Over 40 patents were issued to Schwinn for bike improvements during their glory years. By the turn of the twenty-first century, the name "Schwinn" brings to mind classic models, like the 1949 Phantom, the 1963 Sting-ray, and the 1968 Krate. Schwinn focused on durability and safety from the beginning.  Schwinn is now an American icon, a world leader in technology and innovation. It's no wonder they remain in high demand among collectors unto this day.

Collecting Schwinn Bicycles, particularly the classic Chicago-made Schwinn, is a past-time that captures the attention of many a Schwinn enthusiast. Any genuine vintage Schwinn, in mint condition, is a beautiful sight on the street, often turning heads and coveted by all who see it. Knowing how to identify a "Genuine Vintage Chicago Schwinn" is of utmost importance to the collector. Schwinn's were made in several parts of the world at different times, and no factory ever produced a bike as renowned or well built as the "Vintage Chicago Schwinn." To identify a Vintage Schwinn, read on.

Find the serial number on the bike frame. From 1960 to 1969, Chicago Schwinn's had the serial number on the right rear axle mount. 

From 1970 to 1979 the Chicago Schwinn's had the serial number on the lower end of the head tube. 
After that, most serial numbers were stamped onto the bottom bracket shell. If the left rear axle mount is stamped with a serial number, then the bike was made in Taiwan in the 1980s. Pre-1960 Schwinn's had no real system for serial numbers, so you will have to look around and compare them to a database. Here is a link to one that also provides additional make and model designations. Schwinn Serial Numbers And Date Codes

Check the serial number to find the date of production. Up until the 1960's there was no set system to go by. After 1960 you can typically find the month and year of production located in the serial number, as well as the factory at which it was produced. The various number systems all identify when, as well as the country of origin where the bicycle was built.

To get an idea of the value of the vintage Schwinn in question, compare the date of production, the model, and the condition of the bike with one of the pricing tables at Old Roads.com. While these aren't all-encompassing guides, they are certainly places to get general ideas regarding prices. Generally, a Chicago Schwinn will be more valuable than any of its foreign counterparts.

Click Image To See Amazing Story

Do an image search online to get pictures of the make and model you are considering for your collection. Try doing a search on eBay for vintage schwinn bicycles. There were many look a likes, so double-checking color, original OEM parts, lugging, and other features is always a good idea before closing the deal. Following these steps will ensure that when you find that good deal on a classic Schwinn, it will be "The Real Deal." Happy collecting!

Schwinn Phantom - The Real Deal Revealed

This article was originaly posted on dinosaurs and robots.com

TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008

Harry Wong's Schwinn Phantom - Won in Duncan Yo-Yo Contest, Still in Box

Everybody dreams of stories like this. Harry Wong won a 26" Schwinn Phantom in a 1950 Duncan YoYo Contest but never removed the bicycle from the box. When an ad showed up on craigslist for the brand new 57 year old bike, the Schwinn Collector's Forum voiced considerable (warranted) skepticism. One fella persevered and now he owns the ultimate Schwinn:

There has been so much talk and skepticism about this NOS 1950's Schwinn Phantom still in the original box. To all the people who said the bike never existed, it was "a scam", the postee is full of bull, hope UPS runs it over with a forklift and so on, etc... I think you were all proven wrong!

The bike DOES exist and it now resides in New Jersey. I'm going to share the facts of the bike. In 1950, Henry Wong was a participant in a Duncan YoYo contest. The grand prize was a brand new Schwinn Phantom 26" bicycle.

Two weeks ago when I saw the post on the Page, I figured let me call this guy and see if this is for real. I left a message. A gentleman called me back and said his name was Henry and that he did have the bike. We chatted a while about it and I said that I would take the bike. All I needed was him to send me some detailed photos of the box. He replied, "fine." I waited and waited, but I never heard back from him for two or three days. I knew he probably SOLD local. I finally called him back and said, "Henry, this is John from Jersey. What are we doing on the bike?" He said, "I was waiting to get the pictures developed." It was obvious that he used a 35mm pic and then made color copies and faxed me the photos. That's when I almost fell over and could not believe my eyes. It was the real deal.

The thread petered out in July of 2007 and I don't see if the lucky buyer ended up unboxing the Duncan Grand Prize but box damage did allow a wonderful hidden view inside the box.

Posted by Mister Jalopy at 1:26 PM

Schwinn Quality For Over 100 Years

Schwinn has dominated the bicycle industry and redefined two-wheeled transportation over and over for more than a century. Schwinn is an awesome example of the freedom we have in America. Their success, quality and innovative designs are a testament to free enterprise and what has made America a thriving economic leader in the world today.

Of course there are many good bicycle brands available on the market now from all around the world, but nothing has captured the heart and soul of so many, for so long, as the Schwinn brand has. Now with that said, it's no wonder Schwinn is on the first page of the Google search results for "bicycle".

What's a die-hard Schwinn enthusiast to do? You know what I'm talking about. You can't get enough of the classic vintage innovative wonders that are a result of the famous Schwinn Brand Bicycle Company. Just the word Schwinn does something inside of a true Schwinn enthusiast. When you're talking bicycles, you're talking Schwinn. Now let's explore the many avenues one might take to get their own personal Schwinn riding experience.

Schwinn Vintage Bicycles are definitely high in popularity among collectors. From the early no-name bicycles at the turn of the century to the many famous Schwinn's of the 20th century, Schwinn has most always come out on topside. 

The Aero cycle from the 30's, the Phantoms of the 40's, the Cruisers from the 50's, the ever popular Sting-Rays of the 60's and 70's followed by Road bikes, BMX bikes and English racers are among the memorable Schwinn brand. What an impressive first 100 years it has been! 

The eBay website is a great place to find vintage Schwinn's. Check out the many Vintage Schwinn's available for you to see on eBay. If you are particularly fascinated with Sting-Rays, you can also look over their impressive line-up of Sting-Rays on eBay.

Reproduction Schwinn Bikes were made in the mid 90's through the 2000's and are a great way of remembering the vintage brands without having to restore and spend a ton of money. The first reproduction bike made was the Schwinn Black Phantom in 1995 celebrating Schwinn's 100 year anniversary. Others that were produced are the Schwinn Panther Beach Cruiser and Schwinn's Sting-Ray Series including the well sought after Krates. 

Of course these reproduction models are no match for the originals but are true to design and consist of updated components. The popular stick-shift on the Sting-Ray models is omitted and replaced by a thumb shifter on the handle bar. Many of these and other Schwinn Bikes can also be found on eBay.

Looking for a new Schwinn bike? Schwinn may have lost their edge as the #1 manufacturer in the industry but they are still competitive in today's market and have many good quality models to choose from. One of them could be just right for you. 

Choose from road, bike path, cruisers and more. Some 2011 models available are the single speed Schwinn Madison Road Bike for a great ride without the gears. Then there's the new stylish World Market Bike that is very easy to ride. Another classic is the Schwinn Sierra 21 speed with smaller wheels (for those of smaller stature). For cruisers Schwinn has the 700c Nancy Cruiser that is a fun ride (great for picnicking, etc). Check these out in the following video along with Schwinn's brand new design Tango Tandem for those who like to share the ride.

Schwinn offers basically two lines of bicycles. One is the high end line of bicycles featured on their own website and sold through specialty bike shops as mentioned above. These are the Signature bikes that Schwinn is famous for. This is where true seasoned Schwinn bike enthusiast go to snag their next ride. 

The other is a pocket friendly line of lower quality discount bikes offered through mass-merchandisers such as Wal-Mart, Sears and Kmart. These are suitable for the average bike rider.  

Visit a Schwinn bike shop in your area and have a knowledgeable bike professional fit you to a quality new Schwinn.

Charity Bike Ride For Fitness? Why Not?

Entering A Charity Ride: If you've been meaning to get involved in bicycling but don't know just where to begin, here's some food for thought. How about joining a fundraising charity bike ride? Entering a charity bike ride is a great way to get yourself in shape and at the same time raise money for a good cause. It can be a lot of fun where you'll be meeting new friends and helping people in need. Having an event to train for will also give you the extra motivation you need to get out the door and on your bike.

One of many charity rides for example is the Network of Strength Ride To Empower. The Ride to Empower is a destination bike ride that raises funds to provide breast cancer support. Bike routes range up to 100 miles. Depending on the fundraising package you choose, travel, food, bike transport and lodging expenses for the event may be covered. Network of Strength will provide you with cycling guidance and fundraising support.  

Training For A Charity Ride: Whether you choose to participate over 50 miles or 100 miles you’ll need to put in a few training rides to make sure that you can go the distance. The first thing to make sure of is that your bike is up to the job. It needs to be fully functional and fitted to your stature. Over the weeks leading up to the ride, try and fit in two or three training rides per week, gradually building the mileage that you cover from week to week. Have one longer ride and one or two shorter rides. Make sure you give yourself sufficient time to build up your long ride mileage to at least three quarters of that you’ll be covering on the big day. 

You should aim to increase the distance of your long ride by about 10 to 20 percent per week and you'll need to start with a distance that you are comfortable with but stretches you slightly. Don’t worry if you can only fit in one ride. You could try substituting the other missed rides by taking a brisk walk or a run. During the week leading up to the charity ride, you should ease down on your training rides. Aim to reduce your mileage by 50 percent over the previous week and you’ll feel fresh and raring to go come the big day.

Choosing A Bike: Once you've made the decision to join a ride, make sure you have the right bike for the task. Most charity riding events are on paved roads so it is reccomended to have a good quality road bike for optimum ease in encountering the hills and distances on the road. I would not choose a mountain bike simply for the fact that the wide knobby tires are meant to provide extra grip on rough terrain but will cause a drag on paved roads. A mountain bike will also take too much out of you during a distance ride. 

Road bikes have thinner tires that offer less rolling resistance and a more aerodynamic cycling position that will see you through the distance in half the time. For a great entry level road bike that is easy on your wallet, check out Schwinn's top selling Road Bike. Whatever bike you plan to use, it is a good idea to use the same bike for all your training rides. Don't forget to bring a spare tube and a tire pump. Hopefully you wont need them but you never know. And most important… enjoy yourself!

To see and learn more about charity rides do a google search on charity bike rides to find events in your desired location.

How many colors made Up The Schwinn Krate Series?

The popular Schwinn Krate bikes were produced from 1968 until 1972. Originally, the Krate bikes were offered in 6 colors. The first three colors were introduced in 1968. They were the Orange Krate, the Apple Krate (Red), and the Lemon Peeler (Yellow). These three continued to be available for all five model years. The Pea Picker (Green) was introduced in 1969 and continued for all remaining model years. The Cotton Picker (White) had a 2 year run in 1970 and 1971. The rarest of them all was the Grey Ghost which was produced only in 1971. Only 6 colors made up the Original Krate collection.

In 1999 Schwinn introduced their reproduction Krates which ran through 2006. These Krates were pretty much true to original specs except the popular stick-shift was excluded and the five speed Shimano shifter was a more efficient updated version. Anyway, back to the color issue. In addition to reproducing the original 6 model Krates, they added another model which Schwinn never formerly produced, the Grape Krate (purple). So all in all there are 7 colors that make up the complete existing collection of Schwinn Krate Bikes.

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