Schwinn Bikes Brand Guide 2023

These models were similarly introduced in the early/mid-1960s and were 10-speed, but they’re quite rare as they weren’t produced for long. All Schwinn bikes post-1948 have serial numbers, which you can search in Google to determine the model and help decide whether or not it’s worth buying. You can find the serial number either underneath the bottom bracket, the rear dropout, or in the head tube. Schwinn themselves began increasingly importing bikes from the Japanese producers Bridgestone and Panasonic, which were able to rival prestigious models such as the Schwinn Paramount, yet could be sold at half the price. Over the next few years, Schwinn the Aerocycle, a kids’ bike designed to look like a motorbike, alongside a low-cost bike for adults. Offered in Schwinn Relaxed Position Geometry and Relaxed Position Plus, this technology is specifically targeting customers who aim for a comfortable ride, with a lowered riding position for an easier leg extension while pedaling.

This, combined with the import-dominated market and outdated factory, meant that the company management shifted the majority of production to Japan. In conjunction with this, Schwinn, along with other USA-based bike manufacturers, successfully campaigned in 1955 to raise import taxes on foreign bikes. Prior to the 1950s, high street retailers bought non-branded bikes from producers and then put their own branding on them.

The Paramount series had limited production numbers, making vintage examples quite rare today. Other road bikes were introduced by Schwinn in the early and mid 1960s, such as the Superior, Sierra, and Super Continental, but these were only produced for a few years. The Varsity and Continental sold in large numbers through the 1960s and early 1970s, becoming Scwhinn’s leading models. The wheel rims were likewise robust, chromed, stamped steel with schwinn bikes a unique profile designed to hold the tire bead securely, even if pressure were low or lost. Our newest bike, the AC Performance Plus, is designed to enhance rider comfort with an infinitely adjustable seat and handlebars, a wider step-through and durable, covered stretch pads – all surrounded by a rust-free aluminum frame. A stronger drive train and chain make for easy maintenance while delivering an authentic riding experience indoors.

Schwinn was soon sponsoring a bicycle racing team headed by Emil Wastyn, who designed the team bikes, and the company competed in six-day racing across the United States with riders such as Jerry Rodman and Russell Allen. In 1938, Frank W. Schwinn officially introduced the Paramount series. Developed from experiences gained in racing, Schwinn established Paramount as their answer to high-end, professional competition bicycles. The Paramount used high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel alloy tubing and expensive brass lug-brazed construction. During the next twenty years, most of the Paramount bikes would be built in limited numbers at a small frame shop headed by Wastyn, in spite of Schwinn’s continued efforts to bring all frame production into the factory.

However, Schwinn switched up the industry by instead insisting that Schwinn branding had to be retained on the bikes sold by stores. After an initial massive boom in bicycle sales that coincided with the founding of the company, the industry declined. During this period, Schwinn bought up a number of smaller bicycle production companies in order to survive. While company ownership has changed over the years, the brand is still synonymous with quality and value. The Schwinn Discover is a 700c wheel hybrid bike series with bikes for both men and women. Ideally, road bikes are the right choice for paved roads and bike paths.

It was soon followed by even more accessorized models such as the Stingray Deluxe and Super Deluxe. However, after failing to purchase shares in Giant, Schwinn ditched their arrangement and moved manufacturing to China. 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. Crucially, Schwinn also failed to successfully break into the newly emerging markets of BMX and mountain biking in the mid/late 1970s. This not only presented Schwinn with a lack of publicity, but also meant that Schwinn did not keep up with the latest innovations in frame geometry, gearing, and other components pioneered by the professional peloton. They then built a small factory in Chicago, which was at that point the center of the bicycle industry.

If you’re more of a price-oriented shopper, I would definitely say go with Schwinn, it’s a great option. So I have nothing bad to say about it, I would say $150 range if you’re okay with that two and a half to three and a half star, Schwinn cruisers are a great option. In the 1980s, Waterford Precision started building cyclocross bikes. They are similar to the gravel bikes popular today, which also handle well on a range of surfaces. The ownership of Schwinn-branded bikes has changed hands several times. In October 2021, a privately-held Dutch group called Pon Holdings bought Dorel Sports from Dorel Industries, the parent company for ​​Schwinn, Cannondale, GT and Mongoose.

Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use. This allows the seated rider to touch the ground with comfort, in addition to presenting a more balanced ride thanks to the lowered saddle schwinn road bike and the elongated top tube. This is achieved by utilizing an elastomer that’s attached between the seat stay and the seat tube to minimize fatigue and absorb shocks caused by hard impacts adding almost negligible weight.