My Grandmother was a welder at Schwinn starting in the lete thirty's until the earlt seventies. She might have neen their best doing Contintentials and customs throughout the sixties. She made me mt Stingray in 63 and had it painted metal flake gold. I rember her making a custom bike for relative with polio, Thanks for this!
@@xmo552 I don't know enough about the other older American made frames - BUT - one thing to look for is brazing on the joints - Many pf the American made frames, even into the 1980's were still hand brazed - Any hand brazed frame is worth "something" or at least worth getting back running
@@AstroVanTribe Agreed. My era was the bmx stuff. I was born in 1982. I still have a 1978 Mongoose and a 83/84 Mongoose. I'd like to dabble with a JC Higgins.
@@brianchisnell1548 Well they're maybe distributed in America but that's it. I bought a Ludwig kit back in '09 and the packing material had 'China' on it. The sticks were completely warped and the seat was a real cheapo.
@@lonnyjaw Ludwig sells all levels of drumkits, some imported, some made in USA. The price of a USA made Ludwig 5 piece shell kit bottom of the USA made line will cost between 3 and 5 thousand. Not really cheap. The garbage comes from overseas. ✌
Thanks for explaining the electro forge process a bit. I've always wondered how they did it. I've also got a 79 spitfire 5 with the drum rear brake and the bike is 100% original and looks practically brand new. I changed the tires so I could reliably ride it because nothings better than riding a vintage Schwinn. My oldest Schwinn is a 1953 and it rides incredible.
After watching this video, I’m confident that my green,1970 Schwinn, 2 speed Hollywood model was built in Chicago. The badge is screwed on with Chicago printed under the logo. The other identifiers seem to match with what you are saying. My late father purchased the bicycle new decades ago and it’s in great condition. It was too big for me when he bought it, but he got it for me to grow into. As a child, I wanted a Stingray like the other kids. I’ll never forget this memory: My best friend’s older brother who behaved like Eddie Haskle towards my skinny, braces on my teeth self with his constant teasing, got on my new bike and rode it up and down the street tooting the tune associated with The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. I was mortified and wished Dad would have got me the Stingray. That kid was a bully and always made me feel like everything about me was not right. However, here I am, years later, and I’ll still be able to look appropriate at my age riding my classic Schwinn cruiser bike and think of my Dad. I went through my Dad’s papers after he passed away almost five years ago, and he saved the original brochure, labels and sale receipt. I would not feel comfortable riding a banana seat bike at my age, so everything worked out and father knew best. LOL! He always told me to hang onto it because they don’t make them like this anymore. There was a little rust on the chrome fenders which I was able to polish off. There are a few scratches in the green paint, but I’m pretty sure it’s got to be in better condition than others from the same era. After a lot of research, I just purchased S7 tires for it. The tires have needed replacing for years, and I finally have the correct tires. It has a lot of sentimental value. Thanks for explaining the differences between a Chicago manufactured bike and ones that aren’t.
Yep, iffin' you know what to look for! I have a 1970 Continental tall frame I acquired a number of years ago. I updated it with all new components along with 700c wheels. The only OEM pieces left on it are the red-label center-pull Weinmann brake calipers. I put over 10k miles on the rebuilt bike. I'm currently within a week or two or three from completing a similar rebuild on a 1974 Continental extra tall frame. I do believe it has yellow label Dia-Compe calipers. I cabled up the brakes today and boy they are spongy compared to the Weinmann setup. I threw down some dosh on a pair of old Weinmann calipers via eBay in hopes of getting the stoppers as solid as the 1970 example. I love these old school frames -- battle tank tough and anvil reliable.
Oh, and if you're fascinated by business case studies and family business drama, pedal up to the local library and check out the book, _No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, an American Institution_, by Judith Crown and Glenn Coleman. It's a good Spring/Summer read.
Awesome video!! This would have been great if I seen this a week ago. I found an old Schwinn in the scrap yard, paid scrap price for it too!! Ran the serial # and it's a '56. Gonna ride while I collect parts to restore it.
To orrow St. Incent DePaul Charity is coming to collect my Schwinn bike and some other donations. I’m a Chicagoan living out West since the late 70’s. This bike came out west with me and my family and has spent a lot of years hanging in my garage and not being ridden. It deserves to be and I was really having second thoughts about letting it go. Well, it’s staying and now I just have to find somebody to service it. I’m the kid who learned to ride on a friends bike because her parents wouldn’t get her a two wheeler. They were so afraid she’d get hurt. Didn’t get hurt and finally bought myself a two wheel Schwinn. You can probably figure out I’m really old, but they say it’s only a number.
I have a 68 Schwinn Krate I turned into a pea picker. Started with just a frame, fenders and 5 speed tire. Almost complete now just need to get my seat redone. I also have a pogo seat post for it. I’ve only used genuine parts that are period correct.
My Dad owned a bike shop and fixed them, as a kid growing up in the late 60's and 70's I had many Schwinn's, but my favorite were a 3 speed, with banana seat and sissy bar, a 5 speed with banana seat and car like "shifter", and a 10 speed. Man, life was good...wish I had those bikes today.
You're spot on MZ! Great video!! I ride the Schwinn made in Chicago cantilever frames in New York City. It takes a beating and still runs true.. Great frames! Thanks for the video.
Good info. I have a '71 Super Sport in Sierra Brown. Chrome Moly tubing and fillet brazed joints. Schwinn had a shop for the hand made frames. Sports Tourer, Paramout were built there also. The '60s and '70s were bicycle Mecca. We used to call Varsitys and Continentals "water pipe bikes". Then my buddy got a Gitane "Tour de France" Wow! What a bike that was. A lot lighter than my SS. Cheers!
Yeah, I keep hoping to run across an 18" SS so I can build it into a Klunker like the green one you see in this video... Not many know about the chrome moly ss frames
I still own my ‘84 Sierra in black chrome….it travelled with me on my various ships in the Navy…..and my ‘85 Super Sport in pearl white--but dear God, I wish I had kept my 73 Continental in burgundy! Great video! You claim to not be a professional vlogger…..perhaps true. But a lot of “professionals” out there add inconsequential trivia, ridiculously loud or obnoxious music, or opinions and ideas completely disassociated from the video’s topic. You, on the other hand, --right to the point! You are obviously knowledgeable and you remained on topic! AND…..viewing your video felt as if it were directed to me / the viewer….just as if I were standing in your garage and talking with you. THAT amigo, in my opinion, makes for a “professional” and a value-added UA-cam video. Bravo-Zulu, amigo…..great info well presented, well done!
Thanks for that, it's truly appreciated - Them black chrome Sierra's are wonderful bikes - I have a few of the frames hanging around - When I can get them on the cheap I strip them for the good quality parts to swap over to my Klunker builds - I've tuned a few of the nicer ones and sold them - That's a quality mtn bike - They came with different geometry's as well
Thank you, thank you. You made my day. I've got a small bike collection but I'm still learning. I have a yellow Schwinn Continental, all original...everything, it even has the original yellow handlebar tape and I figure it is "vintage" but I'm having a hard time finding the actual manufacture date. 1970's ? I'll keep looking but so far, 'nada'. You help me identify that my Schwinn road bike met all your criteria and was made in Chicago. I'm a happy bike rider. Thanks again.
My cousin worked at the old Schwinn plant in Chicago in the late 1940s. Before being drafted to serve in Korea His job was polishing the cranks, he said one day mister Schwinn held a meeting regarding a roomer about workers joining a Union. He said if you want to do that I can't stop you but I will shut the plant down, I have more money than I will ever spend now so it's up to you employees .
That is so interesting! I had a Sting-Ray when I was a kid. It was blue with a white banana seat and those handle bars and sissy bar. I loved that bike and beat it up as a kid would. When I got tired of the girly banana seat set up, my Dad took off the seat, sissy bar and handle bars. He put a small seat and handle bars. Like a beach cruiser. I think I rode it for at least 5 years. So much fun😊👍🏻
I just got a 73 Schwinn Continental. I saw right away that the handlebar stem wasn’t original and neither was the seat. After riding it just a little bit I fell in love with it and bought it for $250. Hope I got a good deal for it. It needs a little tweaking and TLC, however that is mostly cosmetic. I’ll see if I want to put any more money into it. Oh…and I’m now going to look at it to see if it is a Chicago built one.
Pretty cool. I raced a Schwinn XS Pro in the early 90s, the same as the Foster brothers rode. I think at the time, Yeti was making them under the Schwinn name. I still have it, and for me, the value is within the memories it holds. Thanks for the great information!
I don't remember all the years exactly, I was working for Redline and or GT at the time, but the CBC (China Bicycle Co) started mass producing the entire Schwinn line. I'd say about the time frame you mentioned, maybe 88ish or so. Then CBC around 90-92ish started making Giant brand bicycles and started importing them to the US Independent Bike Dealer "IBD". Their ploy was, "We have Giant, which is identical to Schwinn, and if you DON'T take on our line, we're gonna set-up the shop down the street and they'll have a Giant branded Schwinn for 25% cheaper retail than your Schwinn brand"........It worked like a charm, they hired the best of the best road reps in the industry and paid them well......gave them a car, a bike rack, 3-4 bike samples and sent them on the road attacking all the Schwinn dealers across the nation. Those Reps were making bank at the time and we all envied them and wished we had gotten that job.......that lasted for about 4 years and then Giant let all those high dollar reps go and started selling over the phone. This is what put Schwinn out of business in essence. Then Schwinn proper sold out to "Zell Chilmark" which is basically a holding company and that went downhill even further. You'd get a new GM for a facility that came from Kimberly-Clark.....so last month that executive was selling toilet paper, this month he's gonna start selling bicycles......it was total disaster. China Bicycle Company, CBC basically gave Schwinn loads of bicycles for years, put the USA factory out of business and learned all Schwinn's secrets or how to build bike for the American consumer, learned where all the USA Schwinn dealers were.....then stabbed Schwinn in the back and killed the brand forever.
@@AstroVanTribe Schwinn was fat dumb and happy at the time. They didn't even make any real attempt to address the BMX market in the hey day. Sure, they printed up those fugly red Schwinn uniforms, but the Schwinn Sting wasn't a real contender in the BMX frame market ever. Schwinn could hardly be bothered to sponsor any of the Nationals. They worked a bit more with the NBA on the East coast, but they never had anything to do with the ABA on the West coast. Like you said, they just didn't have the edge they needed in the 80s. They thought they had complete control.....I'm sure there were discussions that ended with "The 1979 Stingray is good enough for the American market, why should we change??"
Which were made in Taiwan and only in recent history where they bought by Pacific bicycles and started being produced in China. GT also...in fact almost all the big companies are owned by Pacific.
@@hamjohn8737 so close but yet so far away! You are correct Schwinn wasn't reacting fast enough to stay #1, but they did sponsor MANY races in the MiInOh area. They sponsored great riders, and the red/black/white uniforms were pimp!!! Pretty sure mine were Bill Walter's leathers.
Helpful info. The head-badge on my 1968 Sting-Ray Fastback has the word "Chicago" printed at the bottom so, not much doubt there. The month and year of production is encoded in the serial number if you have a chart to interpret it.
I purchased a stingray that everyone I asked said was a 1953, I'm a 16 year old kid and so far this has been the best bike I've ever owned. It's by no means original its got ape hangers and was painted yellow with house paint, but it's mine and I love it almost as much as my truck!
great information thank you i have a 1957 schwinn hornet but not real sure of it being authentic it has the right pieces like the seat and the racks this should help me to know if its a fake i also have a chinese flying pidgeon rod brake bike that i picked up very different but huge cool factor love the old bikes
As a kid in the 60s used to tell by the forks Schwinn had solid forks with the chrome cap on top where other bikes had hollow tube forks had a stingray and a 10 speed varsity
I’ve got a 57 starlette and a 66 panther. I know mine were made in Chicago. I’ve met the guy that bought the entire inventory when they shut down. He started the bicycle museum of America in New Bremen Ohio. If you ever get the chance, GO THERE! It’s amazing. CWC also made frames with rear facing dropouts.
What's up, Michael Z, not sure if you remember me, but this a nice video. Just gotta point out that Chicago "cage" bikes weren't electro-forged; some were lugged and brazed and most were fillet-brazed, examples being the Sting, King Sting, Super Sport (FB) and Paramounts (lugged).... also, a lot of later Scramblers were Electroforged with heliarc brazed reinforcement.... there's some differing viewpoints on whether or not Scramblers were brazed in the "cage" or not, and to make things weirder, the earliest 20" Stings were made in the cage, then some 80-81 Stings were made in the Wisconsin PDG/Waterford factory, and the very latest Stings were made in the Cage at Chi-town but with the ugliest joints in the history of the model. I have 3 Chicago Schwinns that don't conform to any of the EF "Rules," but they are absolutely legit Chicago Schwinns. Also got a late-model Chicago Scrambler with conflicting details; definitely EFed but not only EFed... Keep up the good work.
Thank you ! I’ve been collecting schwinns for a while now and knew most of what u told us but I did need to be dun! A lot of people don’t have any idea what they have!
I like to scan Craigsist for deals, it's how I get parts for my Klunker builds, and I'm always seeing things being listed as "Schwinn" that are clearly garbage. I used to post an "add" that was a lesson, a few paragraphs long with pictures of all these details but it would get flagged a lot - I finally decided to make this video...
I haven't had a chance to look at my Continental after watching your video, but I'm pretty sure it's a Chicago Schwinn--I bought it new at a Schwinn dealer in 1972.
What about the filet brazed models? They were made in the Chicago factory. The Paramounts were made there too. I’ve heard they had a special area in the factory they called “the cage” where most of the fabrication of the Paramounts took place. Some machines outside of the cage were also used. I also heard the most of the fillet brazed frames where welded by women.
I’ve got a couple of old classics Schwins in my barn. With a knowledge you gave me I’m gonna go out there and take a look. Ones in ancient three speed that’s complete with the original continental tires
I have a 26" Schwinn frame I got about 20 years ago, it had a skip - link chain set up, Schwinn tag screwed on, pushed in tubes in the back ( don't know all those fancy terms he used ) , big bulky seam on the bottom, fender mount, and some numbers that start with LN and I can see the top and front tube look like they were one piece custom cut and bent. Sounds like a pretty good one. I been trying to figure out what year but still haven't been able to.
I have a 1980 Schwinn Predator that was made in Chicago. I've been told that 80 was the only year Chicago made them. After watching your video I'm convinced it's definitely a Chicago made Schwinn.
Thanks for the info! I was wondering what that red "cruiser" bike frame was from when you were talking about made in taiwan. Can't find any info on it and have one sitting in the garage! Was thinking about putting it back together!
I have an old Schwinn Traveler that I was thinking was made in the 1970's and it says that it was made in JAPAN. It has a lug style frame and the GT120 derailleur that was used back then.
Hay bro I did what u said I mounted a rear brake with one of those brake mounts u said to get with a hole in the bolt ,on my 1937 rollfast rides great n stops well ty bro
Very good video for identifying a real Chicago Schwinn, love all your videos. I’m a woodworker too and I enjoy those videos also, not to mention your sense of humor and common sense. Are you sure you’re not part Texan.
most excellent info Thanks. I would also be interested in some basic Klunker tips videos , IE: bottom brackets , cranksets , I have a Schwinn and am in process for a Klunker build for this year's Pearl Pass Tour Klunker Tour in September. I will build using front and rear derailleurs and try to keep the weight reasonable. I started mountain biking in 1983 , first production MTB a Schwinn Cimarron , which I still ride - but just missed that Klunker era with the Crested Butte townies , hence gotta do it ! thanks , Scott Whittet
There are ways to run a 3 piece crank with an American BB, if you're building a post war it has a low BB so don't go longer than 170mm on the crank arms
I bought a 1970 Schwinn Typhoon back in 2005 for $25.00. I looked up the serial number to find out it's age. I saw that bike at a rummage sale while walking my dog at the time. I had to get him home so I could go back to buy it. I'm so glad I found it. I wish I could show it in the comment. Could you let me know where I might be able to find an original rear reflector for it? Thanks for this video.
I've been schooled on Schwinn bicycles ever since Captain Kangaroo commercials and when I got a Stingray for my birthday in 1978 and years since then I have a basement full of bicycles, mostly 80% Schwinn frames. My main non-OG riders are a red 1960 Deluxe Tornado on Huffy rims and a black '66 Heavy Duty that started out as a $10 frame Frankensteined with various Schwinn parts and Dayton wheels... great 'videography'!
I have an old Swinn bike. I purchased the frame, because I always wanted a Swinn growing up. It look like it has all its original parts. But, it is real old! I want to restore it. But, I don't know where to start!
Michael, thanks, great survey of Chicago Schwinn characteristics. I've been loving these old bikes a long time, and have disassembled, cleaned, renovated, and reassembled many of them. I did not understand the electro-forged frame, so I appreciate learning that. The thing I'm wondering - I have always first looked at the fork. Nearly every Schwinn frame bike between the 50s and last Chicago Schwinns in the 80s had a forged blade fork. I have seen just a few tubular forks, but the forged flat blade forks were a clear defining feature. Why did you not mention that? I'm not challenging you on this, I am wondering if there's something you know here that I have missed. The fork was always the very first thing I have looked at. And thanks again!
I didn't cover forks because they're a separate thing - Many people aren't stumbling across complete bikes all the time, that's why I focused on the specific frame details - I failed to point out the chain stay seams behind the BB as often as I feel I should have. I believe it was the forks, stems and cranks that were forged by Ashtabula for Schwinn - I suppose I could nerd out on those parts as well at some point - Thanks for the comment and good question
@@AstroVanTribe Understood - thanks for the quick reply to a comment on a video you did a year ago! I thought maybe you were covering just the frame, but wasn't sure. I'm not sure the handlebar stems in the 60s were from Ashtabula, I will have to do some research - I know that the bolt is a very weird British thread, almost impossible to source unless you're taking them from old Schwinn stems. 3/8 BSF (British Standard Fine,) I believe, 20 threads per inch. I thought maybe those stems came from Waterford, who I think made the earlier Paramount. I love those old Schwinn frames. I generally find them in junk condition, clean up the crank and headset bearings, and add modern alloy wheels with an internal geared hub. Most people don't realize you can buy a Shimano 7 or 8 speed hub with a coaster brake. That makes a great cruiser. You have to cold set (spread) the rear triangle to fit the 8 speed, but the steel in those old Schwinn frames will hold up just fine to being spread for that purpose. It's a great video, thanks again for laying out those unique features, I never realized the raised bb seam and seam on the pinched rear end were unique to Schwinn. (Edit: all sources I'm finding call those stems Ashtabula stems. I can't find any source that says if the bolts are BSF or Whitworth.)
I have three Schwinn cruisers, a 1960 Panther II, 1980 Cruiser 5 and a 1986 Cruiser. While I knew the 86 wasn't a Chicago built bike I never noticed that badge on the 86 was riveted.
great video . i have a schwinn varsity with a tall neck .the back of the seat says schwinn .the schwinn front emblem has the two screw . where do i look to find out what year this bike was made .
Thanks for the video Mike! Restoring a 1960 Schwinn Tiger. It’s all original and just needs the coaster brake to be gone through. Any recommendations on the brake restoration? ☮️🤙🏻
Yeah, as you remove the parts lay them out in order and mind the orientation of each part - Clean each part separately then place it back - Assemble the brake dry, without grease, and test to make sure you did it right, test the function and do that a couple times so you've got it down. THEN use the Lucas Red & Tacky grease, pack the crap out of it and put it all back together
I worked for a Schwinn dealer in Muskegon Michigan in the spring of 72. I have a tandem i got there with a serial number identifying it as new in October of 69. It has most of the Chicago identifying things you talk about. The seem under the crank is only at the rear crank and i'm not sure about the electro forged head tube. Would tandems have anything different about them?
once i watched this and learned what the electroforge head tube was i had to get a real chicago schwinn. just posted a video about it. thanks for the tips!
Need help with my Chicago Schwinn because based on your video my serial number denotes that it is a 1980's (DU508083). But you said in 80's Schwinns did not have a protruding seam on the bottom bracket, but my bike does have a distinctive protruding seam on the bottom bracket. It also does NOT have a glob of weld where the down tube meets the bottom bracket. My bike also has these features: Electro forged head tube. I have the kick stand. Serial number is on the right side of the head tube. I have pinching on the seat and chain stay. I have a brake bridge. Screws on the head badge. So im not sure if my Shwinn is an 80's or earlier version.
watch and listen again - I said the 1984 did NOT have the protruding seam. The Chicago made frames stopped in '83 - then for almost two years they were assembled by Murray in Tennessee from genuine Chicago made parts
Hi, and thanks for the informative video. On that blue bike at the end (at the 6:16 mark), what brand tire is that white wall on the rear? I don't recognize the tread pattern. And is it a quality tire? Thanks.
Hello, great video , thanks for the info , I just came across a 16 inch 1976 schwinn pixie bike , and it's crome plated ? Do you know anything about them ?? I can't find any information about it ? Thanks for any of your time !
I’m a truck driver , drive in Chicago everyday, and visit the old Schwinn factory on Kostner about once a month, I have yet to find any old bikes in there but I’m always looking
I've made multiple speed Klunkers from Schwinn cantilever frames - You can see some of them here on my channel - It's work and I do it from all vintage parts scavenged from other bikes - You need to spread the rear stays
I was questioned on the badge. It doesn't have Chicago under Schwinn on the badge, just an R to the bottom of Schwinn. However, it is screwed, not riveted. The serial.number on the left rear indicates may 10, 1960 and it has Bendix on as well.
@@AstroVanTribe awesome! I'm listening to the video and taking notes. I saw online Chicago was not on all badges. I read mid 60's. All I care about was the fact that not "all" badges have the word Chicago. Thnx for the info! Great video!
I still have my 1976 Schwinn Varsity in kind of a red metallic finish. I temember my father looking at it when we went by and saying,” How come there’s no fenders?” I think the continental which was one step up had the fenders. It was $165 if I recall properly. It’s a bit of a tank. And I don’t really ride it right now but… I really can’t get rid of it.
I'm trying to assemble a 1968 schwinn exercise bike. Is there a video on how to do it from the beginning order,because I think I doing it in the wrong order.
Great video! There is one grey area that you didn't mention and that's reguarding the blue 1983 Cruiser within the yellow fork. It's the missing piece of steel or seam on the bottom. There is a strong possibility that the frame was built in the Murray factory in Tennessee. I know that many of the 83's were built in that factory when the Chicago factory closed around June 1st. I have a Sierra that has a Chicago Schwinn badge and all of the other trademarks with the exception of that bottom piece. I was told that these bikes were built with equipment that was moved from the Chicago factory and set up at Murray. They only did this for a short period of time. 9 months? Take a look at the difference between an American made Sierra from 1983 and a Tiawan built Sierra from 1984.
My Father-in-Law passed away in 1993, and one of the things he left my wife was a genuine Chicago made Schwinn 26" middle weight- metallic green with original chrome full fenders and a chrome springer front end. I don't know how old it is, it needs a new seat and tires and a lot of chrome polish and a paint job- I just haven't figured out what I'm going to do with it. The Original lettering- is that decal or paint? It would probably cost more to restore the paint and lettering than the bike is worth...
My parents both had Schwinns when I was a kid in the 80s, and they barely rode them as we grew up, so we often tried to ride them but could barely reach the pedals. My dad had a red cruiser that was particularly targeted for abuse as well got older, including putting a BMX wheel on the front to have a "chopper". They eventually gave/threw them away. What I wouldn't give to have kept that bike until now and turn it into a klunker. Took me almost 30 years to get back into bikes.
The two frames I have are genuine ☺️ Schwinn. One frame is shorter than the other.😯 There both with in that 20" boys frames, one was made August 1970 the other May 1-1958.
Mine's a 1955 Town and Country tandem. It has Brampton cottered chainsets,top of the range! I do like the strength and simplicity of the Ashtabula cranks though. Made in Chicago,just like my grandad!
I severely hate stupid ' multiple piece cranks ' any bikes I or my kids have with those stupid things I change out the frames or weld another tube on the bottom just so I can put a one piece crank on them.
Thanks Michael for this video ! I have a Schwinn cruiser bike with the 2nd frame that you show in your video. The crank bearings are worn out, and I'm unsure how to find replacement bearings. I wonder if you know a source for these bearings, or maybe know the size or specifications of the bearings ? I would appreciate any knowledge about this you can share with me. I love riding this bike and would like to get it back on the road. Thanks again !
If the bearings are worn and it's been ridden for a while like that then the bearing cups could also be deformed - Original Schwinn sets can be found on eBay - Not cheap these days... Typically they wear because the nut and bearing race nut back out a bit and don't get properly set so a wobble begins to happen
@@AstroVanTribe Hi Michael - Thanks for the info ! I will give eBay a serious search. Yesterday I Googled "schwinn bicycle replacement bearings for usa schwinn bicycle," and one of the results was someone on eBay offering Schwinn crank bearings with a date range 1950s to 1980s, but said the bearings were "used but in good shape." I had hoped to find new bearings, and I will search eBay some more, but I wonder if you know the inside and outside diameter of the bearing assembly in case I need to shop for generic bearing assemblies - ? In any case, thanks for your reply and your cool and informative video !
@@tomthebrainiac All bearing sets for the American bottome brackets should work BUT even the used Schwinn sets are better than the new later model parts - The Schwinn stuff was the best ever made, I've run used sets in all my bikes. Every once-in-a-while I run into a warped bearing cup but it's pretty rare - When I mentioned eBay I was thinking used parts. Don't be afraid of them
@@AstroVanTribe Thanks Michael - I will go to eBay and try to make the deal on those bearings I had located. I appreciate your help and guidance on this. It will probably be after the holidays before I get this repair wrapped up, but hopefully I'll get it done soon thereafter. I'll report back fyi if anything interesting comes up. Happy Holidays !!
Thanks for the info. Much appreciation. I've a collection. A couple real Schwinns and a few with headbadge screws. I also have a Monarch Deluxe that has a serial # badge on bottom of crank that says made in Chicago.
I met an old man yesterday. I was asking for directions to mountain bike yrails. He showed me his 1956, Corvette Schwinn. I pumped up his tires for him and got one gear working on the 3 speed. Other gears the pedals just turn..no wheel grab. Can you explain to me how I can fix it?
You mentioned getting to the bikes that were assembled at the Murray factory. I have a 1983 varsity, (CU500463), it has all the characteristics of “made in Chicago” but that factory was already closed in 1983. So can it still be said to be a made in Chicago?
pretty certain I have a 70s red chicago schwinn continental 10spd and a blue 5 spd women's suburban, worth anything? they're all original and pretty clean, aside from dust grease etc... little to no rust.
Mike I have some pre war j.c. Higgins forks with truss bars I bought them and there the wrong size for my 1937 rollfast bike so I’m thinking either send them back and get my money back or make them fit by threading the threads lower to fit them on the bike but what do u think
As long as the tube is long enough to add thread it can be done - If you know any welders you can also cut the appropriate length fork tube off a doner fork and make anything work
That red frame looks to be a 5 speed frame. That Schwinn logo on the top bar would be 78 or 79. Making it either a Klunker 5 or Spitfire 5, both sought after bikes !
I know... I talk about it being a 5 speed and I know about the Klunker, I think this frame is a '78 but I forget - Thanks for the comment it'll motivate me to look that up
hey i have a 24inch schwinn front forks 5/16 axle any ideas to run a 3/8 axle in front without replacing forks can i grind it out let me know what you would suggest just a weekend cruiser no jumping
Thanks for getting back I figured it could be done I’ve modified things that people said don’t do just wanted to hear from a bike guy especially a Schwinn man. Thank you.
Rear left dropout, under the bottom bracket or on the right side of the headtube - If you don't find it in one of those three spots I don't know what to tell you
@@AstroVanTribe I was watching a video on the oldshovel channel. He had a tool similar to a bearing press he used to grind the top and bottom of the head tube. I guess it was to allow for the new bearing cups.
I am starting my first bicycle restoration project on a Chicago made Schwinn tiger. Does someone know what a color match for the blue version is? I am planning on spraying it with automotive quality paint.
My Grandmother was a welder at Schwinn starting in the lete thirty's until the earlt seventies. She might have neen their best doing Contintentials and customs throughout the sixties. She made me mt Stingray in 63 and had it painted metal flake gold. I rember her making a custom bike for relative with polio, Thanks for this!
This is the most badass comment here...!
@@AstroVanTribe You are right and the vintage schwinn were the best.
@@AstroVanTribe
Can you do something like this for the other older American bikes ?
@@xmo552 I don't know enough about the other older American made frames - BUT - one thing to look for is brazing on the joints - Many pf the American made frames, even into the 1980's were still hand brazed - Any hand brazed frame is worth "something" or at least worth getting back running
@@AstroVanTribe
Agreed. My era was the bmx stuff. I was born in 1982. I still have a 1978 Mongoose and a 83/84 Mongoose.
I'd like to dabble with a JC Higgins.
Schwinn bicycles is like what happened with Ludwig brand drums,(or any other product), China gets a hold of it and it turns into CRAP!
Ludwig drums are still made in the USA.
@@brianchisnell1548 Well they're maybe distributed in America but that's it. I bought a Ludwig kit back in '09 and the packing material had 'China' on it. The sticks were completely warped and the seat was a real cheapo.
The United Auto Workers union took over Schwinn with high dollar labor that most consumers could not afford. That is the real reason.
@@gregpeterman1102 I wondered what the reason was. Thanks
@@lonnyjaw
Ludwig sells all levels of drumkits, some imported, some made in USA. The price of a USA made Ludwig 5 piece shell kit bottom of the USA made line will cost between 3 and 5 thousand. Not really cheap. The garbage comes from overseas. ✌
Thanks for explaining the electro forge process a bit. I've always wondered how they did it. I've also got a 79 spitfire 5 with the drum rear brake and the bike is 100% original and looks practically brand new. I changed the tires so I could reliably ride it because nothings better than riding a vintage Schwinn. My oldest Schwinn is a 1953 and it rides incredible.
I also have a 57 spitfire it has a hornet chin guard
After watching this video, I’m confident that my green,1970 Schwinn, 2 speed Hollywood model was built in Chicago. The badge is screwed on with Chicago printed under the logo. The other identifiers seem to match with what you are saying.
My late father purchased the bicycle new decades ago and it’s in great condition. It was too big for me when he bought it, but he got it for me to grow into. As a child, I wanted a Stingray like the other kids. I’ll never forget this memory: My best friend’s older brother who behaved like Eddie Haskle towards my skinny, braces on my teeth self with his constant teasing, got on my new bike and rode it up and down the street tooting the tune associated with The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. I was mortified and wished Dad would have got me the Stingray. That kid was a bully and always made me feel like everything about me was not right. However, here I am, years later, and I’ll still be able to look appropriate at my age riding my classic Schwinn cruiser bike and think of my Dad. I went through my Dad’s papers after he passed away almost five years ago, and he saved the original brochure, labels and sale receipt. I would not feel comfortable riding a banana seat bike at my age, so everything worked out and father knew best. LOL! He always told me to hang onto it because they don’t make them like this anymore.
There was a little rust on the chrome fenders which I was able to polish off. There are a few scratches in the green paint, but I’m pretty sure it’s got to be in better condition than others from the same era. After a lot of research, I just purchased S7 tires for it. The tires have needed replacing for years, and I finally have the correct tires. It has a lot of sentimental value. Thanks for explaining the differences between a Chicago manufactured bike and ones that aren’t.
Great story
Yep, iffin' you know what to look for!
I have a 1970 Continental tall frame I acquired a number of years ago. I updated it with all new components along with 700c wheels. The only OEM pieces left on it are the red-label center-pull Weinmann brake calipers. I put over 10k miles on the rebuilt bike.
I'm currently within a week or two or three from completing a similar rebuild on a 1974 Continental extra tall frame. I do believe it has yellow label Dia-Compe calipers. I cabled up the brakes today and boy they are spongy compared to the Weinmann setup. I threw down some dosh on a pair of old Weinmann calipers via eBay in hopes of getting the stoppers as solid as the 1970 example.
I love these old school frames -- battle tank tough and anvil reliable.
Oh, and if you're fascinated by business case studies and family business drama, pedal up to the local library and check out the book, _No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, an American Institution_, by Judith Crown and Glenn Coleman.
It's a good Spring/Summer read.
I appreciate this information, I never knew what happened to SCHWINN.
You my man are the man. Where have you been my whole life
Awesome video!! This would have been great if I seen this a week ago. I found an old Schwinn in the scrap yard, paid scrap price for it too!! Ran the serial # and it's a '56. Gonna ride while I collect parts to restore it.
To orrow St. Incent DePaul Charity is coming to collect my Schwinn bike and some other donations. I’m a Chicagoan living out West since the late 70’s. This bike came out west with me and my family and has spent a lot of years hanging in my garage and not being ridden. It deserves to be and I was really having second thoughts about letting it go. Well, it’s staying and now I just have to find somebody to service it. I’m the kid who learned to ride on a friends bike because her parents wouldn’t get her a two wheeler. They were so afraid she’d get hurt. Didn’t get hurt and finally bought myself a two wheel Schwinn. You can probably figure out I’m really old, but they say it’s only a number.
I have a 68 Schwinn Krate I turned into a pea picker. Started with just a frame, fenders and 5 speed tire. Almost complete now just need to get my seat redone. I also have a pogo seat post for it. I’ve only used genuine parts that are period correct.
My Dad owned a bike shop and fixed them, as a kid growing up in the late 60's and 70's I had many Schwinn's, but my favorite were a 3 speed, with banana seat and sissy bar, a 5 speed with banana seat and car like "shifter", and a 10 speed. Man, life was good...wish I had those bikes today.
Krates are great
You're spot on MZ! Great video!!
I ride the Schwinn made in Chicago cantilever frames in New York City. It takes a beating and still runs true.. Great frames! Thanks for the video.
This helps a lot. Nice that you repeat your findings so we can remember more easily. Rob Made In Chicago
Excellent!! authentic orig. Grey Ghost owner here. I appreciate your video, well worth a 👍 and a like!
Ohhh U got 1. Sweet!
Good info. I have a '71 Super Sport in Sierra Brown. Chrome Moly tubing and fillet brazed joints. Schwinn had a shop for the hand made frames. Sports Tourer, Paramout were built there also. The '60s and '70s were bicycle Mecca. We used to call Varsitys and Continentals "water pipe bikes". Then my buddy got a Gitane "Tour de France" Wow! What a bike that was. A lot lighter than my SS. Cheers!
Yeah, I keep hoping to run across an 18" SS so I can build it into a Klunker like the green one you see in this video... Not many know about the chrome moly ss frames
@@AstroVanTribe Fillet brazed Schwinns are a bit of a secret but very nice bikes
I still own my ‘84 Sierra in black chrome….it travelled with me on my various ships in the Navy…..and my ‘85 Super Sport in pearl white--but dear God, I wish I had kept my 73 Continental in burgundy! Great video! You claim to not be a professional vlogger…..perhaps true. But a lot of “professionals” out there add inconsequential trivia, ridiculously loud or obnoxious music, or opinions and ideas completely disassociated from the video’s topic. You, on the other hand, --right to the point! You are obviously knowledgeable and you remained on topic! AND…..viewing your video felt as if it were directed to me / the viewer….just as if I were standing in your garage and talking with you. THAT amigo, in my opinion, makes for a “professional” and a value-added UA-cam video. Bravo-Zulu, amigo…..great info well presented, well done!
Thanks for that, it's truly appreciated - Them black chrome Sierra's are wonderful bikes - I have a few of the frames hanging around - When I can get them on the cheap I strip them for the good quality parts to swap over to my Klunker builds - I've tuned a few of the nicer ones and sold them - That's a quality mtn bike - They came with different geometry's as well
Thank you, thank you. You made my day. I've got a small bike collection but I'm still learning. I have a yellow Schwinn Continental, all original...everything, it even has the original yellow handlebar tape and I figure it is "vintage" but I'm having a hard time finding the actual manufacture date. 1970's ? I'll keep looking but so far, 'nada'. You help me identify that my Schwinn road bike met all your criteria and was made in Chicago. I'm a happy bike rider. Thanks again.
My cousin worked at the old Schwinn plant in Chicago in the late 1940s.
Before being drafted to serve in Korea
His job was polishing the cranks, he said one day mister Schwinn held a meeting regarding a roomer about workers joining a Union. He said if you want to do that I can't stop you but I will shut the plant down, I have more money than I will ever spend now so it's up to you employees .
My first good bike was a early 80's Schwinn Traveler, I really couldn't tell you where it was made, but it held up really well, had it for 10 years.
Probably still working :)
That is so interesting!
I had a Sting-Ray when I was a kid. It was blue with a white banana seat and those handle bars and sissy bar. I loved that bike and beat it up as a kid would.
When I got tired of the girly banana seat set up, my Dad took off the seat, sissy bar and handle bars. He put a small seat and handle bars. Like a beach cruiser. I think I rode it for at least 5 years. So much fun😊👍🏻
Thank you for this value information for the Schwinns
I just got a 73 Schwinn Continental. I saw right away that the handlebar stem wasn’t original and neither was the seat. After riding it just a little bit I fell in love with it and bought it for $250. Hope I got a good deal for it. It needs a little tweaking and TLC, however that is mostly cosmetic. I’ll see if I want to put any more money into it.
Oh…and I’m now going to look at it to see if it is a Chicago built one.
Pretty cool. I raced a Schwinn XS Pro in the early 90s, the same as the Foster brothers rode. I think at the time, Yeti was making them under the Schwinn name. I still have it, and for me, the value is within the memories it holds. Thanks for the great information!
Thank you for your knowledge I learned something today.
I don't remember all the years exactly, I was working for Redline and or GT at the time, but the CBC (China Bicycle Co) started mass producing the entire Schwinn line. I'd say about the time frame you mentioned, maybe 88ish or so. Then CBC around 90-92ish started making Giant brand bicycles and started importing them to the US Independent Bike Dealer "IBD". Their ploy was, "We have Giant, which is identical to Schwinn, and if you DON'T take on our line, we're gonna set-up the shop down the street and they'll have a Giant branded Schwinn for 25% cheaper retail than your Schwinn brand"........It worked like a charm, they hired the best of the best road reps in the industry and paid them well......gave them a car, a bike rack, 3-4 bike samples and sent them on the road attacking all the Schwinn dealers across the nation. Those Reps were making bank at the time and we all envied them and wished we had gotten that job.......that lasted for about 4 years and then Giant let all those high dollar reps go and started selling over the phone. This is what put Schwinn out of business in essence. Then Schwinn proper sold out to "Zell Chilmark" which is basically a holding company and that went downhill even further. You'd get a new GM for a facility that came from Kimberly-Clark.....so last month that executive was selling toilet paper, this month he's gonna start selling bicycles......it was total disaster. China Bicycle Company, CBC basically gave Schwinn loads of bicycles for years, put the USA factory out of business and learned all Schwinn's secrets or how to build bike for the American consumer, learned where all the USA Schwinn dealers were.....then stabbed Schwinn in the back and killed the brand forever.
It's a damn shame BUT Schwinn was way slow on adjusting to the changing market, too...
@@AstroVanTribe Schwinn was fat dumb and happy at the time. They didn't even make any real attempt to address the BMX market in the hey day. Sure, they printed up those fugly red Schwinn uniforms, but the Schwinn Sting wasn't a real contender in the BMX frame market ever. Schwinn could hardly be bothered to sponsor any of the Nationals. They worked a bit more with the NBA on the East coast, but they never had anything to do with the ABA on the West coast. Like you said, they just didn't have the edge they needed in the 80s. They thought they had complete control.....I'm sure there were discussions that ended with "The 1979 Stingray is good enough for the American market, why should we change??"
@@AstroVanTribe Yep, kinda like Sears.
Which were made in Taiwan and only in recent history where they bought by Pacific bicycles and started being produced in China. GT also...in fact almost all the big companies are owned by Pacific.
@@hamjohn8737 so close but yet so far away! You are correct Schwinn wasn't reacting fast enough to stay #1, but they did sponsor MANY races in the MiInOh area. They sponsored great riders, and the red/black/white uniforms were pimp!!! Pretty sure mine were Bill Walter's leathers.
Helpful info. The head-badge on my 1968 Sting-Ray Fastback has the word "Chicago" printed at the bottom so, not much doubt there. The month and year of production is encoded in the serial number if you have a chart to interpret it.
I purchased a stingray that everyone I asked said was a 1953, I'm a 16 year old kid and so far this has been the best bike I've ever owned. It's by no means original its got ape hangers and was painted yellow with house paint, but it's mine and I love it almost as much as my truck!
That's awesome...! Ride it like you stole it
Thanks for the video, helped me decide the Varsity that was left in the garage rafters is Chicago made!
Thanks Micheal for the info on my Typhoon.
Got my Lemon Yellow Stingray in 68.......still riding it.
Still, riding it?... Kool! always loved that bike. rare to very see them now,
You answered 3 of my questions in one straight forward vid! Thank you!
I have eight Chicago’s Schwinns. Five beach cruisers, two Stingrays, and one Varsity ten speed. Thank you for the video.
great information thank you i have a 1957 schwinn hornet but not real sure of it being authentic it has the right pieces like the seat and the racks this should help me to know if its a fake i also have a chinese flying pidgeon rod brake bike that i picked up very different but huge cool factor love the old bikes
As a kid in the 60s used to tell by the forks Schwinn had solid forks with the chrome cap on top where other bikes had hollow tube forks had a stingray and a 10 speed varsity
Very informative. Loved it.
I’ve got a 57 starlette and a 66 panther. I know mine were made in Chicago.
I’ve met the guy that bought the entire inventory when they shut down. He started the bicycle museum of America in New Bremen Ohio. If you ever get the chance, GO THERE! It’s amazing.
CWC also made frames with rear facing dropouts.
What's up, Michael Z, not sure if you remember me, but this a nice video. Just gotta point out that Chicago "cage" bikes weren't electro-forged; some were lugged and brazed and most were fillet-brazed, examples being the Sting, King Sting, Super Sport (FB) and Paramounts (lugged).... also, a lot of later Scramblers were Electroforged with heliarc brazed reinforcement.... there's some differing viewpoints on whether or not Scramblers were brazed in the "cage" or not, and to make things weirder, the earliest 20" Stings were made in the cage, then some 80-81 Stings were made in the Wisconsin PDG/Waterford factory, and the very latest Stings were made in the Cage at Chi-town but with the ugliest joints in the history of the model.
I have 3 Chicago Schwinns that don't conform to any of the EF "Rules," but they are absolutely legit Chicago Schwinns. Also got a late-model Chicago Scrambler with conflicting details; definitely EFed but not only EFed...
Keep up the good work.
Thank you ! I’ve been collecting schwinns for a while now and knew most of what u told us but I did need to be dun! A lot of people don’t have any idea what they have!
I like to scan Craigsist for deals, it's how I get parts for my Klunker builds, and I'm always seeing things being listed as "Schwinn" that are clearly garbage. I used to post an "add" that was a lesson, a few paragraphs long with pictures of all these details but it would get flagged a lot - I finally decided to make this video...
I haven't had a chance to look at my Continental after watching your video, but I'm pretty sure it's a Chicago Schwinn--I bought it new at a Schwinn dealer in 1972.
If you bought it in 1972, it’s real. Check out your serial # and you can find the month and year it was built.
What about the filet brazed models? They were made in the Chicago factory. The Paramounts were made there too. I’ve heard they had a special area in the factory they called “the cage” where most of the fabrication of the Paramounts took place. Some machines outside of the cage were also used. I also heard the most of the fillet brazed frames where welded by women.
I’ve got a couple of old classics Schwins in my barn. With a knowledge you gave me I’m gonna go out there and take a look. Ones in ancient three speed that’s complete with the original continental tires
I have a 26" Schwinn frame I got about 20 years ago, it had a skip - link chain set up, Schwinn tag screwed on, pushed in tubes in the back ( don't know all those fancy terms he used ) , big bulky seam on the bottom, fender mount, and some numbers that start with LN and I can see the top and front tube look like they were one piece custom cut and bent.
Sounds like a pretty good one.
I been trying to figure out what year but still haven't been able to.
Skip tooth chain is usually pre WWll
@@keithpowers4570 well then, there sure were a lot of pre- war stuff still around in the sixties
I have a 1980 Schwinn Predator that was made in Chicago. I've been told that 80 was the only year Chicago made them. After watching your video I'm convinced it's definitely a Chicago made Schwinn.
Nice video, hope to see more on these schwinn's!
Thanks for the info! I was wondering what that red "cruiser" bike frame was from when you were talking about made in taiwan. Can't find any info on it and have one sitting in the garage! Was thinking about putting it back together!
I have an old Schwinn Traveler that I was thinking was made in the 1970's and it says that it was made in JAPAN. It has a lug style frame and the GT120 derailleur that was used back then.
I learned something. Thank you.
Hay bro I did what u said I mounted a rear brake with one of those brake mounts u said to get with a hole in the bolt ,on my 1937 rollfast rides great n stops well ty bro
Very good video for identifying a real Chicago Schwinn, love all your videos. I’m a woodworker too and I enjoy those videos also, not to mention your sense of humor and common sense. Are you sure you’re not part Texan.
I love me some Texas....!
most excellent info Thanks. I would also be interested in some basic Klunker tips videos , IE: bottom brackets , cranksets , I have a Schwinn and am in process for a Klunker build for this year's Pearl Pass Tour Klunker Tour in September. I will build using front and rear derailleurs and try to keep the weight reasonable. I started mountain biking in 1983 , first production MTB a Schwinn Cimarron , which I still ride - but just missed that Klunker era with the Crested Butte townies , hence gotta do it ! thanks , Scott Whittet
There are ways to run a 3 piece crank with an American BB, if you're building a post war it has a low BB so don't go longer than 170mm on the crank arms
Very helpful, thanks! Glad I recently bought a real Chicago made Schwinn!! Now to figure out the year....
I bought a 1970 Schwinn Typhoon back in 2005 for $25.00. I looked up the serial number to find out it's age. I saw that bike at a rummage sale while walking my dog at the time. I had to get him home so I could go back to buy it. I'm so glad I found it. I wish I could show it in the comment. Could you let me know where I might be able to find an original rear reflector for it? Thanks for this video.
EBay
I've been schooled on Schwinn bicycles ever since Captain Kangaroo commercials and when I got a Stingray for my birthday in 1978 and years since then I have a basement full of bicycles, mostly 80% Schwinn frames. My main non-OG riders are a red 1960 Deluxe Tornado on Huffy rims and a black '66 Heavy Duty that started out as a $10 frame Frankensteined with various Schwinn parts and Dayton wheels... great 'videography'!
Same here!
You should send one to me and ride it in the US Virgin Islands. I have a shipping box. I am collecting 6 Schwinns to do this at my advanced age.
Thank you for this lesson 👍 I just bought one and I want to know if it's original
This video helped me out a lot. Was able identify my frame I have.
I have an old Swinn bike. I purchased the frame, because I always wanted a Swinn growing up. It look like it has all its original parts. But, it is real old! I want to restore it. But, I don't know where to start!
Michael, thanks, great survey of Chicago Schwinn characteristics. I've been loving these old bikes a long time, and have disassembled, cleaned, renovated, and reassembled many of them. I did not understand the electro-forged frame, so I appreciate learning that. The thing I'm wondering - I have always first looked at the fork. Nearly every Schwinn frame bike between the 50s and last Chicago Schwinns in the 80s had a forged blade fork. I have seen just a few tubular forks, but the forged flat blade forks were a clear defining feature. Why did you not mention that? I'm not challenging you on this, I am wondering if there's something you know here that I have missed. The fork was always the very first thing I have looked at. And thanks again!
I didn't cover forks because they're a separate thing - Many people aren't stumbling across complete bikes all the time, that's why I focused on the specific frame details - I failed to point out the chain stay seams behind the BB as often as I feel I should have.
I believe it was the forks, stems and cranks that were forged by Ashtabula for Schwinn - I suppose I could nerd out on those parts as well at some point - Thanks for the comment and good question
@@AstroVanTribe Understood - thanks for the quick reply to a comment on a video you did a year ago! I thought maybe you were covering just the frame, but wasn't sure. I'm not sure the handlebar stems in the 60s were from Ashtabula, I will have to do some research - I know that the bolt is a very weird British thread, almost impossible to source unless you're taking them from old Schwinn stems. 3/8 BSF (British Standard Fine,) I believe, 20 threads per inch. I thought maybe those stems came from Waterford, who I think made the earlier Paramount. I love those old Schwinn frames. I generally find them in junk condition, clean up the crank and headset bearings, and add modern alloy wheels with an internal geared hub. Most people don't realize you can buy a Shimano 7 or 8 speed hub with a coaster brake. That makes a great cruiser. You have to cold set (spread) the rear triangle to fit the 8 speed, but the steel in those old Schwinn frames will hold up just fine to being spread for that purpose. It's a great video, thanks again for laying out those unique features, I never realized the raised bb seam and seam on the pinched rear end were unique to Schwinn. (Edit: all sources I'm finding call those stems Ashtabula stems. I can't find any source that says if the bolts are BSF or Whitworth.)
Still got my shwinn 5speed from early 80’s beach cruiser and a shwinn stationary bike from 1982 copper tone and the cruiser is black
I have three Schwinn cruisers, a 1960 Panther II, 1980 Cruiser 5 and a 1986 Cruiser. While I knew the 86 wasn't a Chicago built bike I never noticed that badge on the 86 was riveted.
Still have my 75-76 Varsity. Original green paint and decals, but not flawless at this point. Awesome stuff!
great video . i have a schwinn varsity with a tall neck .the back of the seat says schwinn .the schwinn front emblem has the two screw . where do i look to find out what year this bike was made .
Just type "Schwinn serial number" into any search angine and links will pop up
Thanks for the video Mike! Restoring a 1960 Schwinn Tiger. It’s all original and just needs the coaster brake to be gone through. Any recommendations on the brake restoration? ☮️🤙🏻
Yeah, as you remove the parts lay them out in order and mind the orientation of each part - Clean each part separately then place it back - Assemble the brake dry, without grease, and test to make sure you did it right, test the function and do that a couple times so you've got it down. THEN use the Lucas Red & Tacky grease, pack the crap out of it and put it all back together
@@AstroVanTribe
Awesome! Thanks for the info 😎 much appreciated… can’t wait to get it done and hit the boardwalk 🤙🏻
I worked for a Schwinn dealer in Muskegon Michigan in the spring of 72. I have a tandem i got there with a serial number identifying it as new in October of 69. It has most of the Chicago identifying things you talk about. The seem under the crank is only at the rear crank and i'm not sure about the electro forged head tube. Would tandems have anything different about them?
No, they should have all the same tell-tale frame specs I point out in this video
once i watched this and learned what the electroforge head tube was i had to get a real chicago schwinn. just posted a video about it. thanks for the tips!
Need help with my Chicago Schwinn because based on your video my serial number denotes that it is a 1980's (DU508083). But you said in 80's Schwinns did not have a protruding seam on the bottom bracket, but my bike does have a distinctive protruding seam on the bottom bracket. It also does NOT have a glob of weld where the down tube meets the bottom bracket. My bike also has these features:
Electro forged head tube.
I have the kick stand.
Serial number is on the right side of the head tube.
I have pinching on the seat and chain stay.
I have a brake bridge.
Screws on the head badge.
So im not sure if my Shwinn is an 80's or earlier version.
watch and listen again - I said the 1984 did NOT have the protruding seam. The Chicago made frames stopped in '83 - then for almost two years they were assembled by Murray in Tennessee from genuine Chicago made parts
Hello Michael, Do you know what marking should be on a 1963 Sting Ray Kickstand? and what length bend to bend?
No, sorry
@@AstroVanTribe thanks anyways! I thought I’d ask one Greek to another! lol
Great video
Whats the seat post size for an 1978 shwinn cruiser??
13/16"
Hi, and thanks for the informative video.
On that blue bike at the end (at the 6:16 mark), what brand tire is that white wall on the rear? I don't recognize the tread pattern. And is it a quality tire? Thanks.
I really don't remember
Hello, great video , thanks for the info , I just came across a 16 inch 1976 schwinn pixie bike , and it's crome plated ? Do you know anything about them ?? I can't find any information about it ? Thanks for any of your time !
Likely chromed by someone later
I’m a truck driver , drive in Chicago everyday, and visit the old Schwinn factory on Kostner about once a month, I have yet to find any old bikes in there but I’m always looking
Lots of good info here, thanks!
I’m too old and fat to run single speed. How can I do gearing on one of these old clunkers? Rohloff?
I've made multiple speed Klunkers from Schwinn cantilever frames - You can see some of them here on my channel - It's work and I do it from all vintage parts scavenged from other bikes - You need to spread the rear stays
@@AstroVanTribe thanks, I’ll check it out
I was questioned on the badge. It doesn't have Chicago under Schwinn on the badge, just an R to the bottom of Schwinn. However, it is screwed, not riveted. The serial.number on the left rear indicates may 10, 1960 and it has Bendix on as well.
If it's held on with screws you're golden
@@AstroVanTribe awesome! I'm listening to the video and taking notes. I saw online Chicago was not on all badges. I read mid 60's. All I care about was the fact that not "all" badges have the word Chicago.
Thnx for the info! Great video!
I still have my 1976 Schwinn Varsity in kind of a red metallic finish. I temember my father looking at it when we went by and saying,” How come there’s no fenders?” I think the continental which was one step up had the fenders. It was $165 if I recall properly. It’s a bit of a tank. And I don’t really ride it right now but… I really can’t get rid of it.
They are tanks but that thick steel tubing really eats up the vibration...
I'm trying to assemble a 1968 schwinn exercise bike. Is there a video on how to do it from the beginning order,because I think I doing it in the wrong order.
I don't know...
Great video! There is one grey area that you didn't mention and that's reguarding the blue 1983 Cruiser within the yellow fork. It's the missing piece of steel or seam on the bottom. There is a strong possibility that the frame was built in the Murray factory in Tennessee. I know that many of the 83's were built in that factory when the Chicago factory closed around June 1st. I have a Sierra that has a Chicago Schwinn badge and all of the other trademarks with the exception of that bottom piece. I was told that these bikes were built with equipment that was moved from the Chicago factory and set up at Murray. They only did this for a short period of time. 9 months? Take a look at the difference between an American made Sierra from 1983 and a Tiawan built Sierra from 1984.
You don't know what you're talkin about and I feel like I should report your comment because it is nothing but BULLSHIT.
I got one this blue one but the serial number don’t gives me nothing.
My Father-in-Law passed away in 1993, and one of the things he left my wife was a genuine Chicago made Schwinn 26" middle weight- metallic green with original chrome full fenders and a chrome springer front end. I don't know how old it is, it needs a new seat and tires and a lot of chrome polish and a paint job- I just haven't figured out what I'm going to do with it.
The Original lettering- is that decal or paint? It would probably cost more to restore the paint and lettering than the bike is worth...
It's a water transfer, they're widely available
My parents both had Schwinns when I was a kid in the 80s, and they barely rode them as we grew up, so we often tried to ride them but could barely reach the pedals. My dad had a red cruiser that was particularly targeted for abuse as well got older, including putting a BMX wheel on the front to have a "chopper". They eventually gave/threw them away. What I wouldn't give to have kept that bike until now and turn it into a klunker. Took me almost 30 years to get back into bikes.
Err meant to add, we were in the Chicago burbs and they were bought at a local Schwinn dealer. I have no doubt they were legit.
The two frames I have are genuine ☺️ Schwinn. One frame is shorter than the other.😯 There both with in that 20" boys frames, one was made August 1970 the other May 1-1958.
As always, excellent quality
What about the Fastback Sprints? I've got a '66 or so that got Germany sprocket and rims on it.
Chicago Schwinn frames are the best ever made. Heavy? You betcha! (68-72 Krate collection)
Do know by chance what the name of the is part is called where you can switch to calloper Brakes when you have a blade fork?
I don't know that there is a name for that bracket...
What an idea! Using a Varsity frame to make a clunker.
Mine's a 1955 Town and Country tandem. It has Brampton cottered chainsets,top of the range! I do like the strength and simplicity of the Ashtabula cranks though. Made in Chicago,just like my grandad!
I severely hate stupid ' multiple piece cranks ' any bikes I or my kids have with those stupid things I change out the frames or weld another tube on the bottom just so I can put a one piece crank on them.
Mike I just received a dandy 1960 tornado ok the brake slash fender bridge broke ,I taped it with a hammer and it snapped rt out ,can I jb weld it?
brazing is best but you could try experimenting with JB Weld - I wouldn't expect it to hold forever
Thanks Michael for this video ! I have a Schwinn cruiser bike with the 2nd frame that you show in your video. The crank bearings are worn out, and I'm unsure how to find replacement bearings. I wonder if you know a source for these bearings, or maybe know the size or specifications of the bearings ? I would appreciate any knowledge about this you can share with me. I love riding this bike and would like to get it back on the road. Thanks again !
If the bearings are worn and it's been ridden for a while like that then the bearing cups could also be deformed - Original Schwinn sets can be found on eBay - Not cheap these days... Typically they wear because the nut and bearing race nut back out a bit and don't get properly set so a wobble begins to happen
@@AstroVanTribe Hi Michael - Thanks for the info ! I will give eBay a serious search. Yesterday I Googled "schwinn bicycle replacement bearings for usa schwinn bicycle," and one of the results was someone on eBay offering Schwinn crank bearings with a date range 1950s to 1980s, but said the bearings were "used but in good shape." I had hoped to find new bearings, and I will search eBay some more, but I wonder if you know the inside and outside diameter of the bearing assembly in case I need to shop for generic bearing assemblies - ? In any case, thanks for your reply and your cool and informative video !
@@tomthebrainiac All bearing sets for the American bottome brackets should work BUT even the used Schwinn sets are better than the new later model parts - The Schwinn stuff was the best ever made, I've run used sets in all my bikes. Every once-in-a-while I run into a warped bearing cup but it's pretty rare - When I mentioned eBay I was thinking used parts. Don't be afraid of them
@@AstroVanTribe Thanks Michael - I will go to eBay and try to make the deal on those bearings I had located. I appreciate your help and guidance on this. It will probably be after the holidays before I get this repair wrapped up, but hopefully I'll get it done soon thereafter. I'll report back fyi if anything interesting comes up. Happy Holidays !!
Thanks for the info. Much appreciation. I've a collection. A couple real Schwinns and a few with headbadge screws. I also have a Monarch Deluxe that has a serial # badge on bottom of crank that says made in Chicago.
I met an old man yesterday. I was asking for directions to mountain bike yrails. He showed me his 1956, Corvette Schwinn. I pumped up his tires for him and got one gear working on the 3 speed. Other gears the pedals just turn..no wheel grab. Can you explain to me how I can fix it?
I never worked on the 3 speed hub before
You mentioned getting to the bikes that were assembled at the Murray factory. I have a 1983 varsity, (CU500463), it has all the characteristics of “made in Chicago” but that factory was already closed in 1983. So can it still be said to be a made in Chicago?
Yes, if it has the seems on the chain stays where they meet the bottom bracket
@@AstroVanTribe thanks for the quick reply and the great video!
pretty certain I have a 70s red chicago schwinn continental 10spd and a blue 5 spd women's suburban, worth anything? they're all original and pretty clean, aside from dust grease etc... little to no rust.
Condition is everything, what's worth something to one person isn't worth anything to the next
I loved my Schwinn Sting-Ray when I was a kid.
Mike I have some pre war j.c. Higgins forks with truss bars I bought them and there the wrong size for my 1937 rollfast bike so I’m thinking either send them back and get my money back or make them fit by threading the threads lower to fit them on the bike but what do u think
As long as the tube is long enough to add thread it can be done - If you know any welders you can also cut the appropriate length fork tube off a doner fork and make anything work
Wellwellwell I couldn’t of said that any better
Thank you
That red frame looks to be a 5 speed frame. That Schwinn logo on the top bar would be 78 or 79. Making it either a Klunker 5 or Spitfire 5, both sought after bikes !
I know... I talk about it being a 5 speed and I know about the Klunker, I think this frame is a '78 but I forget - Thanks for the comment it'll motivate me to look that up
Great video. Bought a 1988 schwinn BMX frame. By 88, what countries were making them.
Taiwan
@@AstroVanTribe bummer. Wish I would have seen the video before I bought. Any quality at all ??
@@walterheinen5298 sure, they're tough
hey i have a 24inch schwinn front forks 5/16 axle any ideas to run a 3/8 axle in front without replacing forks can i grind it out let me know what you would suggest just a weekend cruiser no jumping
I've modified dozens of forks over the years to accept fatter axles
Thanks for getting back I figured it could be done I’ve modified things that people said don’t do just wanted to hear from a bike guy especially a Schwinn man. Thank you.
Mike I have a Schwinn tornado that I can’t find any serial numbers , any suggestions?
Rear left dropout, under the bottom bracket or on the right side of the headtube - If you don't find it in one of those three spots I don't know what to tell you
Thank u verymu h sir
Can I run 26" beach cruiser rims and tires on a Schwinn Typhoon?
Yes... Do it..!!! DO IT NOW....!!!
@@AstroVanTribe Ha Ha Ha Right On Brother!!!
Thanks for your help much appreciated.
@@AstroVanTribe I'm looking at suspension forks before I buy new wheels should I get 1 1/8 steering tube?
@@tmbmx 1-1/8" is better - you'll need a set of custom bearing cups turned down for it to work - @mrtickbicycleproducts on Instagram
@@AstroVanTribe I was watching a video on the oldshovel channel. He had a tool similar to a bearing press he used to grind the top and bottom of the head tube. I guess it was to allow for the new bearing cups.
My favorite brand of bike along with Giant, Mongoose and Specialized!
In the 60s n 70s grew up riding Schwinns, take em apart put em together! Frankenstien em! Thats all we rode.
I am starting my first bicycle restoration project on a Chicago made Schwinn tiger. Does someone know what a color match for the blue version is? I am planning on spraying it with automotive quality paint.