Originally released in 1996, there are 13 versions of this bike. Due to the frame materials and other factors, we estimate that this bike weighs around 30 pounds. Bulk items will only be delivered within a 100km radius of the Store. So “cruiser” may have originated as one model name used by one distributor of the motorbike style of bicycles. Trying to keep with the old-school look, I removed the front and rear reflectors, and the ones in the spokes. Schwinn offered new pedal pads without them, but I got around spending more money, by reversing them on their holders and putting black tape over them to make them invisible.
By the late 1950s, U.S. manufacturers such as Schwinn ramped up production of the English racer.[12] Schwinn was no stranger to this style. These prewar bikes could be had with imported half inch pitch drivetrains with freewheels and hand brakes. In postwar production, Schwinn began producing lightweights schwinn tricycle again in the mid 40s with models such as the New World. These bikes could be had with Sturmey Archer 3 speeds from England and had chromoly tubing. To popularize these bicycles they enlisted the help of Hollywood celebrities. Ronald Reagan is seen riding one in the 1947 Schwinn catalog.
Schwinn introduced their 10 speeds in the early 60s starting first with the Continental, a name they resurrected, and later the Varsity. The Varsity was offered between 1960 and 1962 as an 8 speed and as a 10 speed between 1963 and 1982. Companies like Schwinn, also Huffy, way too big of volume to be doing that kind of one-off customization.
On boardwalks and level city roads, you’ll likely spend most of your time in the hardest gear, but you’ll be thankful for easier pedaling when the street takes a slight upturn. Take a ride around the block on the Schwinn Women’s Stonybrook 26 in 7-Speed Cruiser Bike. Constructed with a lightweight cruiser frame, this Bike uses 26-inch cruiser tires and alloy rims to deliver a smooth ride, while the V-brakes ensure consistent stopping power. schwinn mountain bike The Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur offers smooth shifting, and the twist shifters let you adjust the speed on-the-fly. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, bicycles imported from Great Britain and Continental Europe became popular, especially lighter and more nimble sports roadster models or “English racer”. These models featured three-speed gearing, taller wheels, narrower tires and lighter weight[11] and greater hill-climbing ability.
Their younger siblings have begun building their own custom “lowrider bikes”. Several manufacturers offer “chopper” style bikes in their cruiser range. These bikes usually feature a lower center of gravity, suspension forks, hot rod paint jobs, and large rear tires.
Schwinn cruiser bikes boast great comfort thanks to their wide saddles, low handlebars, and upright riding position. They’re also easy to get on and off of, making them ideal for riders who may have difficulty with more traditional bike designs. In addition, cruiser bikes tend to be very durable, meaning they’ll last you for many years of riding.
A couple of blue dice caps for the valve stems are a nice touch. Red, white, and blue handlebar streamers seemed to go with the style of the times. Installing a large, chrome Bermuda bell was one way to alert other riders that I was near.