A growing number of US teens and young adults were purchasing imported European sport racing or sport touring bicycles, many fitted with multiple derailleur-shifted gears. Schwinn decided to meet the challenge by developing two lines of sport or road ‘racer’ bicycles. One was already in the catalog — the limited production Paramount series.
It was an unqualified success, other than that it was very expensive to produce and showed little if any real profit potential. Sponsorship of 6-day riders produced a team to showcase the Paramount, the riders such as Jerry Rodman (The Michael Jordan of that time in Chicago) and the rest of the Schwinn Co. bicycle line. Several years ago, a company named Gates introduced a concept never before seen on outdoor bikes – a belt drive that performed like a chain. Their innovative system – called Carbon Drive – features a carbon fiber reinforced belt with teeth for maximum durability and true bike performance.
The Paramount was developed for track and road racing by Emil Wastyn, a 6 day racing frame builder, mechanic and Schwinn dealer in Chicago, who immigrated from Belgium. The Chicago Schwinns were among the most bomb-resistant bikes ever built, and they were built with unique technology . With the exception of the Sports Tourer, Super Sport, and Superior, they are welded, not brazed. The head tubes look as if they were fillet brazed, but they weren’t. The head tube and the tapered segments that lead into the the top tube and down tube were actually made from two special forgings that were “electro-forged” (welded) together down the centerline, then ground smooth, so the seam is not usually visible.
In 1999, Schwinn finally brought the Grape Krate to production with a limited amount of units. The Coal (Koal) Krate, Blueberry Krate, and others have a special place in the hearts of all Sting-Ray Krate lovers out there. While these bikes were not originally part of the Schwinn line, many fans painstakingly would create these tribute bikes in unique hues with names that would fit right into the Schwinn line.
Count on Sportsmith to help you revive your Schwinn bike with confidence. The Grape Krate has been rumored to have originally been made back in the 1970s, but schwinn beach cruiser the jury is still out as to whether it ever happened. The story goes that back in 1969, Schwinn came out with two Grape Krates as samples, but those bikes never made it to showroom floors. Internet sleuths say that in 1976 Schwinn built 15 Grape Krates as Christmas gifts for certain employees.
No matter what type or level of cyclist you are, we’re dedicated to helping you ride more often, more comfortably. Shop on our website or come visit us, we’re here to help you with all of your cycling needs. Visit us today to meet our friendly staff and experience the independent bike shop difference. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders. We have spent over a century building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet. Marc Muller, a young new Schwinn engineer, was given the responsibility to head up the project.
To make your search even easier, use the “Find My Equipment” tool to select model and serial number, to get an exact part and accessory for your repair project. Discover the newest offerings in Specialized bikes, e-bikes, gear, and apparel at our store. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you in navigating our extensive product lineup.
There are necked-down parts that fit into the top tube and down tube, like internal lugs. We have some of the lightest, fastest, and most aero road bikes out there. Smooth CyclingSchwinn group cycles are not just a great tool for outdoor performance training. On the other side of the spectrum are those who ride to get lost in a great song. Schwinn’s whisper quiet Smooth Cycling series allows riders to channel their attention to any experience that a studio is striving to achieve.