ID Schwinn Bikes
For a cycling enthusiast, locating a vintage Schwinn is an exciting experience. Schwinn bicycles are simple to identify, either from the body type or serial number. The trademark Schwinn logo is printed on all models. The classic body type is a guaranteed way to identify a vintage Schwinn. The serial number in particular is valuable as it indicates when the bike was made, which can assist you in the estimation of value of the particular bike you've found.
Instructions
1. Look for the trademark balloon frame. Schwinn's best known structural feature is the arched bar in the center of the frame. Some newer Schwinn models more closely follow the 10-speed biker design, so these wouldn't be considered a vintage Schwinn. Look for the trademark balloon tires. Balloon tires are wider in diameter than standard bicycle wheels and are made to easily go over sand. This is the reason Schwinns are also known as beach cruisers. Look for the larger-than-average seat. The balloon frames always come standard with a wide seat. The seats on Schwinns are normally 10 to 12 inches in width.
2. Locate the serial number. The serial number on a vintage Schwinn can be found on the right wheel axle mount. Beginning in 1959, all serial numbers indicated date of production. Schwinns manufactured between 1959 and 1964 have a serial number that begins with a letter indicating the month it was manufactured (A indicates January, B indicates February, and so forth) followed by a number representing the year (9=1959, 0=1960, 1=1961, etc.).
3. Examine the serial numbers of Schwinns manufactured between 1965 and 1982. For these models, the numbering date system changed. The initial letter still stands for the month the Schwinn was made, and the second now indicates the year. For example, a serial number beginning with AA indicates it was produced in January 1965, BA stands for February 1965, CC matches up with March 1967, and so forth.
4. Differentiate the Le Tour and Super Le Tour models by locating the "S" in beginning any serial number of Schwinns manufactured between 1972 and 1986. These serial numbers will possess a letter in the second place representing the month it was made, and a numeral in the third place indicating the year.
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