Despite this, Schwinn still sold a huge number of bicycles in the early 1970s -but overall consumer preference had gravitated towards European and Japanese imported bikes. This Schwinn Paramount from 1986 is exactly one of those standard bikes from the mid 1980s with Columbus SLX tubing and a complete Campagnolo Super Record groupset. The colour was called Icy White by Schwinn and corresponds perfectly with the shiny aluminium parts and the modern plain decal design.
The older Schwinn Varsity bikes were primarily 10 speed, steel framed bikes that were built pretty well, even in the early years, when compared with other bikes of that time. Today’s Schwinn Varsity road bike is built for today’s cyclist, with modern technology integrated into the frame. The result is a sturdy, comfortable ride that is reliable and stable enough for many different types of terrain.When you compare a used Schwinn Varsity road bike with a used mountain bike or even a new mountain bike, you will see many common components. One of the most obvious is that both of these bicycles use the same crank arm, which is made of a durable brass spindle and has a large bearing set up, with a chain guide.
F. Goodrich bicycles, sold in tire stores, Schwinn eliminated the practice of producing private label bicycles in 1950, insisting that the Schwinn brand and guarantee appear on all products. In exchange for ensuring the presence of the Schwinn name, distributors retained the right to distribute Schwinn bikes to any hardware store, toy store, or bicycle shop that ordered them. W. Schwinn tasked a new team to plan future business strategy, consisting of marketing supervisor Ray Burch, general manager Bill Stoeffhaas, and design supervisor Al Fritz. The Schwinn Le Tour series makes road bikes bicycle designed for frequent riders seeking comfort and grace in a stylish frame.
One was already in the catalog — the limited production Paramount series. As always, the Paramount spared no expense; the bicycles were given high-quality lightweight lugged steel frames using double-butted tubes of Reynolds 531 and fitted with quality European components including Campagnolo derailleurs, hubs, and gears. 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 Schwinn Phocus 1600 men’s road bicycle is the perfect drop bar road bike for the bike path or just going out for a good weekend workout. Lightweight and responsive, the Phocus 1600 is equipped with a Schwinn aluminum road frame and a carbon fiber rigid road fork for reliable, responsive riding. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a great bike at a price you can afford. When you buy your first one, you’ll find that they are a great investment that will serve you well for years to come.
Over the years the Paramount would turn out to become the most successful US racing bike of the 20th century. It was Schwinn’s re-birth the following year that really helped get the iconic brand to where it is schwinn cruiser bike today. Their challenge was to play off of Schwinn’s storied past while making the bikes relevant for a new-age consumer. We partner with the most trusted outdoor retailers to simplify booking their gear online.
Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. Notable mentions include the sophisticated and elegant-looking Corvette/Cruiser style bikes, or the iconic motorbike-inspired design of the Schwinn Aerocycle. The Paramount was first introduced in 1938 and became one of Schwinn’s longest running models. During this period, Schwinn briefly had a successful motorcycle production division.
However, Schwinn failed to innovate and adapt to the modern bicycle market. Although their models were favored by slightly older buyers, they weren’t able to find huge success in the growing younger market, which had leaned increasingly towards lightweight and technologically advanced road bikes. After an initial schwinn online discount store 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. They then built a small factory in Chicago, which was at that point the center of the bicycle industry.
At the close of the 1920s, the stock market crash decimated the American motorcycle industry, taking Excelsior-Henderson with it. Arnold, Schwinn, & Co. (as it remained until 1967) was on the verge of bankruptcy. With no buyers, Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles were discontinued in 1931.[5] Ignaz’s son, Frank W. Putting all company efforts towards bicycles, he succeeded in developing a low-cost model that brought Schwinn recognition as an innovative company, as well as a product that would continue to sell during the inevitable downturns in business cycles. W. Schwinn returned to Chicago and in 1933 introduced the Schwinn B-10E Motorbike, actually a youth’s bicycle designed to imitate a motorcycle.
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 a unique profile designed to hold the tire bead securely, even if pressure were low or lost. If you are looking for a used bike that is still of relatively good condition, and one that can be a reliable bike to cruise around the neighborhood on, then look no further than a Schwinn Varsity road bike. Technically, this is actually a Schwinn (again, i.e. Pacific Cycle) road bike, however, you will not find this particular bike at your local bike shop or on the Schwinn Bike website, and that bike is certainly not in the Schwinn Bike catalog or at any bike store.