Schwinn Identification
 

How can I find out more about a couple of old Schwinns I have? year, specifications of that year, etc...all that good stuff? is there a spot where i can search with serial numbers (which i don't even know where to find them on the bike)?

i really know nothing here.

Attached is Schwinn Bulletin 23, Schwinn Bicycle Identification Numbers, published in 1981.

Serial numbers are usually located on the left rear fork end near the dropout, the head tube under the nameplate (headbadge), or under the pedal crank housing (bottom bracket).

As far as specifications are concerned, some of us here have old Schwinn catalogs and may be able to help once you identify the year and model.

hey, thanks, that's a helpful place to start.

Stan,

Thanks for posting the Schwinn Bulletin. Very interesting stuff! I find it curious that they state that the serial number didn't move to the head tube (from the left rear fork end) until 1971. I always thought it was 1970. In fact, Schwinn's own owners manuals from 1970 show the serial number on the head tube:

http://www.geocities.com/sldbowners/1970/70ompg02.html

The Bunch O' Bikes web site shows it as moving in 1972:

http://www.bunchobikes.com/serialnumber.htm

I do have a pic on hand of a '70 Super Sport with the serial number on the head tube.

So confusing ...

Bob Hufford
Springfield, MO

Interesting, Bob. Contradictions like this really aren't all that rare, but it would be nice if the folks writing formal documents would take special care to get it right.

Well, some of the people at schwinn really had some trouble keeping their head away from their co1on those days. Have you seen the book "no Hands" abuot the schwinn company, interesting reading, but a little sad how the legacy ended. It's no wonder people have trouble getting everything straight.

Yes; very sad. Although No Hands is ostensibly about the rise and fall of Schwinn, it's actually a history of the bicycle industry with some valuable lessons in what and what not to do in a competitive business environment. You're right; it's a very interesting read.