Off topic but here's Sheldon Brown's take on "The Single Most Significant American bicycle.":

When the production run was finally over, the Schwinn Varsity had been manufactured in greater numbers than any other single model of derailer-geared bike in the world ever. Built with unique technology to meet an entry-level price point, it was the only bike in the national market in the 1960s that was simultaneously inexpensive enough to get non-cycling adults to give it a try, and well-built enough to make them conclude, "Hey, this is fun!" The Varsity was the foundation of reintroducing American adults to the joys of cycling and a cornerstone in building the modern adult cycling infrastructure of events, clothing, magazines, clubs, businesses, etc...
The Varsity is the single most significant American bicycle.

The Schwinn Varsity (1960-1986)

From my perspective it paid the bills and satisfied my customer's requirements in our shop "back when".
If a more esoteric machine was required we could Fix You Right On Up to the limits of your desire/ability to pay for it.

-Bandera