Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
Then, in the '80's, Schwinn did the unthinkable. It put the Schwinn name on bikes built by "Huffy" type companies.
Alan, I'm certain that others will jump in here, but the "Schwinn Approved" badged road bikes from the mid '70s-'80s, made by the likes of Panasonic, Bridgestone, and Giant, were not low end bikes. A few, such as the Volare, Voyageur, and Super Le Tour 12.2, were highend to very good bikes. Lower priced ones like my Traveler and the basic model Le Tours, were solid bikes that have stood years of hard riding. When Schwinn had other companies build bikes for them, they insisted on as good, if not better quality. I don't really know a thing about Huffy bikes, but the few I've seen at the dump are of no comparison to my '79 Traveler made by Bridgestone which cost me $160 new.
Originally Posted by h curtis
I wouldn't be surprised, but have no idea. Schwinn and Mont. Ward bikes are in the same class of bikes. Lower end and heavy.
Schwinn Electro-Forged bikes, i.e. Collegiates, Varsities, Continentals, yes they are heavy (35-40 lbs.), but they are a far cry from low-end. But don't forget who these bikes were marketed towards--- teenagers and the parents buying the bike. Weight was not a concern. Those customers were in the market for a solid, unbreakable, reliable, low maintenance bicycle. Schwinn delivered on all counts. For the serious rider, they made the Paramount. If you would like, I can provide pictures to illustrate.