Hi!

We recently purchased two Schwinn '73 collegiate bikes. They are in great working condition, but we would like to install racks on them so we can carry things home from the grocery store! Most of the bike racks I see online don't appear to be compatible with the bikes, and since we are new to the area (we live in Chicago) we don't know a good bike store around that would be able to help us out. I wouldn't mind a front basket, but ideally we would like a back rack so we can use a pair of collapsible baskets on the back of each bike.

Thanks!

For the proper "period" look, do what I am doing with my Free Spirit...


It isn't a Pletscher, but it is close enough for anyone that doesn't look too close.

This style rack offers a period correct look to Free Spirits, Collegiates and Varsities, along with similar bikes from back in the day.

There are some Pleischer like racks that are labeled "Schwinn Approved" on ebay every nowand then. I got one for my schwinn.

I've got a Pleischer or two laying around.

I've mounted modern racks on old Schwinns. I don't see the Pletscher being as useful & versatile as the modern racks.

I used P-clamps for the seatstay mount -- like these -- https://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikepart...ier-bike_racks . These are fairly common for other uses & might be found at the hardware store or adapted from generic steel strip. I've also seen brackets that mount to the brake bridge.

For the bottom mount near the axle, I went to the hardware store to get two longer bolts. Take care they're not too long, so they don't interfere with the chain. Moved the fender stays to the inside of the dropout & the rack mount on the outside. Nylock nuts have been reliable.

Good luck...

I have at least one and maybe two Schwinn Approved Pletscher racks .

Do yourself a flavor and get a Wald #215 chrome steel rack from Niagara. Your Schwinn's will love you for it.

https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=5763