Most people will probably use it as a townie, and it’s great at that, too. Its step-through frame lets you rest at stoplights with your feet on the ground. In honor of its 125th year, Schwinn joined forces with Detroit Bikes’ expert frame craftsmen to produce a limited run of a cruiser inspired by the iconic 1965 Schwinn Collegiate Deluxe. Bicycling has been a leading voice in the bike industry for decades, delivering insightful, trustworthy reviews and in-depth knowledge to cycling enthusiasts of all levels. We have a long history of guiding readers through the ever-evolving cycling landscape, and our writers and editors are not only experts but also passionate riders.
And that takes a lot of wind out of this kat, so I decided to go with something that had a few more gears than just one. I wanted to get a bike that looked like the old style jobs, and after a few years of waiting and watching finally found this Schwinn Riverside at the local K-Mart. Front and rear linear pull brakes provide precise, reliable stopping power and speed control so you can ride with confidence in a variety of conditions.
A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ’s Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks. There are, unfortunately, bicycle manufacturers out there who do take shortcuts in things like component quality. Other brands might include features or components that are highly specialized and thus hard (expensive) to replace or repair should you have issues in the future.
If there is a serial number, it will always appear on the actual frame of the bike, rather than on a removable part like the seat, handlebars, or wheels. From streamlined Aerocycles and classic Phantoms to Varsity eight-speeds and Sting Ray Krates, vintage Schwinn bicycles are popular with collectors. In addition to the fond memories these beautiful bicycles inspire, enthusiasts praise their quality workmanship and enduring value.
Repeat steps e and f on the other side of the axle, making sure the wheel is centered. For the latest update to this story, we worked with Bicycling test editor Dan Chabanov to vet each bike and recommend a few based on his riding experience. We’re confident that our picks stand on a foundation of real-world trial, professional evaluation, and a passionate commitment to cycling. City, urban, commuter, cargo, utility, folding, or e-fill-in-the-blank—call it what you will. Your commuter bike has a job to do, and only you know what that job entails. So whether you need to haul a ton of crap, make a quick run for some essentials, load up the kids and get out of the house, or get off your ass and grab some fresh air, you need the right bike, and we have it right here.
Its range is pretty far at up to 50 miles per charge, and including fenders, a rack, and integrated lights is a nice bonus. Plus, the 27.5 x 2-inch-wide proprietary tires, along with a front-suspension fork, provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths. This excellent e-bike combines utility with the sleekness needed for the city. The very first thing you should look at when purchasing a new 2023 beach cruiser is whether you want it to be electric or you want it to be traditional, as in only operating via the power of your two feet. For example, traditional bikes, particularly traditional cruiser bikes, are going to generally cost less and be more lightweight overall.
Our experienced testers spent many hours and miles using each of these bikes for their intended purpose. Check out our picks for the best bike lights, helmets, and light sets to strap on your next ride. Take a spin on these modern reproductions to learn why true classics never go out of style. One of the best ways identify an old Schwinn bike is to compare the bike you have to advertising images and photographs of other Schwinns. This can give you some clues about the model, the year it was made, and any options it may have.
You can narrow down your personal bike size by visiting your local bike shop and undertaking a bike fitting. A professional bike fit is even more important than a test ride because many people who don’t ride a lot will initially sit at the wrong height on a bike. While this may prove okay in the short-term, riding a poorly fit bike over the long term will get uncomfortable and is more likely to cause dissatisfaction in your purchase. So start your new bike journey right by getting the most accurate measurements to use as you shop. EBay is a great resource for all kinds of antique and vintage items, including Schwinn bikes.
If so, then you will probably need to add a basket at some point or a rack from which you can hang panniers. Do you plan on riding your new cruiser bike a lot at night or in the early morning hours? If so, then you’re going to want to make sure you have some type of front and rear lights equipped before you take it out on the streets. schwinn dealers Are you envisioning yourself cruising around neighborhood block parties or across large campgrounds in the summer? If so, then a solid handlebar drink holder and a nice horn or bell will prove quite helpful. If you’re interested in purchasing an antique or vintage bicycle made by this iconic company, you’ll have plenty of options.