At that time bicycles were a fashionable but expensive mode of transportation for adults. Arnold, Schwinn & Co. originally produced standard light adult models weighing 19 to 24 pounds, and priced from $100 to $150, a lot of money in those days. Until the recent rise of quality TIG-welded and composite bicycle frames, most high quality lightweight bicycles used lugs to join their frame tubing. Fillet-brazing is an alternative method of constructing high-quality lightweight bicycle frames without the use of lugs.
The new high-end children’s bicycle saw the Schwinn name become in high demand. Between 1900 and 1930, Schwinn would produce approximately 45,000 bicycles per year in a market where both changing tastes and the Depression saw many manufacturers close up shop for good. Involvement in the motorcycle industry helped keep the company alive, but after the stock market crash, the company, now under the guidance of Ignaz’ son Frank W., would once again turn its attention to bicycles. Some parts of popular Schwinn bicycles may fetch you a decent price if you sell them as many people are looking to restore their old Schwinn models to their former glory.
Faced with a downward sales spiral, Schwinn went into bankruptcy in 1992. The company and name were bought by the Zell/Chilmark Fund, an investment group, in 1993. The boom in bicycle sales was short-lived, saturating the market years before motor vehicles were common on American streets. By 1905, bicycle annual sales had fallen to only 25% of that reached in 1900. Many smaller companies were absorbed by larger firms or went bankrupt; in Chicago, only twelve bicycle makers remained in business. Competition became intense, both for parts suppliers and for contracts from the major department stores, which retailed the majority of bicycles produced in those days.
W. Schwinn did not seem hampered by a lack of ambition, nor was he content to sit back and let the world famous family business rest on its laurels. With the semi-retired Ignaz Schwinn still keeping a close watch on things, Frank made some bold decisions that helped launch a second golden age not only for the Schwinn company, but the bike industry as a whole. Many German business owners in the U.S. faced considerable scrutiny and sales losses as anti-German sentiment spread during both World Wars.
From entry-level designs, outfitted with baseline, yet durable features, to top-tier products that have the best technology the industry has to offer. Models for Mountain Bikes in the Schwinn catalog include 5 models with their subsequent customizations and off-shots. Those 5 models are the Mesa, Timber, the Moab, the Protocol, the Traxion, and the Bonafide. All have an aluminum frame design, the difference between one and another lies in its suspension system, wheel size, geometry, and color. One is a range of discount bikes offered by mass-merchandisers such as Wal-Mart, Sears, and Kmart.
W. Schwinn, grandson Frank Valentine Schwinn took over management of the company. The company also joined with other United States bicycle manufacturers in a campaign to raise import tariffs across the board on all imported bicycles. In August 1955, the Eisenhower administration implemented a 22.5% tariff rate for three out of four categories of bicycles. However, the most popular adult category, lightweight or “racer” bicycles, were only raised to 11.25%. The administration noted that the United States industry offered no direct competition in this category, and that lightweight bikes competed only indirectly with balloon-tire or cruiser bicycles. The share of the United States market taken by foreign-made bicycles dropped to 28.5% of the market, and remained under 30% through 1964.
For the middle-of-the-range price, the Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bike is great value for money and offers high-quality alloys, framing, and gears that most brands would charge an arm and a leg for. This is a big contrast to the old bikes from the Schwinn brand which were reliable enough to sit for decades huffy mountain bike in your shed with no use and still be able to ride whenever you needed it. They are entry-level products at inexpensive prices but they do possess higher quality materials than most generic cheap bikes. Our goal is to provide easy to follow, step-by-step cycling related guides, and reviews for bikes & gear.