W. Schwinn, grandson Frank Valentine Schwinn took over management of the company. In the 1950s, Schwinn began to aggressively cultivate bicycle retailers, persuading them to sell Schwinns as their predominant, if not exclusive brand. During this period, bicycle sales enjoyed relatively slow growth, with the bulk of sales going to youth models. In 1900, during the height of the first bicycle boom, annual United States sales by all bicycle manufacturers had briefly topped one million. Nevertheless, Schwinn’s share of the market was increasing, and would reach in excess of 1 million bicycles per year by the end of the decade.
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. Despite the increased tariff, the only structural change in foreign imports during this period was a temporary decline in bicycles imported from Great Britain in favor of lower-priced models from the Netherlands and Germany. In 1946, imports of foreign-made bicycles had increased tenfold over the previous year, to 46,840 bicycles; of that total, 95 per cent were from Great Britain. Imports of foreign-made “English racers”, sports roadsters, and recreational bicycles steadily increased through the early 1950s.
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By 2002, Waterford added TIG-welded designs to its regular line-up. 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 called up by these beautiful bicycles, enthusiasts praise their quality workmanship and enduring value.
Our goal is to provide easy to follow, step-by-step cycling related guides, and reviews for bikes & gear. By the end of the decade, Schwinn managed to hit more than 1 million bicycles per year. Many big companies went bankrupt while the smaller ones were absorbed.
With this partnership, Schwinn increased their bicycle sales to 500,000 per year by 1985. Schwinn’s annual sales soon neared the million mark, and the company turned a profit in the late 1980s. However, after unsuccessfully attempting to purchase a minority share in Giant Bicycles, Edward Schwinn Jr. negotiated a separate deal with the China Bicycle Co. to produce bicycles to be sold under the Schwinn brand.