Speedsters

[OldSkipTooth]

Who can give me the skinny on early 26" Schwinn speedster frames? It seems the early frames have much more top tube slope meeting the rear stays? When did production start? I am on the lookout for an early one for a project. Any info is helpful.

 

[CrazyDave]

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/bik/5554982217.html
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/bik/5543465065.html

 

[GTs58]

The middleweight Speedster's last year of production was 1961, and the first lightweight Speedster was the 63 model. Can't comment on the top tube bend changing, never owned one.

 

[island schwinn]

had to do with frame size.

 

[OldSkipTooth]

Thanks, I thought it might be frame size, collapses the geometry.

 

[OldSkipTooth]

Thanks Dave!

 

[GTs58]

Thanks, I thought it might be frame size, collapses the geometry.

I checked the specs on a few years of the Speedsters and there was only one frame for each size, 26", 24" and 20". The bend looks the same on all the 26" models, at least to my eyes.

 

[Adamtinkerer]

Small frame was used for several models...

 

[GTs58]

Small frame was used for several models...

Yes it was, but I think that came about down the road in the 70's.

 

[Metacortex]

For 1963 through 1970 I believe the only Lightweight in a 17" frame was the Speedster, but starting in '71 that size was also available in Racer and/or Collegiate models. Whether it was called a Speedster, Racer or Collegiate, those Lightweights with 17" frames were "camelback" style. :

I believe the camelback style was changed to a sloping straight tube in 1980.