By
Shawn Sweeney and Gary Meneghin
The Beginning
Schwinn acquired the Excelsior and Henderson motorcycle companies in
1911 and 1914, respectively. Frank Schwinn, the son of the Schwinn
company founder, Ignaz Schwinn, soon became the head of the Excelsior –
Henderson Motorcycle Division of Schwinn. He was an excellent
motorcycle engineer. However, at the close of the 1920s, the stock
market crash decimated the American motorcycle industry, taking
Excelsior-Henderson with it. Arnold, Schwinn, & Co. (as it
remained until 1967) was on the verge of bankruptcy. With no buyers,
Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles were discontinued in 1930.¹ Frank W.
"F. W." Schwinn, at the age of 36, then took over day-to-day operations
at Schwinn. Frank decided to put all his efforts toward bicycle design,
production and sales. Frank succeeded in developing low-cost models
that brought Schwinn recognition as an innovative company, as well as a
product that would continue to sell during the inevitable downturns in
business cycles. In 1931, Ignaz and Frank Schwinn decided to travel to
Europe to get ideas that would increase bike sales. While in Germany,
they saw balloon tires on bicycles. In the U.S., all bikes had sew-up
tires, “basically a glorified piece of continuous garden hose with a
valve”. These tires were almost impossible to repair. Frank disliked
these tires and wanted to convert to something more similar to
motorcycle tires. These tires softened the ride on rough roads and
cobbled streets. It was also much easier to fix flats on these tires,
just simply repair the rubber inner tube. Frank concluded that these
tires would be a strong selling point for the American market. In fact
the early ads for balloon tire models emphasized the soft ride with low
pressure tires of 18 -22 lbs. The balloon tire measures 26" x 2 1/8"
compared to previous tires measuring 28" x 1 1/2".
Upon return from his European trip, Frank met with a bike industry
group in Chicago to explain his plan. The plan was to add balloon tires
to bikes and make them look more like motorcycles with the addition of
a faux gas tank (i.e., a tool box tank), a motorcycle rear carrier, a
Klaxon push lever horn and a chromed motorcycle head light. Schwinn
even proposed the use the name Motobike and a near copy of the
Harley-Davidson eagle wings logo on the tool box tank to make the bikes
more motorcycle like. The other bike manufacturers were not at all
receptive to the idea and felt that there was no reason to change the
way bikes had been manufactured for decades. This turned out to be a
serious error in judgment on their part.²
Frank also met obstacles in getting the new rims and tires
manufactured. Because of their long relationship with Firestone, they
finally agreed to produce the new rims. He initially approached U.S.
Rubber to produce the tires but they dismissed it as a “silly idea”. He
then went to Fisk Tire Company and they agreed to produce tires for
5,000 bikes. Unfortunately, Fisk failed to make the tires properly, so
Frank went back to U.S. Rubber and said “make the tires or I will
import them”, so U.S. Rubber agreed.³
Department stores also scoffed at the idea and would not carry
Schwinn’s new balloon tire bikes. So Frank said that they would only
sell these bikes to small independent bike shops. As it turned out,
these small bike shops would now finally have something that the
department stores could not get. The sales of small shops soared
following the introduction of these balloon tire bikes².
Despite the chilly reception to his ideas, in 1933, Frank introduced
the Schwinn Motobike B10E, actually a youth's bicycle designed to
imitate a motorcycle. Frank surmised correctly that if a young boy
could not afford a motorcycle then the next best thing would be a bike
that looked like a motorcycle, Frank was right – Schwinn’s market share
dramatically increased from 8% to 16% from 1933 to 1935. The B10E was
produced from 1933 to 1935. By 1935, 97% of all bikes sold in the U.S.
had balloon tires.² This was a dramatic trend change in the bicycle
industry. For about the next 25 years the balloon tire bike would rule
the roads.
Some people in the bicycle hobby argue that Sears was the first to
introduce balloon tires. The 1931-32 Sears Fall-Winter catalogue
introduced the Allstate balloon tire bicycle. This was a 28 X 2 inch
tubeless
tire – similar to the construction of many auto and motorcycle tires.
Sears advertised that it was a balloon tire that represented the first
bike innovation in 50 years. The Schwinn Super Balloon tire was 26 x 2
1/8 and had an
inner
tube. While some argument exists to which company actually
introduced the first balloon tire bicycles in the United States it is
generally accepted that Schwinn produced the first balloon tire
bicycles in the spring of 1933.
Schwinn
Balloon Tire Models
The 1933 Schwinn balloon tire model line-up consisted of seven
different models (six boys and one girl). The model designation for
these bikes started with “B” (balloon) e.g. B10E while the same bike
with 28 x 1 ½” tires was designated simply as #10E. The following is a
list of the balloon tire bike models:
- 4
B 1 ½ (juvenile)
- B 1 ½ E (juvenile)
- B1 Camelback (juvenile)
- B3 Ladies
B4 Camelback
- B9 Motorbike-unequipped
- B10E Motorbike-equipped (rack, battery can and light, tank,
friction horn)
The 28” bikes included the same model line-up but with the addition of
a #5 Roadster. Additionally a Model “R” (racer) equipped with 28 x 1
1/8” tires was in the line-up.
The
B10E Motobike
The focus of this article will be on the top-of-the-line B10E. The
following are the specifications for each of the three years the B10E
and B10EC-(1935 only).
Restored 1935 Schwinn B10E
Motobike (Courtesy of Gary Meneghin)
1933
1933 Specifications from Schwinn catalog
- B10E
Frame-18 x 22 inches
- Tires-26 x 2 1/8” cord balloon
- Saddle-No. 1 Bucket
- Handlebars-Chromium finish with brace
Pedals-#10 Torrington
Guards-Chromium finish
- Rims-Deep drop center chromium finish
- Color-Black with red, Optional blue or red with white
- Coaster brake-Musselman, Morrow, or New Departure
- Equipment-Rack, tank, Delta light and can, friction horn
1934
In 1934 two changes are noted in the description of the B10E. First a
‘tall’ frame (20 x 24”) is introduced. Secondly the fenders are now
mentioned as being stainless steel.
1934 Specifications from Schwinn catalog
- B10E
- Frame-18 x22 inches or 20 x 24 inches
- Tires-26 x 2 1/8” cord balloon
- Saddle-No. 1 Bucket
- Handlebars-Chromium finish with brace
- Pedals-#10 Torrington
- Guards-Stainless Steel
- Rims-Deep drop center chromium finish
- Color-Black with red, Optional blue or red with white
- Coaster brake-Musselman, Morrow, or New Departure
- Equipment-Rack, tank, Delta light and can, friction horn
1935
The description for 1935 is essentially unchanged from the 1934
specifications except that now the saddle is described as “padded
bucket type” and the pedals are described as “high grade, rubber”. This
possibly indicates that Schwinn began using other suppliers for these
parts.
1935 Specifications from Schwinn catalog
- B10E
- Frame-18 x22 inches or 20 x 24 inches
- Tires-26 x 2 1/8” cord balloon
- Saddle-Padded bucket type
- Handlebars-Chromium braced with large rubber grips
- Pedals-High grade, rubber
- Guards- Stainless Steel
- Rims-Deep drop center chromium finish
- Color-Black with red, Optional blue or red with white
- Coaster brake-Musselman, Morrow, or New Departure
- Equipment-Rack, tank, Delta light and can, friction horn
In 1935 a budget priced version of these bikes was offered. The two
notable differences were the painted fenders instead of stainless and
the handlebars are not mentioned as being “braced”. The handlebars on
this version appear to be what are typically called ‘Scout’ bars.
1935 Specifications from Schwinn catalog
- B10EC
- Frame-18 x22 inches or 20 x 24 inches
- Tires-26 x 2 1/8” cord balloon
- Saddle-Padded bucket type
- Handlebars-Chromium finish with large rubber grips
- Pedals-High grade, rubber
- Guards- Enameled to match
Rims-Deep drop center chromium finish
- Color-Black with red, Optional blue or red with white
- Coaster brake-Musselman, Morrow, or New Departure
- Equipment-Rack, tank, Delta light and can, friction horn
Observations
and Details
The following notes are based on research of period literature,
discussion with other collectors, and examination of original bicycles.
As with other manufacturers of the time Schwinn did not produce 100% of
the bicycle in their factory. Components to include handlebars, wheel
sets, lights, horn, seat, tires, pedals, reflector, and seat were all
sourced from various suppliers. The following are what was typically
installed and would be accepted as correct for a restoration.
- Although Schwinn literature does not list the B10E model
for 1936 several retailers were still offering this model into the 1936
model year.
- There is a question concerning why Schwinn literature
refers to this bike as a “Motorbike” yet the decal on the tank says
“Motobike”. Some collectors say this was due to a lawsuit over the
name. This does not seem likely given the literature into 1936 still
refers to the bike as a “Motorbike”.
- Other than the standard colors of black, red, and blue only
a green bike has been reported.5 This is
plausible since the 28” Motobike is known in green and it is likely a
few early B10Es were painted this color as well.
- Several different chain rings were used on the B10Es. Some
of these were possibly specific to the badge and others to particular
retailers. The most common chain ring found on the B10E is the
“sweetheart” chain ring. The so called “Aerocycle” chain ring is found
on Henderson and Majestic badged bikes. The chain ring shown on the
admiral badged bike was also used on Meads and Pullmans. They are all
1” pitch. The crank is a standard 7” Schwinn ‘dog leg’ crank.
Typical
“Sweetheart” Chain Ring
|
“Aerocycle” Chain
Ring
|
Admiral Chain Ring |
‘Dog leg’ crank |
- The seat used was the Mesinger long spring seat referred to
in the literature of the time as “No. 1 Bucket”. It appears that two
different styles of chassis and clamps were used on the seats. It is
possible that Troxel seats were used on these bikes as well.5
Typical seat
chassis/clamp
|
Alternate style
seat chassis/clamp
|
- The only decals on the B10E are the standard Schwinn seat
tube decal, and the tank decal. The tank decal is a winged “MOTOBIKE”
decal. Some earlier 28” bikes had a “The World” decal on the tank and
it is possible some B10Es also carried this decal.² While it became
fairly common for the 1936 and later Schwinns to have a decal or
painted brand on the down tube this is not often seen on the B10E.
Shown below is an example of, what is left of, an “Admiral” script on
the down tube of an original bike.
Seat tube decal |
“Admiral” on down tube |
“MOTOBIKE” tank decal (typical) |
“The World” tank decal |
- The EA Klaxon horn with the five screw face is the horn
most likely to be used. The chrome Delta ‘teacup’ light with the switch
on the light and black Delta #6 can without switch are what is depicted
and called for in the contemporary literature. The battery cans use a
#6 1.5 volt dry cell battery (sometimes referred to as a telephone
battery). Some bikes are found with the painted ball style delta light
with the switch on the can. These may be replacements or possibly the
later models were equipped with them.
EA Klaxon horn |
Delta #6 battery can |
Headlight lens |
Side profile of chrome ‘tea cup’ light |
- While most restorers opt for red grips and pedals most
B10Es were originally equipped with black ribbed grips and black block
Torrington 10 pedals. The braced handlebars typically found measure
approximately 22” across. As stated in the literature for the B10EC the
bars are the same except they have no brace.
Braced handle bars
Unbraced handle bars
Stem
- As discussed above the fenders were chrome plated,
stainless steel, or painted (EC model only). The fenders are a typical
‘rain gutter’ design fender with a single fender rivet to the flat
brace. The front has a single brace at the rear and there are both a
‘duck tail’ and a straight variety in both stainless and chrome. The
rear also has a single brace and a reflector that measures
approximately 1 ½” across.
Straight front fender |
‘Ducktail’ front fender |
Rear fender reflector |
Fender profile |
Rear fender/rack |
- The rack used on all B10Es was a simple box type flat
pressed steel variety. The front is attached to the seat stays and the
main support legs attach to the rear axle. The drop stand used on the
B10Es seems to be a fairly specific Schwinn item and is the same one
used on the Aerocycle.
Rack |
Drop stand |
Detail of drop stand ‘ears’ and ND brake arm
- The tires shown in the original advertisement for the bike
are red and that is generally what most B10Es whether original or
restored have on them now. The rims are a drop center, slightly stepped
rim. The front hub is a New Departure Model W hub. As noted in the
factory literature the B10E could be equipped with a Morrow, Musselman,
or New Departure rear hub. The Morrow hubs are date stamped with an
alpha numeric code. The letter corresponds to the year and the number
(1-4) indicates the quarter of the year. The letters start with “A” for
1931 so for the B10Es “C” is 1933, “D” is 1934, “E” is 1935, and “F” is
1936. So, for instance, a code of D1 would indicate the first quarter
of 1934. The other hubs cannot be dated in this manner.
Detail of rim profile
Morrow hub
Musselman Hub
- The B10Es like any other Schwinns of the period can be
found with a myriad of badges. Schwinn was distributing through large
retailers such as Chicago Cycle Supply as well as hundreds of small
retailers. Lincoln, Liberty, Excelsior, Admiral, Henderson, Majestic,
The World, and LaSalle are some of the many badges encountered. A
popular badge surrounded by some lore is the Chicago Tribune Special
badge. Some accounts say that these bikes were awarded to the fastest
or best delivery riders. Because this badge has been found on several
girls bikes it seems likely this was more a promotional item rather
than a prize.
Original paint 1934 Admiral (
Courtesy Ray Hanusik)
Restored 1934 Majestic (
Courtesy Mark Lavarnway)
References
and Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank all of those that contributed to making this
article possible.
¹Schwinn Bicycle Company, Wikipedia 2014 retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwinn_Bicycle_Company
– website
²Pridmore, J. & Hurd, J. (2001). Schwinn Bicycles. MBI
Publishing
³Judith Crown and Glen Coleman. Nov 1996. No Hands. The Rise and Fall
of the Schwinn Bicycle Co. An American Institution.
4Hurd, J., & Gordon, T. A. (1992).
Schwinn-built bicycles: Super Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-World War II.
5 Bob Ujszaszi-personal communications, December 2014
Scott McCaskey-The Classic and Antique Bicycle Exchange (CABE)
http://thecabe.com/
Dave Stromberger- Dave’s Vintage Bicycles
http://www.nostalgic.net/
Ray Hanusik the owner of the original black 1934 Admiral and Mark
Lavarnway the owner of the restored blue Majestic were very
accommodating with both information and pictures. Jack Daniels also
provided pictures of a restored Excelsior badged bike that he owned and
various components of that bike are pictured as well. A special thanks
to the many other members of the CABE who participated in the forum and
provided either information or pictures necessary to complete this
monograph.