As stated in a previous post, I almost never see the World models pop up. I was able to buy the bike from a fellow CABE’er and am fortunate to be the next caretaker of this bike. You don’t really come across them like this: all original, first year production example, hard to find model and in top notch condition. Although the World Travelers were more expensive they tend to pop up a lot more than these Worlds do and I consider them more uncommon.
The World model started in 1950 along with its more expensive, big brother the World Traveler. The World was the base model of all the lightweights at the time, but still a killer bike. The World model was discontinued at the end of 1953 and started back up again in 1955 for a short period and was again discontinued, and this time for good (as far as the 1950s style bikes go).
Overview:
- The paint is a very deep opaque black with outstanding pin striping and color blocking. I really like the stainless steel fenders that went on the World Travelers, but the color blocking and striping on the fenders is very nice. The striping on the fork dart always gets me because you almost never see them strip down to the drop outs on the lightweights of this time (it is pretty unique). Also noting that all the lightweights during the 50s received the front peak fender style.
- The World got the same style decals as the World Traveler at the time. These style graphics are and obvious iteration of the 40s Continental decal package. For whatever reason the early Worlds did not get a chain guard decal and it was left clean, similar to how the higher end lightweight guards were treated: without decal. Look at the decal condition overall!
- As noted in other places, the early (1950-51) World Traveler and World models got the same New World head badge used on the New Worlds during the 40s. As the New World ended in 1949/1950 it transitioned to the World Traveler and World models as the mid to lower end light line.
- The stem is a razor stem and only found on these early models and was quickly phased out by 1952. The bars are the same swept back gull wing touring bars found on all tourist setup lightweights during the early to mid 1950s. The grips are the typical oval script design found on the mid to lower end lightweights of the 50s (note the earlier oval design have the groove lines wrap around the ends, the later design stopped at the ends. A subtle change over the years). Calipers are the ones you find on this ear of lightweight and are a carry over of the type used on the 40s lightweights. These were phased out pretty quick for a new style starting in about 1951/52. Look at those original cloth wrapped cable housings…they held up over the years!
- This shifter/hub setup is a 3 speed Sturmey Archer found on all the upper end models of the era. You almost never ever, ever see the red paint infill still intact on these. I forgot to get a shot of the hubs and will update.
- The saddle is a Brooks mattress saddle used at the time and on the early World Travelers you saw them use a bunch of English saddles before they really switched over to badging everything Schwinn. The brands I see pop up the most are Brooks and Wrights. I like that stamp on the side that stays Brooks—I don’t think I have seen that before. The seat post is the Schwinn script you see often in the 50s and the seat clamp is the same used on all these during the early to mid 50s (I think they call that the D style clamp). Calipers have the Schwinn script and are also a style that carried over from the 40s style found on lightweights. Pads are gone but I think I have some originals around here.
- Crank is a one piece and chain ring is the clover style, both from this era.
- Wheels are the tubular S-6 setup found on the lightweights of the 50s. It has the knurling down the centerline and this has the very early knurling pattern that was eventually phased out for another pattern style. Tires are Schwinn Straight Side Sports Touring and are original. You find these across the board on the Schwinn lightweights of the time.
- Lastly, the pedals are the Schwinn Approved type before the large caps became the norm.
- Serial – G185000
I am pretty excited about this bike and thank the previous owner for allowing me to take care of it for many years to come. Enjoy!
Other bikes I have posted:
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