1960 Schwinn middleweight saddles

[Schwinnlover1]

I'm restoring a 1960 American.
Moy a lot on them. And they're not even listed in a catalog which I've seen. But the serial is May of 1960 and it had only Schwinn made components, including the obvious chain guard script.
Anyhow, what saddle was correct?
I bought 2 because it didn't have a seat. One is the standard S saddle.
The other is similar on top, but has what appear to be nicer chrome springs and a crash rail. I'd like to restore that one, but won't waste my time if it wasn't an option.
Does anyone here have any insight?
NOTE: I've taken the crash rail off the one seat already to clean it up.

 

[GTs58]

Schwinn did not make a 1960 American. That model was discontinued after the 1958 model year and was absent until mid-year 1961 when it was reintroduced. It never used the Deluxe Mesinger with beehive springs and crash rail.

 

[GTs58]

Here's the standard seat on the 1961.5 Americans. The optional HD seat for the American was the No. 7000 saddle.

 

[Schwinnlover1]

Schwinn did not make a 1960 American. That model was discontinued after the 1958 model year and was absent until mid-year 1961 when it was reintroduced. It never used the Deluxe Mesinger with beehive springs and crash rail.

I thought so too. But I've found 2 that were original owner that were indeed Americans. I've seen a 59 and 61 as well. I understand in 63 years things get swapped around, but the 80 year old neighbor of mine didn't do that. It's all original and its from July of that year.
So even tho they weren't marketed, there was clearly enough inventory leftover for Schwinn to complete at least these 3. Lol. And I've seen others. But I would have to agree with you regarding the saddle.

 

[Schwinnlover1]

Here's the standard seat on the 1961.5 Americans. The optional HD seat for the American was the No. 7000 saddle.

View attachment 1896926

View attachment 1896927

That's a nice looking bike

 

[GTs58]

For the 2.5 years of absence, the American was replaced by the Speedster. Lets see some pictures! Serial and seat post decals

 

[Schwinnlover1]

For the 2.5 years of absence, the American was replaced by the Speedster. Lets see some pictures! Serial and seat post decals

Yup that's what I'm told. Unfortunately mine was stripped of paint decades ago. I could show the serial number but that wouldn't mean a thing at this point.
But you'll see them online. FB in particular. Correct pedals and not a single German, Swiss or even Schwinn "approved" part on them.
All U.S. made.

 

[GTs58]

Hmmm, the Schwinn Approved stuff can be, is and was used on the Americans. The Mesinger saddles were US made with Schwinn Approved on them just for starters. 😉
Facebook is not the best place for a reference when looking for original bikes IMO. Most of the Schwinns that I see there all have been modified by the owners with things like Ape Hanger handlebars. 🤣

 

[Schwinnlover1]

Hmmm, the Schwinn Approved stuff can be, is and was used on the Americans. The Mesinger saddles were US made with Schwinn Approved on them just for starters. 😉
Facebook is not the best place for a reference when looking for original bikes IMO. Most of the Schwinns that I see there all have been modified by the owners with things like Ape Hanger handlebars. 🤣

Ya, I even did one bmx style.
But the one I'm working on is staying true. I think its more fun and frankly, I just think they're beautiful as meant to be.

 

[GTs58]

Ya, I even did one bmx style.
But the one I'm working on is staying true. I think its more fun and frankly, I just think they're beautiful as meant to be.

If you are staying true, a 1960 serial numbered frame would not have been built as an American. The production periods are well documented and the American was not produced after the 58 model year and was absent for 2.5 years. Production started again mid year 1961.