1963 Schwinn "Bicycle Built For Two" – All-Original Chicago Survivor – Radiant Red

[Dave H]

For sale is a rare, time-capsule 1963 Schwinn "Bicycle Built For Two" tandem. This is the highly desirable "Early First Generation Town & Country Edition. Pre-Twinn Production " model produced in the Chicago factory considered heavy-duty before the transition to the lighter more consumer-friendly tandem "Twinn" name in 1965.

This bike is a true survivor in its original Radiant Red paint with the iconic "long line and star" graphics still intact on the chain guard.

Key Original Features:

• Frame/Fork: Early 60s Chicago-built frame with the premium chrome-capped forged forks (rounded tops with chrome cap).
• DriveTrain: Original Ashtabula S-crank featuring the copied Williams chainring 4-large / 3-small hole ring gear pattern found only on 1963 and 1964 models.
• Wheels/Tires: Rolls on original Westwood tires (26" x 1 3/4"). Tires are vintage originals that hold air —perfect for display or a period-correct collection.
• Special Accessory: Includes a rare, dealer-installed Union (West Germany) generator light set. The original plastic "jewel" light indicator on top of the headlight is fully intact with the Union logo visible.
• Condition: Original paint shows honest patina and some scratches consistent with its 60+ year history. It has not been "touched up" or modified, preserving its value for the serious collector.

Serial Number: 333189 (stamped on the left rear axle hanger).

This is a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of Schwinn history that hasn't been seen in a catalog for decades. Whether you want a stunning display piece or a light restoration project, this "Bicycle Built For Two" is the one.

Bicycle has been hanging in my garage for the last 37 years.

Price: $900 (Or Best Offer)
Location: Taylor Mi. 48180
Shipping: Local Pickup Only (due to size/weight).

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

You have the description of your bike mixed up between two different Schwinn Tandem model lines. Schwinn made many different tandem models all the way back to 1895.

Your bike does not have the tubular fork or the cottered cranks found on the earlier "handmade" Schwinn Town and Country Tandem model. made during the 1940 to 1960's. Your fork and crank arms are Ashtabula forgings and were machine finished at Schwinn. Your bike is not structurally different than than one of the several Twinn versions.

Your bike is the more common "production price point" tandem model and was marketed under several different model names over the years depending on the men's/ladies frame version used. It came in a single speed, two speed automatic, and a five speed version. The retail price was in the $139.95 range depending on which model year you compare.

It looks like a very clean nice original bike.

FYI, GLWS

John.

 

[Goldenrod1]

The front biker must lay the bike down to mount since the front is not a female bar and the back bars prohibit swing your leg round the back. I don't find this a problem on my franked tandem made from two male frames.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

The front biker must lay the bike down to mount since the front is not a female bar and the back bars prohibit swing your leg round the back. I don't find this a problem on my franked tandem made from two male frames.

Agree, there's perception and then reality on the sales floor.

History will show that over time the Ladies/Ladies Schwinn Tandems were the most popular selling of the Beach Cruiser Tandems. I believe the "perception was they were easier to mount/dismount".

I have a 1971 Schwinn Paramount Tandem which I purchased new with a custom sized 23"/23" double men's frame and have never had a problem mounting it. Most of the miles ridden on this tandem were in towing a trailer with two kids in it. Over the years it required an upgrade to a stronger 48 spoke rear wheel. Additional braking is needed with the additional weight of a trailer and passengers.

John

 

[Dave H]

You have the description of your bike mixed up between two different Schwinn Tandem model lines. Schwinn made many different tandem models all the way back to 1895.

Your bike does not have the tubular fork or the cottered cranks found on the earlier "handmade" Schwinn Town and Country Tandem model. made during the 1940 to 1960's. Your fork and crank arms are Ashtabula forgings and were machine finished at Schwinn. Your bike is not structurally different than than one of the several Twinn versions.

Your bike is the more common "production price point" tandem model and was marketed under several different model names over the years depending on the men's/ladies frame version used. It came in a single speed, two speed automatic, and a five speed version. The retail price was in the $139.95 range depending on which model year you compare.

It looks like a very clean nice original bike.

FYI, GLWS

John.

Thanks!, I think AI was confused by 4 large holes and 3 small holes. This was Williams style but was copied by Schwinn and used on chainring for 63 and 64 models with Ashtabula one piece crank. I believe it is a 1963. The information I have says that the frame is heavy duty and is identified by "Bicycle Built For Two" printed on the chain gard. This was not used on Twinn versions. I believe this is an early first-generation, pre-Twinn model. Thanks for you help! If you can tell me anything else, I would appeciate it.

 

[GTs58]

That is a very nice example of that 2 year only Tandem. It's a 1963 model and the month letter stamping for the serial number is pretty much wiped out by the lower seat stay brazing. This model was offered in 63 and 64 and the Twinn was introduced in 64 so there was a choice on having a horizontal top tube or not. That's the only difference between the two models.

 

[fattyre]

The top tube on a BBFT is an inch and a half longer than a Twinn. They’re more comfortable for taller riders. Plus the (captain’s) handle bars don’t get in the way of your thighs as much if you dare to make tighter turns.

However rear position idler pulley isn’t the best. They are much noisier and rougher feeling than the Twinn with the idler pulley in the forward position. Also, the seat clamp stem (on some early Twinns too, I think) prevents the rear bars from being height adjustable for the stoker.

 

[Michigan Picker]

Thanks!, I think AI was confused by 4 large holes and 3 small holes. This was Williams style but was copied by Schwinn and used on chainring for 63 and 64 models with Ashtabula one piece crank. I believe it is a 1963. The information I have says that the frame is heavy duty and is identified by "Bicycle Built For Two" printed on the chain gard. This was not used on Twinn versions. I believe this is an early first-generation, pre-Twinn model. Thanks for you help! If you can tell me anything else, I would appeciate it.

I hate AI bike descriptions

 

[Dave H]

I hate AI bike descriptions

It was very helpful to me to identify the bike, but it did take me a few tries. You have to start somewhere. Thanks for your comment.