blakekennedy
Finally riding a big boys bike
You saw that right, a heavy duty 20” speedster. This bike I would only have to assume (as I unfortunately don’t have documentation) is a special factory ordered bike. I bought this from the original owner’s niece. This bike was part of a Shriner’s association in Pocatello, Idaho. They must have ordered at least 20 or so bikes at once, and this is one of them. Has been in storage since the early 80s.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions about this bike. One could definitely order and swap out a lot of these parts at the dealer, but 36 hole 20” heavy duty S-7s? I have never seen those before, and one would figure these hoops would have had to been drilled at the factory. However, I can be wrong, and I am unsure if a dealer could do such a task, so would love to hear your thoughts. Thankfully I saved this bike just in time, as there was a few people behind me I was told. Probably would’ve made it into a lowrider bike or pig’d it out. Nothing wrong with either, but this bike definitely should be preserved just because of how odd it is.
Some things I have noticed to make it more outfitted for a Shriner’s parade bike is a mens seat, a cycle truck stem, mens pedals (bow pedals at that!), and of course, the heavy duty wheels to support an adult rider. One would wonder why cycle truck wheels weren’t used as they were making those. Also pretty interesting to see a New Departure hub this late. The front tire I would assume is original and dated to be September of 1958 (from my research).
I could call this bike a one of one, but there had to be more out there, at least in this bunch. I don’t believe it was unusual for a Shriner’s group to go to a Schwinn dealer and pick up some 20” bikes and some cycle truck stems, but certainly the heavy duty wheels make it an anomaly. Nonetheless, a pretty unusual find. Enjoy!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions about this bike. One could definitely order and swap out a lot of these parts at the dealer, but 36 hole 20” heavy duty S-7s? I have never seen those before, and one would figure these hoops would have had to been drilled at the factory. However, I can be wrong, and I am unsure if a dealer could do such a task, so would love to hear your thoughts. Thankfully I saved this bike just in time, as there was a few people behind me I was told. Probably would’ve made it into a lowrider bike or pig’d it out. Nothing wrong with either, but this bike definitely should be preserved just because of how odd it is.
Some things I have noticed to make it more outfitted for a Shriner’s parade bike is a mens seat, a cycle truck stem, mens pedals (bow pedals at that!), and of course, the heavy duty wheels to support an adult rider. One would wonder why cycle truck wheels weren’t used as they were making those. Also pretty interesting to see a New Departure hub this late. The front tire I would assume is original and dated to be September of 1958 (from my research).
I could call this bike a one of one, but there had to be more out there, at least in this bunch. I don’t believe it was unusual for a Shriner’s group to go to a Schwinn dealer and pick up some 20” bikes and some cycle truck stems, but certainly the heavy duty wheels make it an anomaly. Nonetheless, a pretty unusual find. Enjoy!
