81 Cruiser 5 find.

[Josie 2 Shrimps]

Found this 81 Cruiser 5 today. Everything looks original except for maybe the seat. Looks like a seat from the 50’s with crash tabs. Any ideas?

 

[koolbikes]

There is a Tread dedicated to these bicycles.

Show us your KLUNKER 5, SPITFIRE 5 or CRUISER 5 | All Things Schwinn

My 1980 CRUISER 5

thecabe.com

Nice bicycle, What is the serial number and 4 digit numbers on headbadge .
The Seat looks like the original '81 issued Persons but sunbaked.

 

[Josie 2 Shrimps]

I have the persons seat on an 80 cruiser 5 I own but it doesn’t have the crash tabs that this one has.

 

[SoBayRon]

Nice find! It does look very original - tires, cables, grips and optional Schwinn tube fork. I agree about the seat, I‘ve not seen wear tabs on the 80’s Persons saddles for Cruisers.

 

[koolbikes]

I have the persons seat on an 80 cruiser 5 I own but it doesn’t have the crash tabs that this one has.

View attachment 1773500

October 1981 Frame ... What are the 4 digit numbers on the Headbadge.
Looks like it's a 1982 built bicycle as the front & rear, plus wheel reflectors are 1982 style.

 

[bobcycles]

Post War mesinger seat pan with the later (smaller profile) tabs.
Trade ya a Nice correct Cruiser era Mesinger seat for that one!

 

[mrg]

70/80's Spitfire/Cruisers all used the rubber top Messinger except 1 yr, 1980 used a Persons.

 

[Josie 2 Shrimps]

October 1981 Frame ... What are the 4 digit numbers on the Headbadge.
Looks like it's a 1982 built bicycle as the front & rear, plus wheel reflectors are 1982 style.

 

[Xlobsterman]

View attachment 1773657

Your bike is actually an 82 model according to that date code.

The seat, fork, and possibly the reflectors are not original from the factory. The fork is a Schwinn accessory fork sold by the dealer, and is period correct for the bike. The tube fork was one of our most popular upgrades for the Spitfires & Cruisers during that era!