Let’s see some late 70’s/early 80’s Cruisers and Spitfires

[Xlobsterman]

Yeah, still looks like Chicago made Electro-Forged frame joints to me. What rims are those, Femco? Check the brake arm for a date code, if you don't mind?
Beautiful paint on that bike!

It is a Murray made frame.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

It is a Murray made frame.

View attachment 2028810

Ahh, you're right, couldn't see those bits. The rear stays and headtube still look like Chicago EF though, I thought the Murray era frames were different there too?

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

The Information Bulletin 23 was provided by Stan Cooper, aka scooper on the forum bikeforums.net.

Here is are links to the original post, but the attached Bulletin 23 is no longer there.

scooper Bulletin 23

scooper bulletin 23 partial


Here is a link to more information about Stan Cooper:

Stan Cooper infromation


Stan Cooper's father was St.George Cooper, a long time Schwinn factory representative.

Here is a link to more information about St. George Cooper from Howie Cohen:

St. George Cooper information


Attached is a PDF of Bulliten 23.

St. George Cooper, and I were both Regional Sales Managers for Schwinn Bicycle Company. St. George worked for Schwinn during a period when they had eight Regional Sales Manager positions. I went to work for Schwinn in 1978. The position number was eventually reduced to four, one for each Sales Company Region. The reductions were by retirement, and in Adrian Thom's case by his death.

I stand by my previous comment that the bulletin and the information presented do not appear to be something Schwinn produced.

Just my opinion,
John Palmer
Schwinn Sales West
Scott Sports Group
1978 to 1994

 

[dihummer]

St. George Cooper, and I were both Regional Sales Managers for Schwinn Bicycle Company. St. George worked for Schwinn during a period when they had eight Regional Sales Manager positions. I went to work for Schwinn in 1978. The position number was eventually reduced to four, one for each Sales Company Region. The reductions were by retirement, and in Adrian Thom's case by his death.

I stand by my previous comment that the bulletin and the information presented do not appear to be something Schwinn produced.

Just my opinion,
John Palmer
Schwinn Sales West
Scott Sports Group
1978 to 1994

The Bulletin 23 was from a company named Schwinn Sales Inc.


This company appears to have started in February 1981. The president was Edward R Schwinn.


Starting in 1981 some Schwinn advertising in newspapers and journal is from Schwinn Sales Inc, and not Schwinn Bicycle Company.

Boys' Life 1981 April and November

In the 1982 Schwinn bicycle catalogue

Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. See your Authorized Schwinn Dealer for service or replacement under the Schwinn Limited Warranty or write to the Consumer Relations Department at the factory:

Schwinn Sales Inc.
1856 North Kostner Avenue Chicago,
Illinois 60639

Some 1980s Schwinn owner's manuals are from Schwinn Sales Inc.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

The Bulletin 23 was from a company named Schwinn Sales Inc.


This company appears to have started in February 1981. The president was Edward R Schwinn.


Starting in 1981 some Schwinn advertising in newspapers and journal is from Schwinn Sales Inc, and not Schwinn Bicycle Company.

View attachment 2029635
Boys' Life 1981 April and November

In the 1982 Schwinn bicycle catalogue












Some 1980s Schwinn owner's manuals are from Schwinn Sales Inc.

View attachment 2029636

Well at least my short-term memory is still working!

It was a very poorly written bulletin, with several errors and omissions.

John

 

[dihummer]

This company appears to have started in February 1981. The president was Edward R Schwinn.

I have the incorrect date for the start of Schwinn Sales Inc.

The Schwinn Reporter for May 1980 announces the formation on Schwinn Sales Inc.

 

[dihummer]

@dihummer

The serial format with the letter S was started by the Asian manufacturers. The first LeTours were imports. Greenville never produced electro-forged frames like the Varsity or Cruisers. That 1985 Cruiser was made in Taiwan.

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The subject bicycle is dated 1985. What is the relevance of the 1986 Lightweight document?

If you read the second document carefully it never says that the "S" prefix serial numbers were for Made in Japan bicycles. In the centre column:

Models sometimes began with 'S' followed by the Japan Made numbering system

The right hand column shows the Japan made numbering system, Bridgestone and Panasonic.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

I got this built up yesterday and it is really a looker. I used as close to correct parts as I could find. The frame, stem, crank/sprocket and grips came with together and I had a correct springer. The wheels are not HD spokes just a really clean set of 14 gauge S-2's that I built up with NOS spokes and nipples using a real nice Bendix 70 rear hub. The handle bars are aftermarket but until I find a correct set these will do especially with the nice chrome. I must admit the vintage Studded Balloon tires look so good but I'm not thrilled with the ride. Really loving the simplicity of the black/chrome on this bike. @Jackbrick62

 

[Xlobsterman]

I got this built up yesterday and it is really a looker. I used as close to correct parts as I could find. The frame, stem, crank/sprocket and grips came with together and I had a correct springer. The wheels are not HD spokes just a really clean set of 14 gauge S-2's that I built up with NOS spokes and nipples using a real nice Bendix 70 rear hub. The handle bars are aftermarket but until I find a correct set these will do especially with the nice chrome. I must admit the vintage Studded Balloon tires look so good but I'm not thrilled with the ride. Really loving the simplicity of the black/chrome on this bike. @Jackbrick62

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Great looking bike! If you want a set of period correct wheels, I have a set for sale on Ebay if you are interested. I am willing to give you a much better price on them if you are interested?

SCHWINN CRUISER S-2 WHEEL SET | eBay

USED - SCHWINN CRUISER S-2 F&R WHEEL SET. Both wheels are in good used condition. Hubs will need to be serviced. No dents or dings in the rims, and they should polish up nice with a little effort. Both rims have rust on the inside, but should clean up well with a little work.

www.ebay.com

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

I have a set for sale on Ebay if you are interested.

I saw those and I might if I keep it but I may send it down the road.