Schwinn King Size Registry & Research Project

[KingSized HD]

Posting this here so KS folks see it.
A King Size rat bike on CL.(not mine) I think he’s right about having more than $250 in it with the 2-spd kickback, saddle and frame.
Says the ad has been up 22 days.

Schwinn King Size Rat Bike - bicycles - by owner - bike sale - craigslist

Schwinn King Size (20" frame) Rat Bike beach cruiser. Bought this frame many years ago without a fork. Ultimately decided to turn it into a fat tire cruiser. Even though this is a middle weight bike...

losangeles.craigslist.org

 

[sworley]

Good looking out, @KingSized HD! I reached out and here’s what @obliquepen, the seller had to say:

I just checked the serial # M130125 recently for a December 1961date. Which would make this bike the oldest King Sized frame date on record on The CABE. Original color is unknown.

I will get the registry updated soon with this bike.

 

[GTs58]

Good looking out, @KingSized HD! I reached out and here’s what the seller had to say:

I just checked the serial # M130125 recently for a December 1961date. Which would make this bike the oldest King Sized frame date on record on The CABE. Original color is unknown.

I will get the registry updated soon with this bike.

View attachment 1970332

There are quite a few lower serial numbers on the list, but it's definitely one of the first ones built.

 

[obliquepen]

There are quite a few lower serial numbers on the list, but it's definitely one of the first ones built.

That is really strange as when I first looked I didn't see all those other listings. No way to explain it but like you say one of the first ones. This is actually the second King Size I have owned. My first one sold many years ago and I did not record the serial #.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

That is really strange as when I first looked I didn't see all those other listings. No way to explain it but like you say one of the first ones. This is actually the second King Size I have owned. My first one sold many years ago and I did not record the serial #.

Don't sell this one, some guys never get a shot one let alone two. Beside twice is extra nice.

 

[runningwild]

Did the king size Heavy Duty's not have king size on the chain guard like the KS Americans?

 

[ricobike]

Did the king size Heavy Duty's not have king size on the chain guard like the KS Americans?

Correct. Regular Heavy Duti chainguard for the Kingsize Heavy Duti.

 

[Rusty Klunker]

The first year HD was its own model 65 was there even a regular HD or were they all KS?

 

[GTs58]

The first year HD was its own model 65 was there even a regular HD or were they all KS?

All the 1965 models were KS. It is really odd that there is no mention of this in the catalog specifications or in the customer brochure. The frame number was 1914-R. It doesn't even mention the frame is a 20"! It's almost like they were keeping it a secret.

 

[Dannuus]

Can anyone tell me the head tube angle on a King size and how to measure it? I straightened my forks but the bike doesn't ride the same as my regular schwinn middleweights.