Strange handlebars on Schwinn Corvettes (SOLVED)...

[Avanti]

Over the years, I've come across several Schwinn Corvettes equipped with these strange handlebars. The first two instances were on mid-fifties Vettes that were pulled from barns and were otherwise original. I found these examples online (green '56 and red '59). I was also able to track down a photo of the exact handlebars, which measure 29-5/8" wide, but have no idea if they are factory Schwinn or aftermarket. Has anyone ever seen these bars before and is it possible that they were a factory option on middleweights (perhaps for taller riders)? Thanks.

 

[schwinnbikebobb]

We had talked about these a while back . Not sure if we decided anything but they do show up on the cover of a Schwinn catalog. 1960 if I recall. GT or Island will add info when they check today I'm sure.

 

[Cooper S.]

I don't know if they're stock but they sure do look good

 

[island schwinn]

I've had a few of these bars on bikes and took a set off a bike when I parted it out.they were stamped Schwinn in the center.they were a high rise bar for taller riders as you mentioned.

 

[Avanti]

I've had a few of these bars on bikes and took a set off a bike when I parted it out. they were stamped Schwinn in the center.they were a high rise bar for taller riders as you mentioned.

Fascinating. The design is highly unusual as it puts the rider's hands at an 45 degree angle - spreading out the shoulders. There has to be factory documentation referring to an optional raised handlebar since distributors would have had to specify it for special orders.

By the way, the bars pictured above were removed from the green 1956 Schwinn Corvette, which was sold new in Pasadena, CA. They do not have a Schwinn stamp, which would be expected as Schwinn did not start stamping their handlebars until the mid-sixties.

 

[Avanti]

We had talked about these a while back . Not sure if we decided anything but they do show up on the cover of a Schwinn catalog. 1960 if I recall. GT or Island will add info when they check today I'm sure.

...and there they are on a green 1960 Corvette!

 

[GTs58]

Bob was correct, these were shown in the 1960 Schwinn sales brochure mounted on a Corvette. They called them Butterfly Bars and they're somewhat similar to the California Bars. Is there a W lightly stamped on the end of the bars?

 

[Avanti]

Bob was correct, these were shown in the 1960 Schwinn sales brochure mounted on a Corvette. They called them Butterfly Bars and they're somewhat similar to the California Bars. Is there a W lightly stamped on the end of the bars?
View attachment 666202

You mean under the grips? I can check. What did the "California Bars" look like?

 

[GTs58]

Yes, at the ends under the grips. I have a 61 Corvette 5 speed that was a basket case and the bars on that rusted up mess were Wald's and same bars as the non stamped Schwinn bars.

Old version.

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/28-wide-california-bars.91819/#post-581533

 

[Avanti]

No "W" stamp. These appear to be the Schwinn Butterfly bars as pictured on the cover of the 1960 catalog. Here is another pic of a set installed on a 1959.