Thoughts on the shifter and brakes on this Schwinn (Cleveland, Ohio, $125)

[cbustapeck]

I came across this women's Schwinn on Facebook, and it's definitely outside my knowledge set.

The shifter, brakes, and seat tube decal all feel odd to me - but there's much that I don't know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Andrew Gorman]

Looks like a two speed Bendix and Schwinn bolt on cantilevers- both period correct, if a little uncommon.

 

[cbustapeck]

Looks like a two speed Bendix and Schwinn bolt on cantilevers- both period correct, if a little uncommon.

Would those have shipped as original equipment or been purchased as an accessory? Also, by period, are we talking 1950s?

 

[ricobike]

Would those have shipped as original equipment or been purchased as an accessory? Also, by period, are we talking 1950s?

I believe that many Americans and Tigers from the Mid 50's came equipped that way from the factory. Usually if you see one, you see the other.

 

[Oilit]

The manual Bendix 2-speed hub was used on a lot of the early middleweights, but it appeared with the rim brakes as an option on the early Americans, along with the checkerboard seat post decal (1955-57). The decal was later used on the Tiger, from 1959-64. I don't think the rim brakes were standard on any other middleweights, the rest used Weinmann calipers, but the American was advertised as being "All American Made Parts". You don't see the rim brakes that often now.

 

[Oilit]

1955 Schwinn Catalog

Full 1955 Schwinn Catalog online

bikehistory.org

 

[Big Moe]

I've got a set of the cantilever brakes. With both styles of mount bracket. One set for blade fork, other for springer fork.

 

[Big Moe]

Currently on the 35 double diamond.

 

[cbustapeck]

Thank you all!