> Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 14:29:19 -0400
> From: Martin Needleman <mrndlmn@toad.net>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]eBay Outing. Is this possible???
> Message-ID: <3F256B7F.34B62C8A@toad.net>
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> Message: 17
>
> Item number: 2185504502
> Title: RARE SCHWINN ONE OF A KIND
> Description:
> IF YOU COLLECT SCHWINNS, THIS IS ONE YOU MUST HAVE. IT WAS BUILT BY
> SCHWINN AND SET A WORLD SPEED
> RECORD BEHIND A RACE CAR. IT IS THE ONLY ONE MADE AND WAS IN THE
> SCHWINN FAIMLY COLLECTION.IT IS
> IN ORIGINAL CONDITION. S/H $35 IN 48
>
> Well, I don't doubt that it's one of a kind, I'm sure a Schwinn maven
> could glance at the decals and tell instantly the model that this bike
> started life but it looks to me that somebody stuck a stayer chain wheel
> on an ordinary kid's bike. Ridden to a world's record? I rather think
> not. Not with that kid's saddle, a conventionally raked fork and
> handlebars which hardly permit an aerodynamic tuck. "In the Schwinn
> family collection"???
>
> What is this thing?
>
> Martin Needleman
> Annapolis, MD
> ------------------------------
At first glance it looked like an early 60s lightweight (to me anyways), like a Traveler or a Racer. Seat looks about right, flip the handlebars upside down, change the crank and freewheel, and you're done. I remember seeing something similar looking in Schwinn's collection when James Hurd was the curator, my memory isn't what it used to be, but I'm thinking that bike was red and had a leather saddle.
Before I wrote it off completely I noticed the fork, as it appears to be a tubular fork rather than Schwinn's forged variety. Bike appears to have 26" wheels, but I'm guessing. I don't recall Schwinn using tubular forks on their 26" lightweight models. Considering the componentry, perhaps this was a mock up used to create something else, a one-off custom made for one of the kids, or someone stumbled across someone's creation that has nothing to do with Schwinn. I had a friend that put together a 4 speed Continental using a 65t sprocket from a Schwinn exerciser once.
Did the seller offer any kind of evidence to anyone that this was purchased at the Schwinn auction?
Greg Groth
Chicago, IL.