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I recently bought a 1978 Schwinn Stingray on ebay. Built in Chicago and stayed there all its "life."
It looks like it is all-original except for the rear tire. Some scratches on the frame but in good overall condition. Even the saddle is in good condition, especially considering it is 30 years old.
The seller listed it as a "1976" but I did some Internet research and discovered it is a 1978. The serial number's first two digits are DP which indicates an April, 1978 build date; DM indicates April, 1976. But Stingrays differed very little from 1976-'78 and even 1974-'78. Also, on the Schwinn nameplate are little numbers which read "1778." I found out that means it was built the 177th day in 1978.
Here are some photos I took of it along with my other bikes.
With my other bikes (left to right) 2006 Schwinn Stingray reproduction, 1978 Schwinn Stingray, 1974 Schwinn dirt bike.
Thanks!
I have always enjoyed the Stingrays. The upright riding potition, the simplicity and the styling. They are so easy to ride!
I try to bike at least 4-5 times per week, even if it's only a short ride.
Here is another photo of my dirt bike, taken in 1982 or 1983... a Schwinn frame (not sure what year the frame is) and I built the bike (seat, rims, handlebars) around 1974. It is a girls' frame... it was said back then that girls' frames were stronger than boys'. Never could verify that, though.
I haven't rode it in years and it needs work done.
Thanks for sharing! I always loved the Stingrays, but I was too old by the time they came out and heaven forbid I should be caught riding one (it was not cool) -- if you didn't have a 10-speed, you were deemed weird. Guess I was weird - didn't have one of them either. However, I did have a Schwinn -- 1960s something - narrow tires, foot brakes, two speed (oh, and yeah, I still have it and still ride it :-)
Thanks for sharing! I always loved the Stingrays, but I was too old by the time they came out and heaven forbid I should be caught riding one (it was not cool) -- if you didn't have a 10-speed, you were deemed weird. Guess I was weird - didn't have one of them either. However, I did have a Schwinn -- 1960s something - narrow tires, foot brakes, two speed (oh, and yeah, I still have it and still ride it :-)
Wow... still riding it. Good!
Yeah, I remember... 10-speeds were the "in" thing for a while. Until 12-speeds came along!
You should be able to date your '60s something Schwinn if you can find the serial number stamped somewhere on the bike, should be on the frame.
The worst part about 10-speeds -- the seat ... the best part about Stingrays -- the seat.
I'll take a photo of my bike today and post it here later on. At the moment it drags a kiddie trailer - no kid, just the dog. I even have the license plate still attached to the rear fender.
I'm thinking the bike is from 1965 - I'll look for the serial number and then research. I got it for my 12th birthday (I think) - tradition in the family to get a brand-new bike when we turned 12 (although my baby sister got hers at 10! not fair!) I wanted an English bike, but my parents the worry-warts nixed the idea of handbrakes - for certain I would only brake the front wheel and go head over heels they believed! So, this Schwinn with the English bike style handlebars, skinny tires, two speeds (activated by a brief back-peddle) was the closest match.
Okay, post some pics. I'd like to see it. If yours is from 1965, it must be quite rare. I've noticed that many '60s and earlier bikes are listed on ebay for a lot of money. Some are even priced higher than some used cars!
I agree about the saddles. I always thought they were too small on the racing bikes (10-speeds, 12-speeds, etc). I like the more comfortable saddles on the Stingrays and especially the upright riding position.
Try this website for decoding the serial numbers:
Bunch "O" Bikes, Serial Number Page (http://www.bunchobikes.com/serialnumber2.htm - broken link)
That is the exact bike I used to ride as a kid. Even the same color. Man I got some stitches and bruses from hot dogging that thing. Thanks for posting the photos, brought back some very good memories this morning. I think mine must have been a bit older though, sometime in the early 70's I would think.
Used to ride that thing 12 miles one way down dirt roads to spend the day at my best friends house during the summer.
Wow! Those would be collectors items and Id make sure to keep them safe!
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