Schwinn Bikes (United States) - Press Release: Freedom, speed, daring.

For many children living in America in the 1960s and 1970s, their first taste of freedom and adventure came on the wheels of a bicycle. In the days when motorcycles, muscle cars and drag racers filled every kid with the need for speed, the bicycle was their answer. And the bike of choice? The Schwinn Sting-Ray. The coolest, most coveted of the Sting-Rays was the Krate, a bike that puts a smile on the face of those who once owned this iconic ride.

Schwinn introduced the original Sting-Ray in 1963, after the company realized kids in California had been customizing their bikes to look like motorcycles. Bikes were fitted with 20-inch wheels, elongated saddles, rear “sissy bars,” and ape hanger handlebars. It didn’t take long for Schwinn to notice. Al Fritz, Schwinn’s director of research and development, proposed the Sting-Ray as a way to replicate the style California kids were looking for.  These bikes featured a coaster brake on the big back wheel and wide-stance handlebars that were perfect for popping wheelies. The connection of the bike’s name with the (at the time) new Corvette helped solidify the link between the bicycle and the flashy automobiles of the sixties. Before long, the Sting-Ray was synonymous with suburban youth in the 1960s.

“The Sting-Ray quickly became the bestselling bike in Schwinn’s history.”

In 1968, Schwinn created likely the most memorable edition of the Sting-Ray line to date: the Schwinn Krates. Think of the Krates as the cool cousin of the Sting-Ray, like the dragster of the automobile world. In fact, the Krate name was inspired by a popular California dragster from 1968. The distinctive stick shift mounted on the top tube, right between the seat and the handlebars, helped distinguish this bike from the pack.

The new Krate features weren’t just ahead of their time for the Sting-Ray line, but for all bikes of the era. Such components included a springy sissy bar out back for a “floating saddle” appearance, while front and rear suspension was maintained via articulating forks in front. A drum-style front brake was located up front too, while a mechanical disc brake was set up in the rear.

“Sure to thrill your imagination.”

There was plenty of pizzazz too, as the bikes were dressed up with a bright front fork, ape hanger bars and chrome fenders on both ends. And with a 20-inch Sting-Ray Slik rear tire and a 16-inch wheel up front, they truly maintained the aesthetic of chopper motorcycles.

Just like the other Sting-Rays, the Krate series came in an assortment of sweet colors. Originally in 1968, the Krates consisted of three models: The Apple Krate (red); the Lemon Peeler (yellow); and the Orange Krate.

Across 1969 and 1970, green and white Krate versions made their way onto the scene. The white Krate incorporated the revolutionary Schwinn Sting-Ray design with gears, full-floating ride, and features that were “sure to thrill your imagination.” Finally, in 1971, Schwinn introduced the Grey Ghost.

The Krate bikes served as the purest symbol of Schwinn’s iconic Sting-Ray series. 50 years later and still the bike that stands for childhood expression and freedom. From everyone at Schwinn, thank you for helping us celebrate 50 years of history.