Schwinn’s Sting-Ray was known as “the bike with the sports car look” and it changed cycling when it was introduced in 1963, the model was made until 1981, Schwinn’s Krates were made from 1968 to ’73, the Schwinn Fair Lady for young ladies were produced from 1964 to ’82, and the Schwinn Mantaray was only produced for two years, 1971 & ’72.

The bikes all featured a short frame, high rise handlebars and a long, bucket shaped saddle, all borrowed from the southern California bike personalization/customization craze. The design gave the rider a combination of features for quick maneuvers, fast starts and short radius turns.

Schwinn’s bikes became a wildly popular best-seller almost overnight, and sold like wildfire – with an introductory price of only $49.95.

Naturally, every other bike manufacturer copied the idea.

Vic has had the opportunity to restore several Sting-Ray style bikes, one was from a Schwinn competitor, a model branded as the ‘Wildcat I’.

This bike was the owner’s first bike, and he wanted it restored to the way he remembered it. The restoration project included sandblasting and powdercoating with almost all of the parts being replaced with reproductions.

The finished bike is stunning, right down to the logo reproduced on the chain guard.

Learn more about Schwinn’s Stingray history here:
www.schwinncruisers.com/bikes/stingray

Surly’s Long Haul Trucker has a devoted following, known for its dependability, riding comfort, and ability to haul a bunch of stuff. Its low bottom bracket and long chainstays provide stability. There’s ample tire clearance for wider tires and room for fenders. The CroMoly steel tubing is thicker-walled and larger-diameter than standard frames, which is easily repaired if you crack the frame on a trek through Lower Mongolia.

The LHT has all the braze-ons, from rack mounts to water bottle cage bosses to spare spoke holders. It’s available as a frameset and as a complete bike, with 26˝ wheels in 42–62cm sizes, and with 700c wheels in 56–64cm.

Vic just put together this Surly for a client who chose the 26″ wheelset. The decision is a wise one for a cross country rider. You can find a replacement 26″ tire in any Walmart in America. Ever try finding a replacement 700c tire in the booneys?

Let Vic order a dependable and affordable Surly for you.

www.surlybikes.com