What is a krate?
The Krate was to the Sting-Ray what dragsters were to automobiles. In fact, the Krate name was borrowed from a popular California dragster in 1968. What really made the bike stand out was the unique stick shift mounted on the top tube, right between the seat and the handlebars.
What year did the Schwinn Stingray come out?
1963
Thus, in 1963, Schwinn cranked out a run of Sting-Rays, despite the fact that no one at Schwinn, aside from Fritz, thought the homely children’s chopper would be a success. The Sting-Rays flew out of bike shops—46.630 of them at fifty bucks a pop.
How do I know if my Schwinn Stingray is real?
Classic Stingrays Locate the bike’s serial number. It will be on the head tube, the A-frame or the seat tube. Wipe dirt and oil from the serial number, if necessary, so you can read it accurately.
When did the Schwinn OCC chopper come out?
Although the company began producing the bike in 1963, it first appeared in the Schwinn catalog in 1964. In 1965, Schwinn updated the design, adding slick rear tires, which they advertised as the types of tires seen on drag racers and track cars, and the tires would give the bikes more road surface than any other bike.
What color is Schwinn Sting Ray?
The mass-produced Schwinn Sting-Ray was an instant success; it was perfect for wheelies, and the “banana” seat accommodated the rider and his “date.” The Sting-Ray came in vibrant colors, including Flamboyant Lime, Radiant Coppertone, Sky Blue, and Violet.
What were the names of the Schwinn Krate bikes?
Find of the Day: A six-pack of Schwinn Krate Banana Bikes
- Orange Krate 5 speed 1969.
- Cotton Picker Coaster 1971.
- Grey Ghost 5 speed 1971.
- Pea Picker 5 speed 1971.
- Lemon Peeler 5 speed Disc Brake 1972.
- Apple Krate 5 speed Disc Brake 1973.
When did the stingray bike come out?
The Origin of the Sting-Ray 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 seats, rear “sissy bars,” and ape hanger handlebars.