In response to overwhelming public demand, Schwinn Bicycles announced this month that they will re-issue the classic Schwinn Sting-Ray this summer. The classic, banana seat models will be available in select independent bicycle shops and will be priced at approximately £200. Yes. "The public outcry to bring back the classic version of the Sting-Ray was overwhelming. I was literally getting requests every day," said Byron Smith, Schwinn's Chief Operating Officer & President. "While the new, chopper-style Schwinn Sting-Rays are flying off shelves, there are still some adults who would like a replica of the original banana-seat Sting-Ray. These bikes are for them." Two models of the classic Schwinn Sting-Ray will be offered in extremely limited runs: the Coppertone Sting-Ray and the Grey Ghost. The Coppertone is a replica of the earliest Sting-Ray model, complete with ape-hanger handle bars and coaster brakes. The Grey Ghost is based off the 1971 Krate Series model of the same name that featured Silver Mist paint. Because it only sold for one year, the Grey Ghost is considered the rarest model of the Sting-Ray Krate series. Both the replica Coppertone and Grey Ghost model will be sold at independent Schwinn dealers across the country starting late June 2004.
The original Sting-Ray, widely considered the most popular bicycle of all time, was first introduced in 1963 during the muscle car craze and remained on the market until 1982. More than 1 million bikes were sold in 1968 alone.
In April 2004, Schwinn Bicycles released the new Schwinn Sting-Ray, a bike for a new generation of Sting-Ray fans. Part chopper, part cruiser, the new Schwinn Sting-Ray is considered a muscle bike and is widely touted as the "rebirth of cool." The new Sting-Ray is perfect for 7- to 12-year-old kids who want a cool set of wheels they can cruise around on with their friends.
Schwinn plans to announce specific details regarding the rest of the new Sting-Ray line, which will include a juvenile 16" model and an adult 26"model, in the near future. Boom!
