I put together a time line for 1933-1941. I listed the things that were notable for the year, or the bikes or accessories that were introduced during that year. This is just a guide as presented by Schwinn in their 50th year Anniversary book. In reality, models, parts, and accessories overlapped certain years making it difficult to put an exact date on a bike or an item. B607
Schwinn Pre-War Balloon Tire Bike TIME LINE
1933- During the bottom of the Great Depression, Schwinn introduces the balloon tire to the US market. One of
the first models to be fitted with them is the “B10”.
1934- Schwinn breaks with the “standardization rut” the industry was in by introducing the “Streamline Aerocycle”.
This model awakened not only the public, but other manufacturers, forcing them to also begin producing more
modern bicycles.
1935- Schwinn introduces the “Cycleplane”. Oxy-acetylene steel welding was being used in favor of the older brazing
method. Later in 1935 Schwinn introduces the “cycle lock” fork. This new feature allowed Schwinn to also offer
cheaper cycle-theft insurance.
1936- Schwinn introduces the “Autocycle”. New features include a “Full-floating” saddle and post, “Stimsonite”
reflectors, and built in speedometer.
1937- Schwinn introduces the “Fore-wheel Brake” and a stronger drop-forged stem.
1938- Schwinn introduces the “Spring-fork”, the “Cantilever frame”, and “Rear Expander Brake”.
1939- Schwinn introduces the “Cycle Truck”.
1940- Schwinn streamlines the “Horn Tank”, which now fits the frame better, eliminating the need for hangers.
The “Fenderlite” was introduced and was now built into the front fender instead of the light being an add on. The
standard Schwinn-built “Front Hub” is introduced. This is the same hub shell as the post war “Script Hub”, but
with a slightly different bearing set-up. The line of front and rear hubs was expanded to include models for
every possible requirement.
1941- No new models or features were brought out in 1941. While 1941 was a boom year for bicycle manufacturers,
Schwinn had already begun preparations to make war materials for the US Government a full year before Pearl
Harbor. By September of 1941, Schwinn was already in full production making war material.
Source: “50 Years of Schwinn Bicycles”, 1945, Arnold, Schwinn & Co., Chicago.
Schwinn Pre-War Balloon Tire Bike TIME LINE
1933- During the bottom of the Great Depression, Schwinn introduces the balloon tire to the US market. One of
the first models to be fitted with them is the “B10”.
1934- Schwinn breaks with the “standardization rut” the industry was in by introducing the “Streamline Aerocycle”.
This model awakened not only the public, but other manufacturers, forcing them to also begin producing more
modern bicycles.
1935- Schwinn introduces the “Cycleplane”. Oxy-acetylene steel welding was being used in favor of the older brazing
method. Later in 1935 Schwinn introduces the “cycle lock” fork. This new feature allowed Schwinn to also offer
cheaper cycle-theft insurance.
1936- Schwinn introduces the “Autocycle”. New features include a “Full-floating” saddle and post, “Stimsonite”
reflectors, and built in speedometer.
1937- Schwinn introduces the “Fore-wheel Brake” and a stronger drop-forged stem.
1938- Schwinn introduces the “Spring-fork”, the “Cantilever frame”, and “Rear Expander Brake”.
1939- Schwinn introduces the “Cycle Truck”.
1940- Schwinn streamlines the “Horn Tank”, which now fits the frame better, eliminating the need for hangers.
The “Fenderlite” was introduced and was now built into the front fender instead of the light being an add on. The
standard Schwinn-built “Front Hub” is introduced. This is the same hub shell as the post war “Script Hub”, but
with a slightly different bearing set-up. The line of front and rear hubs was expanded to include models for
every possible requirement.
1941- No new models or features were brought out in 1941. While 1941 was a boom year for bicycle manufacturers,
Schwinn had already begun preparations to make war materials for the US Government a full year before Pearl
Harbor. By September of 1941, Schwinn was already in full production making war material.
Source: “50 Years of Schwinn Bicycles”, 1945, Arnold, Schwinn & Co., Chicago.
