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Being new to the forums I need some help understanding the difference between a rat bike, a klunker and a cruiser. What features differentiates each categories. Pics would be helpful too. I have a '69 Schwinn mens cruiser that is in rough shape and I am trying to decide which way to go. I think it is a Typhoon, but not sure. The words on chain guard have faded beyond readability. How can I tell the model for sure?
 
In general terms, "klunker" is used to describe a bike not originally intended for off road use that has been stripped and possibly modified w/stronger bmx type parts, maybe extra welding or gussets, usable in unpaved areas. Comes from pre-mtb era, when they were usually made from old coaster brake "clunkers". "Rat" usually means that through neglect or purposeful modification w/"wrong" parts or technique, a bike is beat up and "ratty" looking. "Cruiser" just means a bike built for style and/or comfort, w/performance in the traditional sense being secondary. All these terms are subjective in use, w/100% overlap possible. Many of the bikes seen here fit all 3 catagories, or none. Call it anything you want, and happy cycling! 8)
 
Here is a pic before I tore it down again.
sl2mgp.jpg
 
like sensor said, theyre just labels. as far as the schwinn bike youve got. determine the year (decode the serial #), then narrow down it down to which model(s) your frame fits into from that year. could of been a handful of models.
 
also, look through the past Build-Offs for examples of different styles. that's where i figured out what the Klunkers and the SpaceLiners are.

below is my old Murray, which - if i have my terminology correct - is a ratty cruiser. i also think these guys call that frame a cantilever frame. anyway, it's a cruiser style with rust and mismatched parts, which makes it kinda ratty. i don't think there's anything rod about it, though.

img_9308.jpg
 
The serial number puts it as June of '69, same as my daughters Hollywood. Got them both the same week fifty miles apart, both for freeeeeee! The green one has the original, although rusty s-7 rims. What are some of the differences between similar models to help me label mine?
mufp6a.jpg
 
in 69 ... the middleweights were typhoon( single speed and 2-speed), typhoon deluxe (3-speed) panther (single speed tank bike) and heavy duti ...

youve got a typhoon
the typhoon deluxe 3 speed frame would of had brake mounts
the panther would have had tank mount brackets under the top tube
and the heavy duti came in red or black

enjoy :)
 

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