Hi, I'm Chris. I'm a writer based in the UK, and while I know nothing about bikes like this I do like them! I've recently acquired this and after some digging around it would seem that you guys would be the best people to speak to. So, here's the story behind my Schwinn Krate....
So, went out on the beers last night in Bourton on the Water, very nice.
Anyway, went to retrieve the car this morning, jumped in a went to turn around at the bottom of the lane. I grumbled to myself about the poor placement of the skip, but then I didn't mind so much because I layed my eyes on this....
....pretty eh?
I did the moral thing and asked around to see if it was cool to take it. In the end a little old lady explained it origins and said she was thrilled that I wanted it. So, in the car it went!
It's really interesting, it has gears, a weird cantilever front suspension set up and rear suspension via shocks in the rear seat posts.
It's complete and apart form the seat, it's never been buggered about with. It truly is a thing of beauty.
Apparently it was hiding at the back of an antique shop for years, only to end up in the skip when it came time for the shop to be renovated. I'm sure someone else would have rescued it too, but I'm glad it was me.
It needs to be fully restored, new brakes and tyres etc. As I don't have the facilities I'm going to take it to my Dads and he'll do it.
So, there you go, a free Schwinn. I'll keep you posted once I get it to my Dad's.
Now as I'm sure you can tell, I don't know anything about these bikes. That said, I do appreciate what it is and as such, I want to give it the correct treatment. Another factor is the value as I've been led to believe it's worth a few quid, a fact which further cements the fact that I need to look after it.
If you guys have any info about the bike, advice on its restoration/future then please do let me know.
Thanks guys.
Chris
So, went out on the beers last night in Bourton on the Water, very nice.
Anyway, went to retrieve the car this morning, jumped in a went to turn around at the bottom of the lane. I grumbled to myself about the poor placement of the skip, but then I didn't mind so much because I layed my eyes on this....
....pretty eh?
I did the moral thing and asked around to see if it was cool to take it. In the end a little old lady explained it origins and said she was thrilled that I wanted it. So, in the car it went!
It's really interesting, it has gears, a weird cantilever front suspension set up and rear suspension via shocks in the rear seat posts.
It's complete and apart form the seat, it's never been buggered about with. It truly is a thing of beauty.
Apparently it was hiding at the back of an antique shop for years, only to end up in the skip when it came time for the shop to be renovated. I'm sure someone else would have rescued it too, but I'm glad it was me.
It needs to be fully restored, new brakes and tyres etc. As I don't have the facilities I'm going to take it to my Dads and he'll do it.
So, there you go, a free Schwinn. I'll keep you posted once I get it to my Dad's.
Now as I'm sure you can tell, I don't know anything about these bikes. That said, I do appreciate what it is and as such, I want to give it the correct treatment. Another factor is the value as I've been led to believe it's worth a few quid, a fact which further cements the fact that I need to look after it.
If you guys have any info about the bike, advice on its restoration/future then please do let me know.
Thanks guys.
Chris
