People will probably buy these and keep them put up as collectors items. I'm thinking that they will reallygo up in value in a couple of hundred years.
Based on three reviews, ALL posted yesterday, and none of them look like the "reviewers" actually bought the bike.
I've pretty much given up on Amazon reviews, between the people who post things just to (attempt to) be funny and the people who just don't know what they're talking about, like this one: "Way to capitalize with a total fake. Lemon Peeler had gears and Sting-Rays had same diameter wheels front and rear so you failed at both.....miserably." -- Julie Smith
Krates ARE Stingrays, so maybe she's trying to say that singlespeed Stingrays had the same diameter wheels front and rear? She's right about the lack of "gears" and the missing "Stik Shift," but Schwinn Krates like this did come with 16" front wheels: http://schwinncruisers.com/bikes/krates/
So it's not really a faithful "reproduction Krate" OR a "reproduction single speed Stingray" but some sort of 21st century hybrid -- which seemed to work for the recent "vintage inspired" Ford Mustangs/Chevy Camaros/Dodge Challengers.
I don't see an issue...if I wanted a krate/stingray, but couldn't afford a vintage one right now. It seems a reasonable alternative to be able to ride, and maybe even upgrade, until you run across your dream bike.
Interestingly, my 7-speed Black Friday Krate has held-up remarkably well. It has gone on a 30ish-mile doughnut ride, 11-mile rides in NYC (lots of thumbs ups on those ) and on a ride in Boston over badly potholed streets. The paint, saddle and frame haven’t showed any signs of wear and tear over the years – the best use of $69- ever!
Having said all that, it's good to see the occasional reissue of the Schwinn Sting-Ray Krate in all its renditions; proof, that this classic design has staying power.
Nice. Price drop again to $290...They look like a decent rider. Much better than the BFK's. If I didn't already have too many bikes I might consider one. It would be a fun bike to put a motor on.
Don't know if purchasing one is in the cards yet but Givin the opportunity I would buy one , I actually bought every color of the black Friday released bikes but didn't hang on to those for very long .