Original text and images of the 1983 Schwinn sales brochure. The text below, including the prices, are as written in 1983.

A good salesperson and/or bike shop will take the time to write the serial number down for you on the sales receipt. No two bikes have the same 'serial number'. You are most likely looking at a model number. Sometimes both numbers are stamped on the bottom bracket. The next part of the serial number is eight numeric digits. The first four numbers should be a two digit month followed by a two digit year. The last four digits are the serialization digits 0000 to 9999 depending on what number the frame was of the years production. If the frame was made overseas in Taiwan, it gets more complicated.

Schwinn Lightweight Bicycles 1983..

A message to every cyclist
From Edward R. Schwinn, Jr.
President
Schwinn Bicycle Company

The Schwinn Difference

For over 85 years, Schwinn has offered quality bicycles meeting the highest standards of design and engineering. The 1983line of Lightweight models is in keeping with and advancing that family tradition on every bicycle carrying the Schwinn nameto assure you quality, dependability and value.

Designed with you in mind

All Schwinn bicycles are designed and built with you, the rider, in mind. Consult your Schwinn Dealer. Let his experience andknowledge assist you in your selection. Here are some of the features to look for among Schwinn's Lightweight bicycles:

• Functional Design- each bicycle is engineered for uncompromised performance in a particular cycling activity.
• Lightweight Frames-Chrome-moly tubing, a special alloy developed for the aerospace industry, is used by Schwinn to minimizeweight without sacrificing strength.
• Aluminum alloy further reduces a bicycle's weight by replacing steel in the rims and componentry while again retaining relativestrength.

1983 Schwinn Co. Printed in U.S.A.

Your Bicycling Recreation Center

Schwinn bicycles are sold and serviced by a nationwide network of Authorized Schwinn Dealers, who have the know how, accessoriesand parts to provide for your cycling enjoyment. Schwinn Dealers are factory trained; they are the recognized professionals servingyou under the Schwinn Five-Point Protection Plan and the Schwinn No-Time-Limit-Warranty.

Schwinn 5-Point Protection Plan

1. We will expertly assemble your Schwinn bicycle so it's ready to ride at no extra cost.
2. Our remarkable No-Time-Limit Warranty will protect your Schwinn bicycle. (To find out more see the Warranty at the right.)
3. We will fit your Schwinn bicycle to the rider for added safety and comfort.
4. We will give your new Schwinn bicycle a free 30-day tune-up.
5. We carry a full stock of repair and replacement parts and provide professional, factory-trained service.

Schwinn No Time Limit Warranty

Schwinn will replace any defective part. No time limit. No charge- except for dealer labor after 30 days, or after a year in caseof defective frames. See your Authorized Schwinn Dealer.

The Schwinn Difference

Today, as for for generations, Schwinn continues to design and build high quality, dependable bicycles. Schwinn has never seta time limit on its warranty and our self-imposed obligations to you, the cyclist. That's our pledge. That makes the SchwinnDifference.

Sincerely,
Edgard R. Schwinn, Jr.
President
Schwinn Bicycle Company

Competition Tight-Competitive road design for all-out racing.

Schwinn Superior

12-speed Road

Download el capitan installer app. Hand built by Schwinn's Paramount Design Group with double butted Reynolds 531c tubing and world renowned Campagnolo compoentry.Classic racing frame with handcrafted braze-on details. Investment cast fork crown and Italian cut lugs.

• Nuovo Record derailleurs
• Investment cast fork crown
• Super Champion Gentleman rims
• DT stainless steel spokes
• Gran Sport crankset, pedals, seatpost, brakes and hubs.
• 19, 21, 23 and 25' frames
• Color: Platinum Grey

See the complete history of the Schwinn Superior.

Schwinn Super Sport

12 Speed Road

Fine entry level machine for those with an eye towards competition. Lightweight Tange Champion chrome-moly double butted tubingand chrome-moly fork. High performance light alloy componentry.

• Sugino DGT aero crankset
• SunTour ARX derailleurs
• SunTour New Winner freewheel
• Araya 700C x 20 alloy rims
• Ariake aero racing saddle
• Ariake aero racing saddle
• Full braze-ons
• 19, 21, 23 and 25' frames
• Color: Black, Silver Blue Metallic

See the complete history of the Schwinn Sport.

All Schwinn bicycles meet U.S. Comsumer Product Safety Commission regulations.

Schwinn Super Sport SP

12 Speed Road

A competition bicycle engineered to win. Lightweight lloy racing componentry for maximum efficiency, rider comfort and style.Tange Champion chrome-moly double butted tubing and chrome-moly fork.

• Sugino Aero Mighty crankset
• SunTour Cyclone MK II derailleurs
• SunTour New Winner freewheel
• Araya 700C x 20 alloy rims
• MKS Esquarts pedals
• 19 1/2, 21 1/2, 23 1/2 and 25' 1/2 frames
• Color: Black with Gold, Silver Blue with Blue

Touring designed frames and componentry for long distance adventures.

Schwinn Voyageur SP

15-Speed Touring

Specially designed for cross country touring. Extended 40 1/2' wheelbase for long ride comfort. Sealed rear derailleur and sealedhubs keep out road ang grime which is crucial for dependability on open roads. Cantilever braking system. Tange Champion chrome-moly double butted tubing.

• Sugino TAT triple crankset
• SunTour sealed rear derailleur
• Dia-Compe cantilever brakes
• Alloy front and rear racks with braze-on fittings
• Araya alloy rims with LeTour 27' x 1 1/4' tires
• 19 1/2, 21 1/2, 23 1/2 and 25' 1/2 frames
• Color: Champagne with Brown, Smoket Pearl with Blue

See the complete history of the Schwinn Voyageur.

Schwinn Voyageur

15-Speed Touring

Front and rear alloy racks on a 15-speed touring frame. Componentry fitted to each frame size for rider comfort. Full brake-onsinclude water bottle studs, chain hanger and fenger eyelets. Tange Champion chrome-moly double butted tubing. For those seriousenough to go the distance.

• Takagi TOurney AD crankset
• Shimano Deore derailleurs
• Araya alloy rims with LeTour 27' x 1 1/4' tires
• Shimano Uniglide freewheel and chain
• Ariake anatomical saddle
• Alloy front and rear racks
• 19, 21, 23 and 25' frames
• Color: Smokey Pearl and Champagne

Recreation

Day touring bicycles with lightweight chrome-moly tubing and alloy rims for fun and recreation.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Voyageur.

Schwinn Super LeTour

12 Speed

Smartyle styled for short trips and sporting rides. The features are worthy of a full touring bicycle yet are intermediatelypriced. Alloy componentry with full 4130 chrome-moly frame, double butted main tubes and down tube shifters.

• Double butted 4130 chrome-moly tubing
• Sugino DNJS-2S aero crankset
• Suntour ARX derailleurs
• Top tube guides and chain hanger
• Ukai 27' x 1' alloy rims
• Quick release front and rear hubs
• Avocet Condor saddle
• Super Record tires 27' x 1 1/8'
• 19, 21, 23 and 25' frames
• Color: Maroon with Platinum, Dark Grey with Platinum

See the complete history of the Schwinn Letour.

Schwinn LeTour Luxe

12 Speed

Lightweight day touring bicycle with a chrome-moly frame, alloy rims and alloy componentry. Stem shifters for easy reach. Comfortable anatomical saddle. Mixte style frames available.

• Full 4130 chrome-moly frame
• Alloy rims with Super Record tires
• Sugino DNJS-2S aero crankset
• Quick release front and rear hubs
• Shimano Altus LT derailleurs
• Men's: 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27' frames

Schwinn LeTour Luxe

• Mixte: 19 and 22' frames
• Color: Dark Blue, Dark Grey

Schwinn LeTour

12 Speed

A classic bicycle now with a light chrome-moly frame and alloy rims. Top tube guides and aerodynamic alloy crankset give a sporting look. Comfortable anatomical saddle. Mixte style frames available.

• Full 4130 chrome-moly frame
• Alloy rim's with HP Sport Touring tires
• Sugino Aero 5 crankset
• Quick release front hub
• Shimano Altus ST derailleurs
• Men's: 21, 23, and 25' frames

See the complete history of the Schwinn Letour.

Schwinn LeTour

• Mixte: 19 and 22' frames
• Color: Blacn Metallic, Sandpiper

Recreation Economical bicycles for general use and riding pleasure.

Schwinn Traveler

12 Speed

Racing style and Schwinn quality at an affordable price. Lightweight chrome-moly main tubes and alloy rims. Sportly down tube shiftersand top tube guides. Quick release front hub removes wheel for easy storage and transport.

• Chrome-moly maintubes
• Alloy rims
• SunTour AR derailleurs
• Quick release front hub
• Men's: 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27' frames

See the complete history of the Schwinn Traveler.

Schwinn Traveler

• Ladies': 19 and 22' frames
• Color: Maroon with Gold, Charcoal with Silver

Schwinn World Sport

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10 Speeed

Ideal entry level 10 speed bicycle that's easy to learn on and dependably built. Easy to reach stem mounted shifting controls andbrake extension levers.

• Racing style saddle
• Sugino alloy cotterless crankset
• Narrow high pressure tires
• SunTour Honor rear derailleur
• Men's: 21, 23, and 25' frames

See the complete history of the Schwinn World.

Schwinn World Sport

• Ladies: 19 and 22' frames
• Colors: Dark Blue, Silver

Schwinn World Tourist

10 and 5 Speed Models

The traditional design for convenient use and comfort. Upright handlebars and mattress saddle for comfortable riding by allages. Easy to use thumbshifters mounted on handlebars. Front freewheels allows shifting without pedaling.

• Shimano Front Freewheel System
• Full fenders
• Kickstand
• Men's: 21, 23, and 25' frames

Schwinn World Tourist

• Ladies': 17, 19 and 22' frames
• Color: Chestnut

Schwinn World

10 Speed

Sturdy steel lug frame and steel rims for the young rider. Long lasting cotterless crankset.

• Racing style saddle
• Narrow high pressure tires
• Shimano derailleurs
• Men's: 21, 23, and 25' frames

See the complete history of the Schwinn World.

Schwinn World

• Ladies: 19 and 22' frames
• Color: Black

Schwinn Siera

Experience the advantages of a bicycle that will take you through the back country or around the corner to the store.. that's Schwinn Sierra.

An all terrain bicycle with quality features, but at an affordable price.

• Dia-Compe cantilever brakes and mountain levers
• Ukai aluminum alloy rims and Schwinn sure-grip Maximizer tires
• Custom-designed Avocet Touring saddle
• Durable Schwinn flash-welded frame
• Tange mountain bike fork

Available in midnight blue and chestnut.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Sierra.

Schwinn Sidewinder

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An economically priced all terrain bicycle vastly improved over last year.

The Sidewinder combines traditional Schwinn durability with proven performance and comfort.

• Schwinn flash welded frame and tubular fork
• SunTour thumb shifters
• Comfortable cushion grips
• Schwinn designed custom handlebar
• Custom-designed Avocet touring saddle

Available in midnight blue or chestnut.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Sidewinder.

Schwinn Cruiser

The classic bicycle Schwinn introduced generations ago.

Even better and more comfortable today with cushion grips and tubular leading axle fron fork.

Both models available in Cardinal red or sky blue. Men's model also available in black.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Cruiser.

Schwinn Breeze

A traditional middleweight bicycle for all women.

Features a convenient step-through frame, full chrome fenders, and Schwinn exclusive built-in kickstand.

Color: sky blue.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Breeze.

Schwinn Heavy-duti

A rugged utility bike when there's work to be done, from deliveries to industrial use. The choice of many industrial firms and retail companies. Features Schwinn's strong electroforged frame and fork, built-inkickstand, heavy duty saddle and full chrome fenders. And being a Schwinn, it's equal to every job.

Color: Golden Yellow.

See the complete history of the Schwinn Heavy-Duti.

Touring Accessories

A. Voyageur Front Handlebar bag.

• Red 00 107
• Blue 00 108

B. Voyageur Front/ Rear Pannier bag.

• Red 00 105
• Blue 00106

C. Voyageur Rear Seat bag.

• Red 00 109
• Blue 00 110

D. Voyageur Backpack.

• Red 00 115
• Blue 00 116
• E. Mariplast water bottle. 47 336 - 338
• Alloy Water Bottle Cage. 47 365
• F. Safety Sport Mirror. 47 510
• G. Schwinn Tourer II Bicycle Touring Helmet. 46 749
• H. Lightweight Super Sport generator set completer. 04 200
• J. Christophe toe clips. 47 000- 02
• Schwinn leather toe straps. 47 040
• K. Ladies' leather touring gloves. White 46 915- 917
• L. Men's leather touring gloves.
• Tan 46 919-925
• Black 46 908 - 914
• M. Schwinn alloy frame pump. 60 684
• N. Zefal H.P. Universal frame pump. 60 640
• P. Zefal H.P. frame pumps for 19' thru 25' frames. 60 718 - 721

Frames and Accessories

• A. Schwinn Superior Frame Set.
• B. Schwinn Super Sport Frame Set.
• C. Schwinn Voyageur Frame Set.
• D. Schwinn Strobe light, complete with adjustable arm/leg strap and belt clip. 05 580

E. Schwinn Hypon handlebar padding.

• Black 09 214
• Red 09 215
• Blue 09 216

F. Schwinn cotton handlebar tape.

• Red 09 112
• Black 09 110

G. Schwinn rear alloy carrier

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• Universal mounting 01 630
• Caliper brake mounting 01 631
• H. Schwinn front alloy carrier. 01 632
• J. Schwinn vinyl wheel cover for 27' and 700-c wheels. 60 900

See Schwinn X-tra Lite Frame and Fork set Brochure available March 1, 1983
Not to be affixed to the bicycle in Marylan, Michigan, Rhode Islan, Montana, and Illinois.

These are additional catalogs available from Schwinn or your Schwinn Dealer

Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited Warranty

Schwinn Bicycle Company- Effective April 16, 1982
Schwinn and Schwinn-Approved bicycles, exercisers, parts and accessories and other products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.. no time limit.

Notice:

The user assumes the risk of any personal injuries, damage to or failure of the bicycle and any other losses if Schwinn bicycles are used in any competitive event, including bicycle racing, or in bicycle motorcross, dirt biking or similar activities. DO NOT USE Schwinn bicycles for stunt riding, ramp jumping, acrobatics or similar activities, or with motors as power driven vehicles. This Warranty does not cover any personal injuries, damage to or failure of the bicycle, exerciser, or other product, or other losses due to accident, misuse, neglect, abuse, normal wear, improper assembly or improper maintenance.

Free 30-Day Checkup

Each Schwinn Bicycle will be fully assembled by the Authorized Schwinn Dealer at time of purchase. Each Schwinn will be entitled to recieve a free 30-day Checkup by the same Authorized Schwinn Dealer within the first 30 days of operation..such checkup to include free replacement but not including any repair due to accident, improper use, neglect, abuse, normal wear, improper assembly or improper maintenance.

As its option, Schwinn will.. without charge.. either provide a replacement of or repair any Schwinn or Schwinn-Approved part of accessory which is defective under the terms of this warranty. Dealer labor charges in installing replacement parts or accessories are not covered by this warranty, except for bicycles during the Free 30-day checkup, and except for any labor charges due to replacement of a defective frame for bicycles or exercisers within one year of original purchase at retail.

Repair or replacement of defective parts or accessories and those dealer charges specified above shall be the sole remedy under this warranty, and In, No Event shall Schwinn be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state. See your Authorized Schwinn Dealer for service or replacement under the Schwinn Limited Warranty or write to the Consumer Relations Department at the factory:

Schwinn Bicycle Company
1856 North Kostner Avenue Chicago,
Illinois 60639

Home / Schwinn Catalogs / 1983

Identifying a straight bar, cantilever, and DX frame

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Since Schwinn first introduced the balloon tire bike in 1933 there have been a number of different frames used. The very early frames were of the motorbike or camel back style. The Aerocycle had a unique frame and there was a double bar roadster frame as well as a camel back in the later style frames as well.

This article is not going to cover all the varieties of frames Schwinn built through the years of which there are many. Essentially there are three basic styles; the straight bar, the DX, and the cantilever frames. Many different models were built on these frames. I am not going to try and associate the models to the frames because both straight bar and cantilever frames were used for Autocycle models and trying to explain Motorbike, Cycleplane, Standard, Super Deluxe, etc… gets complicated. This article will not cover either girls or juvenile models. The girls frames were pretty much the same and were differentiated between model lines largely by paint schemes or equipment e.g. tank, light, or rack. The juvenile models mimicked the adult models to a large degree. In the prewar years Schwinn offered their boys 26” tire models in several different frame sizes (16”, 18”, and the so-called ‘tall frame’ 20”). After the war all boys 26” tire frames were 18”.

While this may seem obvious the first thing to do is to make sure you are looking at a Schwinn frame. This is not as simple as it sounds because nearly all manufacturers made very similar frame styles. You will need to pay attention to paint schemes and colors, seat binding posts, drop outs, serial number structure, font, and size, welding construction, and other ‘tells’.

Prewar frames discussed here will have the following characteristics: rear facing dropouts (Fig. 1), no built in kick stand provision, and the head tubes on boys models are shorter than girls models which means the forks will not interchange. There are other differences between pre and post war frames but these are the main characteristics.

Post war frames will have front facing dropouts (Fig. 2), the head tubes are the same size between boys and girls bikes which means the fork whether an Ashtabula, truss, or springer will interchange. Except for some low tier ‘50s models all bikes will have a built in kick stand (Fig. 3). Middleweight frames (tire size 26” x 1 ¾”) will be narrower than balloon tire bikes.

A quick way to determine whether a frame is a balloon tire or middleweight (cantilever or straight bar) is the “three finger method”. An adult male with average size hands should be able to get three fingers comfortably through the rear seat cluster triangle on a balloon tire frame (Figs. 4, 4-1). Not so on a middleweight frame (Figs. 5, 5-1)

As previously mentioned the first balloon tire bikes had either a motorbike or camel back style frame. Starting in 1935 Schwinn introduced a new style frame. The first design straight bar frame is generally called a ‘double diamond’ due to the straight seat stays which create a triangle or diamond shape to match the front part of the bike (Fig. 6).

For 1936 the straight bar frame had curved seat stays and this feature would remain through the end of production of the straight bar frame (Fig. 7).

In 1938 Schwinn introduced the iconic cantilever frame (Fig. 8). Since its introduction the cantilever frame has been copied by nearly every bicycle manufacturer.

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In 1939 Schwinn introduced a budget minded line called the DX. At first glance the DX frame (Fig. 9) looks very similar to the straight bar frame. Upon closer inspection however you will notice that the bottom bar (underneath the top tube) has a slight curve to it. For this reason the tanks between a straight bar and a DX will not interchange. The first year frame (1939) shown in Fig. 9 has built in drop stand ears. 1940 and later DX frames will not have these ears and look like Fig. 1. This is one of the few Schwinn frames to ever have this feature. The DX frame was only used until 1953 which is before Schwinn introduced its middleweight line so all DX frames are balloon tire bicycles.

By identifying whether or not a frame is pre or post war along with the style it will aid in potentially narrowing down the model of bike even if it lacks other identifying features such as a name on a chainguard which is never found on prewar bikes. As mentioned above there are many other differences on these frames, Besides the different sizes the straight bar and DX frames may have straight or curved down tubes and the tanks for B and BC straight bars will not fit C model straight bars and vice versa.

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Armed with this information you should be able to determine whether you have a straight bar, DX, or cantilever frame. Enjoy the ride!