Many people don’t realize that before WWII Schwinn offered most of their full size (26″) bikes in three frame sizes; 16″, 18″, & 20″. The 18″ was the standard frame size and both the 16″ and 20″ (tall frame) are somewhat scarce sizes. The easiest way to spot a 16″ frame is by looking at the seat cluster and binding bolt. On both the 18″ and 20″ models the frame has a collar for the binder whereas the 16″ frame the binder bolt passes through the frame itself. This model was a basic model with no rack, tank, or lights but surprisingly this one was optioned with the, new for ’37, Forebrake and the Cyclelock which had been introduced the year before. This bike is badged as a Liberty and sold through Chicago Cycle Supply Company (ChiCyCo) which accounts for its unusual color combination of cream and a special blue color.

This bike was found near Chicago in 2020–they are still out there! As found the bike was a little crusty and many years ago someone had applied varnish over the blue and some areas of the cream. Over the years, as it yellowed, this caused the blue to appear green. I carefully removed the varnish but still wound up losing some of the blue and pinstriping especially on the fenders. A complete disassembly to include the wheels, with a full service/rebuild of the hubs and all bearings has made this one good as new as far as riding. The extra wide bars also prevent the knees from hitting which is a problem with the typical Motorbike bars. Formerly owned by Shawn Sweeney