1969 Schwinn Orange Krate

The Krate series represented the pinnacle of Stingray development. The Orange Krate was first introduced in 1968 and was soon followed by the Apple Krate, Lemon Peeler, and Pea Picker. In 1970 the Cotton Picker was introduced and in 1971 the Grey Ghost was the last Krate introduced. The Krates were offered in both coaster brake and five speed bikes as well as disc brakes on some years. By 1974 the Krate series was gone.

1966 Esso Tiger Bike (AMF)

Not a lot is known about these bikes but it appears they were both sold and offered as prizes by Esso gas stations ca. 1966. The bike was essentially an AMF Renegade with a simulated tiger skin seat, tiger tail, and tiger grips. Owner: Shawn Sweeney

1970 AMF Flying Wedge

This model made by AMF was sold under the Roadmaster name. While generally referred to as a “Flying Wedge” this model was actually called “The Fantastic One”. It featured a top-bar mounted five speed shifter and a 16” front wheel. Although Schwinn wasn’t the first to market with a ‘muscle bike’ the Stingray was, by far, the most popular of this type of bike. Nearly every manufacturer of the time developed and sold their own line of muscle bikes to cash in on the craze which lasted about ten years. The AMF offering was built to compete with the top-of-the-line Schwinn Krate series which was also offered with a shifter and 16” front wheel.

1964 Schwinn Stingray Model J38

In the middle of 1963 Schwinn introduced the Stingray which was an instant hit. Based on a fad that was happening in Southern California Schwinn capitalized on the modifications kids were making to their bikes using ‘banana’ seats and high rise bars.

This model J38 is in fairly rough, but original, condition. The J38 was available in Flamboyant Lime, Red, Radiant Coppertone, Sky Blue or Violet. The Stingray was touted as the “The fun bike with the sports car look”. Price new in 1964 was $49.95. Owner: Shawn Sweeney

1970 Schwinn Cotton Picker Krate

The Schwinn Orange Krate was introduced in 1968 and represented the zenith of Stingray evolution with a springer front fork, 5 speed, shock absorber seat, racing ‘Slik’, and front drum brake. Later in the year the Lemon Peeler and Apple Krate were added to the lineup. The Krate series continued in 1969 with the addition of the Pea Picker.

Introduced as a Diamond Jubilee model in 1970 the Cotton Picker never sold well and was discontinued after the 1971 model year making this the second rarest Krate. The one year only 1971 Grey Ghost is considered the rarest Krate because it, too, did not sell well. The last Krates (Orange, Apple, Lemon Peeler, & Pea Picker) were made in 1973.

There are a variety of configurations for the Krates including coaster brake options (starting 1970) and the rear disc brake option available in 1972-3. Schwinn also offered a variety of dealer accessories including a windshield, a checkerboard mirror, and even a bat holder. Krates in decent, original condition such as this one are fairly rare. Besides the very early Stingrays the Krates are the most popular Stingrays among collectors. Price new: $94.95 (five speed), $76.95 (coaster brake) Owner: Shawn Sweeney