1967 Schwinn Ram's Horn Fastback Bicycle w/ Captain Kangaroo Display

**THIS VINTAGE BICYCLE WITH DISPLAY IS CURRENTLY SELLING WITH NO RESERVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON FRIDAY JUNE 20TH @ 4:37PM EST. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER TO BID. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.”

“For many children living in America in the 1960's and 1970's, their first taste of freedom and adventure came on the wheels of a bicycle. In the days when motorcycles, muscle cars and drag racers filled every kid with the need for speed, the bicycle was the answer. And the bike of choice? The Schwinn Sting-Ray”– Schwinn Bicycle Company.

The Schwinn Bicycle Company is an American company that develops, manufactures and markets bicycles under the Schwinn brand new. The company was founded by Ignaz Schwinn in Chicago in 1895 and in the 20th century became the dominant manufacturer of American bicycles. Schwinn introduced the original Sting-Ray in 1963 after the company realized kids in California had been customizing their bikes to look like motorcycles. Bikes were fitted with 20-inch wheels, elongated seats, rear “sissy bars” and ape hanger handlebars. It didn't take long for Schwinn to develop a similar style. Al Fritz, Schwinn's director of research and development, recommended the Sting-Ray as a way to replicate the style California kids were looking for. The Sting-Ray quickly became the bestselling bike in Schwinn's history. These kids' bikes featured a coaster brake on the large back wheel and wide-stance handlebars that were perfect for popping wheelies. The connection of the bike's name with the (at the time) Corvette helped solidify the connection between the bicycle and glorified automobiles of the sixties. Before long, the Sting-Ray was synonymous with suburban youth in the 1960's.

A new lightweight Sting-Ray called the Fastback was introduced in 1966 and quickly became the market's best seller. All new with the swift, clean lines of true sports car styling! This 5-speed lightweight version of the Sting-Ray combines the speed of a lightweight with the maneuverability of the Sting-Ray then adds 5-speed derailleur gears and a fast-acting Stik-Shift to achieve a wonderful new thrill in bike riding. In 1967, the Ram's Horn was introduced which was identified by its unique “Ram's Horn” handlebars. Some of the other features included the 37 to 74 gear, Silver Glow bucket saddle, front and rear caliper brakes, chrome plated fenders, Schwinn lightweight Slik rear tire, 20 x nylon sports touring front tire, Rat Trap pedals and all new “MAG” sprocket. The “Ram's Horn” model was only made for two years including 1967 and 1968. In 1967, it was offered in four colors which included Black, Coppertone, Sky Blue and Violet. The Fastback was produced for ten years from 1966 to 1976.

This 1967 Schwinn Ram's Horn Fastback is a nice example. The serial #DC51604 which indicates it was produced in April of 1967. From the information gathered it was the product of a light restoration but it's unclear when it was completed. Since completion it's been a display piece. The original frame was repainted in its original color of black and new decals were added. It appears the seat, front fender and rear fender was restored or replaced. All of the other Schwinn parts on the bicycle are in good original condition. It's equipped with Schwinn Tubular Rim Nylon 20 x 1 3/8 tires.

The bicycle is accompanied with a reproduction Captain Kangaroo stand up display. In the late 1950's, the Schwinn Bicycle Company partnered with Captain Kangaroo to boost its dominance in the child and youth bicycle market. Beginning in 1958, Schwinn became a key sponsor of the show, with Bob Keeshan promoting Schwinn bikes to young viewers. He would often declare, “Schwinn bikes- the quality bikes-are best!” and “Prices slightly higher in the South and the West”. The campaign proved successful, increasing Schwinn's market share throughout the 1960's.