1955 Schwinn Catalog

Original text and images of the 1955 Schwinn sales brochure. The text below, including the prices, are as written in 1955.

1955-schwinn-catalog-cover 1955-schwinn-guarantees

Famous Schwinn Guarantee

The Famous Schwinn "Long as you own it" Guarantee fully protects every Schwin bicycle against all defects in material or workmanship as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.

Schwinn Loss Guarantee

The Schwinn Loss Guarantee is included with-out extra charge with every Schwinn Cyclelock equppied bicycle. It protects the owner against loss by theft for one year after purchase as explained on the Loss Guarantee Tag.

Every Schwinn bicycle is guaranteed "long as you own it"

Schwinn's long standing reputation for superior quality, backed by three generations of specialized experience in designing and building fine bicycles, makes the Schwinn Guarantee the most complete, most dependable ever offered on any bicycle.

1955-schwinn-logo 1955-schwinn-catalog-intro

Yes, more Schwinn Bicycles are sold, year after year, than any other make -- a fitting tribute to Schwinn’s reputation for superior styling and unmatched quality standards.

The Schwinn line of fine quality bicycle is the World’s most complete selection -- lightweight styles -- the popular new Middleweights -- balloon models in juvenile and full sizes -- racing, touring and delivery bicycles -- a full assortment of fine quality bicycle for every purpose, in every price range.

Schwinn Middleweights

1955-schwinn-middleweights

A great new achievement combining the best in popular lightweight features with balloon-type dependability The new Schwinn Middleweights have already won widespread popularity because they are ideally suited to the special requirement of the American market.

The light, easy handling of lightweight bicycles has been achieved by combining the new Schwinn Tornado 1.75” tire with multiple gear hubs and hand brakes. Yet the sturdy dependability of traditional balloon-tire design, so necessary for safe, trouble-free service in the hands of youthful riders, has been retained.

Schwinn Middleweights are the only American Middleweight style bicycles using full size wheels with true 26”x1.75” tires and specially designed “narrow” frame, fork and guards. See the difference in their graceful lines -- perfectly balanced for smooth riding.

Schwinn Corvette


Most luxurious of the new middleweight models, with 3-speed gears, front and rear caliper brakes, stainless steel fenders, chrome headlight, whitewall tires and a handsome spring-type front luggage carrier on 26-inch models.

1955-schwinn-corvette 1955-corvette-models

Boys 26-inch Model F17


Also available with coaster brake.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Boys middleweight cantilever, girls middleweight.
FORK- Forged, narrow middleweight design.
REAR HUB- 3-Speed or coaster brake.
BRAKES- Front and rear calipers on 3-speed model; coaster brake only on coaster brake models.
CARRIER - Aluminum front carrier, spring-type (26-inch models only).
FENDERS- Stainless steel.
TIRES- Shwinn Tornado, 1.75” whitewall.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S7, chrome.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • F17 F67 26-inch Corvette 3- speed 60 58
  • F27 F77 24-inch Corvette 3- speed 49 1/2 49
  • F13 F77 26-inch Corvette (coaster brake) 59 58
  • F23 F73 24-inch Corvette (coaster brake) 47 1/2 47

See the complete history of the Schwinn Corvette.

Schwinn American




Every part of this thrilling new Schwinn American middleweight is made right here in the United States--Bendix Multi-Speed hub with power coaster brake-- Schwinn front caliper brake.

1955 schwinn american

Also available with coaster brake instead of Bendix Multi-Speed and front caliper brake.

Boys 26-inch Model F14

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Boys middleweight cantilever, girls middleweight.
FORK- Forged, narrow middleweight design.
REAR HUB- Bendix Multi-Speed or coaster brake.
BRAKES- Schwinn front caliper on Bendix Multi-Speed model; coaster brake only on coaster brake models.
TIRES- Shwinnn Tornado, 1.75”.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S7, chrome.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.

BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • F14 F64 26-inch American Multi- speed 58 58
  • F24 F74 24-inch American Multi- speed 49 1/2 49
  • F12 F62 26-inch American (coaster brake) 57 55
  • F22 F72 24-inch American (coaster brake) 46 1/2 46
  • F32 F82 20-inch American (coaster brake) 43 43

See the complete history of the Schwinn American.

Schwinn Tiger




The popular Schwinn Tiger offers al the advantages of true middleweight styling and performance.

boys 26-inch Model F10

It features 3-speed gears, front and rear caliper brakes, the new 1.75” Schwinn Tornado tire and the superb styling of Schwinn cantilever frame.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Boys middleweight cantilever, girls middleweight.
FORK- Forged, narrow middleweight design.
REAR HUB- 3-Speed.
BRAKES- Caliper brakes, front and rear.
TIRES- Shwinn Tornado, 1.75”.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S7, chrome.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.

BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • F10 F60 26-inch Tiger with 3-speed 56 1/2 56 1/2
  • F20 F70 24-inch Tiger with 3-speed 48 1/2 48

See the complete history of the Schwinn Tiger.

Schwinn Flying Star




This popular priced bicycle offers top middleweight performance at low cost.


boys 26-inch Model F11

The Flying Star is equipped with the Bendix Multi-Speed hub with power brake, Schwinn 1.75” Tornado tires and Schwinn’s sturdy single-bar frame-- an outstanding combination for speed and dependability.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwin single bar middleweight, girls middleweight.
FORK- Forged, narrow middleweight design.
REAR HUB- Bendix Multi-Speed.
TIRES- Shwinn Tornado, 1.75”
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S7, chrome.
KICKSTAND- Detachable.
COLORS- Spitfire red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • F11 F61 26-inch Flying Star 54 54
  • F21 F71 24-inch Flying Star 50 50

Schwinn Balloon Tire Models

Finest quality balloon-tired bicycles. America’s best-selling line -- most complete selection, in every price range. The balloon-tired bicycle, which has become so popular for hard-riding American boys and girls, was first introduced in this country by Schwinn in 1933.

Its sturdy construction and comfortable riding characteristics make it the characteristics make it the ideal bike for safety and dependability, especially junior sizes. Schwinn balloon-tired bicycles are famous for their superb styling and exclusive quality features. They are offered here in a complete range of models, both equipped and unequipped, with prices to suit every purse.

Schwinn Phantom




The Phantom is the most famous balloon-tired bicycle in the world, with beautiful styling and lavish equipment.

Boys 26-inch Model B19

The Cantilever frame, chrome-trimmed tank, spring fork, chrome fenders with built-in fenderlite and genuine leather saddle make the Phantom the best bike money can buy.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon cantilever, girls balloon.
FORK- Schwinn patented spring fork -- no Cycelock unless ordered extra.
REAR HUB- Coaster brake.
CARRIER - Streamlined -- no stop and tail light unless ordered extra.
FENDERS- Chrome plated, extra wide.
SADDLE- Deluxe, top grain leather.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
TIRES- Schwin Typhoon whitewall.
COLORS- Red with black trim, black with red trim, green with black trim; also two-two tone blue on girls model only.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • B19 B69 26-inch Phantom 67 / 67

See the complete history of the Schwinn Phantom.

Schwinn Jaguar




A Smartly styled balloon-tired bike with 3-Speed gears, front and rear caliper brakes, chrome fenders, chrome truss rods, whitewall tires and Schwinn Cantilever frame-- an easy riding bike that’s a delight to own.

26-inch Boys Model D17

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon cantilever.
FORK- Forged, with chrome truss rods.
REAR HUB- 3-Speed.
BRAKES- Front and rear caliper.
FENDERS- Chrome plated.
TIRES- Shwinn Monsoon whitewall.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D17 -- 26-inch Jaguar 61

See the complete history of the Schwinn Jaguar.

Schwinn Streamliner




Here is distinctive design in a fully equipped balloon-tired model with the super-strong Schwinn Cantilever frame.

Boys 26-inch Model D16

Its quality equipment includes streamline tank with horn, Rocket Ray headlight, sturdy luggage carrier, chrome truss rods and whitewall tires.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon Cantilever.
FORK- Forged, with chrome truss rods.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
BRAKES- Caliper brakes, front and rear.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon whitewall.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D16 -- 26-inch Streamliner 63
  • J26 -- 24-inch Streamliner 56

See the complete history of the Schwinn Streamliner.

Schwinn Starlet




A dainty, luxurious and completely feminine style that’s sure to please every girl -- truly the queen of the line!

Choose from such fashion-wise hues as Holiday Rose, Summer Cloud White, Windswept Green, Luscious Lavender and Powder Blue-- all with white saddle grips.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn girls balloon.
FORK- Forged, chrome truss rods.
SADDLE-- White Koroseal top.
GRIPS- White.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon whitewall.
COLORS- Summer Cloud White with Holiday Rose or Powder Blue trim, Windswept Green with Luscious Lavender trim; or opal red, blue or green--also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D66 26-inch Starlet 60
  • J76 24-inch Starlet 52

See the complete history of the Schwinn Starlet.

Schwinn Deluxe Hornet




The Deluxe Hornet is an outstanding value with many wonderful features at a modest cost.

Boys 26-inch Model D19

Standard equipment includes spring fork, Rocket Ray light, special two-tone colors, whitewall tires and chrome rims-- a beautiful bicycle at an amazing low price!

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon double bar, girls balloon.
FORK- Schwinn patented spring fork.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon whitewall.
KICKSTAND- Detachable.
COLORS- Black with red trim, two-town blue, two-tone green.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D19 D69 26-inch Deluxe Hornet 63/ 62

See the complete history of the Schwinn Deluxe Hornet.

Schwinn Hornet




Here is a fully equipped bike at a price that’s hard to beat -- and you get famous Schwinn quality and styling, too!

Boys 26-inch Model D15

Features include tank with horn, chrome truss rods and torpedo headlight. Sturdy luggage carrier on 26-inch models only.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon double bar, girls balloon.
FORK- Forged, chrome truss rods.

RIMS- Schwinn tubular S2, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon.
KICKSTAND- Detachable.
COLORS- Spitfire red, blue or green.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D15 D65 26-inch Hornet 60 1/2 59 1/2
  • J25 J75 24-inch Hornet 51 1/2 50 1/2
  • J35 J85 20-inch Hornet 45 46

See the complete history of the Schwinn Hornet.

Schwinn Wasp




Cantilever frame construction and quality equipment make the Wasp an ideal choice for those who want the best in a standard balloon-tired bike.

Schwinn Wasp

Boys 26-inch Model D12

Schwinn Wasp Models

Here’s top performance and study dependability at a reasonable price.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Boys balloon Cantilever, girls balloon.
FORK- Forged.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S-2, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D12 D62 26-inch Wasp 58 57
  • J22 J72 24-inch Wasp 50 50

See the complete history of the Schwinn Wasp.

Schwinn Spitfire




When price is important, the Schwinn Spitfire is the ideal choice.

1955 Schwinn Spitfire

Boys 26-inch Model D11

1955 Schwinn Spitfire Models

Here is a dependable quality bicycle at low cost, fully guaranteed by Schwinn to give lasting satisfaction as long as you own it!

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn balloon double bar, girls balloon.
FORK- Forged.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S2, enameled.
TIRES- Shwinn Typhoon.
KICKSTAND- Detachable.
COLORS- Spitfire red, blue or green.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • D11 D61 26-inch Spitfire 54 54
  • J21 J71 24-inch Spitfire 49 49
  • J31 J81 20-inch Spitfire 41 41 1/2

See the complete history of the Schwinn Spitfire.

Schwinn Cycle Truck




The Schwinn Cycle Truck is the ideal one-man delivery vehicle for drug stores, delicatessens and many others.

1955 Schwinn Cycle Truck

Model S1 Small Basket

1955 Schwinn Cycle Truck Sidebar

Baskets mounted on frames do not interfere with steering. Heavy duty construction throughout.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Special heavy duty construction, patented basket supports.
FORK- Forged, extra heavy stem.
FRONT HUB- Heavy duty, with heavy duty spokes.
REAR HUB- Coaster brake.
PARKING STAND- Special patented type to support loaded basket.
RIM S- Schwinn tubular S2, chrome.
TIRES- Heavy duty.
BASKET- S1--24” x 16” x 11” ; S2-- 28” x 22” x 11”
COLORS- Light red, blue or green; also black or yellow enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • S1 -- 26x20” Cycle Truck--Small Basket 82 --
  • S2 -- 26x20” Cycle Truck- Large Basket 93 --

See the complete history of the Schwinn Cycle-Truck.

American Made Schwinn Lightweights

1955 Schwinn Lightweights

...for touring, sports or racing

Schwinn lightweight bicycles are famous for their precision construction and unsurpassed performance.

They have carried more winners to the finish line than any other bicycle made -- truly the choice of champions. They are available in a wide selection of adult and juvenile sizes in every price range, for every cycling need.

A great variety of special equipment, continental or domestic, is sure to please the most discriminating rider, amateur or professional. Year after year, Schwinn lightweights have outsold all others by a wide margin-- undisputed proof of their superiority.

Schwinn Traveler




The Traveler is America’s best selling lightweight-- fully equipped with 3-speed gears, light generator set, stainless steel fenders and touring bag.

1955 Schwinn Traveler

Boys 26-inch Model W18

1955 Schwinn Traveler Models

For sport, utility or touring, it’s the top favorite of them all! Choice of 19”, 21” or 23” frame sizes for boys 19” only for girls.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn Diamond, 19”, 21” or 23” for boys -- 19” only for girls.
FORK- Schwinn tubular.
REAR HUB- 3-Speed.
BRAKES- Front and rear caliper.
FENDERS- Stainless Steel.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S6, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Whirlwind 1 3/8”.
COLORS- Opal red, blue, green, gold or violet’ also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • W18 W68 26-inch Traveler 55 1/2 57 1/2

See the complete history of the Schwinn Traveler.

Schwinn Sports




The Schwinn Sports with its Special construction features has been designed to please the sports cyclist.

Schwinn Sports

Boys 26-inch Model W-14

Schwinn Sports sidebar

3-Speed gears, Maes type drop bars with racing grips, racing saddle and rat-trap pedals make this a top performer for pleasure riding or group competition.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Special “upright” design, 22 inch size.
FORK- Schwinn tubular.
REAR HUB- 3-Speed.
BRAKES-Aluminum alloy hooded lever front and rear caliper.
SADDLE- Racing type, stretched leather.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S6 chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Breeze, Tan Wall 26” x 1 1/4”.
COLORS- Opal violet, red, blue, green or gold; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • W14 -- 26-inch Sports 481/2 --

See the complete history of the Schwinn Sport.

Schwinn Varsity




Here is a popular 3-Speed model at a moderate price -- an ideal choice for touring, pleasure riding or utility.

1955 Schwinn Varsity 1955 Schwinn Varsity models

Boys 26-inch Model W11

Its quality construction and smart styling make the Varsity a top favorite of discriminating cyclists. Available in 19”, 21” or 23” frame 19” only for girls.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn Diamond 19”, 21” or 23” for boys -- 19” only for girls.
FORK- Schwinn tubular.
REAR HUB- 3-speed
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S6, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Whirlwind 1 3/8”.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • W11 W61 26-inch Varsity 53 52
  • W21 W71 24-inch Varsity 48 48

See the complete history of the Schwinn Varsity.

Schwinn World




Now the thrills of lightweight cycling are available at modest cost with the handsome Schwinn World.

1955 Schwinn World

Boys 26-inch Model W2

1955 Schwinn World models

This coaster brake model is light weight for easy pedaling, yet sturdy and dependable for many mile of trouble-free service.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn Diamond 19”, 21” or 23” for boys -- 19” only for girls. FORK- Schwinn tubular. REAR HUB- 3-speed RIMS- Schwinn tubular S6, chrome. TIRES- Shwinn Whirlwind 1 3/8”. COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs. BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • W2 W52 26-inch World 50 50
  • W22 W72 24-inch World 45 45

See the complete history of the Schwinn World.

Schwinn Tandem




There’s no greater pleasure in cycling than gliding along on a beautiful Schwinn Tandem-- The Famous Bicycle-Built-For-Two.

1955 Schwinn Tandem

Model T-5 26-inch


Equipped with caliper brakes, heavy duty tandem hubs, forks and hangers -- choice of either tandem or balloon tires.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Schwinn tandem, short coupled, lady-back.
FORK- Schwinn heavy duty tandem.
CRANK SETS- 3-piece cottered type.
FRONT HUB- Choice of dural hub or large flange expander brake.
BRAKES- Front and rear caliper brakes with dural hubs, or large flange front expander brake.
REAR HUB- 3-speed
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • T5 26-inch Tandem 90

See the complete history of the Schwinn Tandem.

Schwinn Paramounts




Schwinn Paramounts are professional-type “made-to-measure” bicycles- winners of more races than any other bicycle.

1955 Schwinn Paramount

Men’s 26-inch Model P11

1955 Schwinn Paramount models

Each one is a precision made by hand, a masterpiece of bicycle craftsmanship. Special order forms and ordering instructions are available from the factory upon request.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME- Made to order of Eccles and Pollack or Reynolds 531 tubing.
FORK- Made to order.
CRANK SET- Schwinn Paramount racing cranks, 3-pin mounting.
HUBS- Schwinn Paramount racing hubs, choice of stiff hub or free wheeling -- also
Sturmey-Archer hubs.
BRAKES- Schwinn caliper front and rear -- alloy optional.
SADDLE- Best grade full mattress type or Brooks B-17 narrow.
PEDALS- Best grade touring type or rat- trap.
RIMS- Extruded alloy rims with Schwinn Puff tires; Schwinn tubular with Schwinn
Breeze tires; best grade ally rims on racing models.
TIRES- Shwinn Puff 26”x1 1/4” or 27” x 1 1/4’ or Schwinn Breeze 26”x 11/4” on touring models, best grade tubular tires on racing models.
COLORS- Any standard Schwinn color

MODELS

Shipping Weight lbs.
BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS

  • P12 -- Special Paramount Racer 35 --
  • P11 P61 26-inch Paramount Racer 43 43

See the complete history of the Schwinn Paramount.

1955 Schwinn Optional Equipment 1955 Schwinn Exclusive Features 1955 Schwinn colors

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