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Greg's Classic Schwinns
About Me

The vintage bicycle "bug" started for me when I received my older brother Joe's 1966 Violet Fastback on my 7th or 8th birthday.  This was during the mid 1970's and many of my friends rode newer Stingrays and BMX bikes.  I knew my old Fastback was special even then. 

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me, circa 1976 or 1977

Fast forward to the mid-1990's, I got into the mtn biking craze, and eventually happened across the Schwinn Classic Forums, and surely enough a new hobby was born for me.  I fell in love with the vintage Al Fritz designs all over again.  My goal was to build a varied collection focusing on the most significant Stingray models with all my favorite colors represented.  My budget didn't always allow me to buy pristine originals, so I quickly learned how to strip, prime and properly apply Schwinn's famous candy finishes.   I thoroughly enjoyed each project, learning more and more as I progressed.  I fully enjoy riding all my vintage bikes too, rather than just displaying them in the house.   

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me, circa 2002

While I am satisfied with my present Stingray lineup, my future goal is to begin collecting and restoring Pre-War and Balloon Tire era bicycles.   The level of craftsmanship and painting detail on the Ballooners promises to challenge me.  The journey of compiling literature and history of these models has already begun, but my bike-acquiring budget isnt quite adequete just yet.   Check back in a few months for updates.
 
Incidently, that '66 Violet Fastback is still in our family,and I have promised to help my brother restore it, hopefully this summer.
 
Happy Collecting!
 
Greg