Museum of Mountain Bike Art & Technology

 

 

1982 Schwinn Sidewinder

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Schwinn never took advantage of their position in the early mountain bike market.  Most of the early mountain bikes were based on the early Schwinn balloon-tire bikes from the 1930's and 1940's.  This was their attempt at a mountain bike.  Remember that this was the first year of the Specialized Stumpjumper and Schwinn was offering a Varsity frame (looks like filet brazed but it is Electro-Forged) with BMX parts.  It took them several years to realize that mountain bikes weren't going away and make a more serious off-road bike.  This example is in near pristine condition with all original parts except for the seat.

 
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Frame Steel Electro-Forged construction
Fork Schwinn straight bladed BMX-style
Rear Shock NA
Rims Ukai 26 x 2.125" blue anodized
Hubs ACS, high flange, bolt-on, blue anodized
Spokes Zinc 3 cross
Tires Schwinn Studded Balloon gum wall
Pedals Schwinn-Approved steel rat-trap
Crank One piece with stamped steel double chain ring set
Chain Sedis
Rear Cogs Suntour 5 speed freewheel with 38 tooth cog
Bottom Bracket Schwinn approved for one piece crank
Front Derailleur Schwinn Approved
Rear Derailleur Suntour AG
Shifters Suntour Mighty
Handlebars Mid-Rise BMX with cross bar
Stem Schwinn approved steel
Headset Schwinn Approved Steel
Brake set Weinmann BMX-style, blue anodized
Brake levers Dia Compe tourist-style, blue anodized
Saddle Avocet Touring
Seat Post Steel
Colors Silver with blue accents
Size 20"
Serial #   FT520791