While this bike’s suspension is great, we’d like to see a little more flexibility. A lockout feature for riding on level surfaces would be a welcome addition, as well as the option to tune the suspension for riders of different weights. Ignaz Schwinn was born in Hardheim, Baden, Germany, in 1860 and worked on two-wheeled ancestors of the modern bicycle that appeared in 19th century Europe. In 1895, with the financial backing of fellow German American Adolph Frederick William Arnold (a meat packer), he founded Arnold, Schwinn & Company. Chicago became the center of the American bicycle industry, with thirty factories turning out thousands of bikes every day.
Schwinn was soon sponsoring a bicycle racing team headed by Emil Wastyn, who designed the team bikes, and the company competed in six-day racing across the United States with riders such as Jerry Rodman and Russell Allen. Developed from experiences gained in racing, Schwinn established Paramount as their answer to high-end, professional competition bicycles. The Paramount used high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel alloy tubing and expensive brass lug-brazed construction. During the next twenty years, most of the Paramount bikes would be built in limited numbers at a small frame shop headed by Wastyn, in spite of Schwinn’s continued efforts to bring all frame production into the factory.
As always, the Paramount spared no expense; the bicycles were given high-quality lightweight lugged steel frames using double-butted tubes of Reynolds 531 and fitted with quality European components including Campagnolo derailleurs, hubs, and gears. The Paramount series had limited production numbers, making vintage examples quite rare today. Other road bikes were introduced by Schwinn in the early and mid 1960s, such as the Superior, Sierra, and Super Continental, but these were only produced for a few years. The Varsity and Continental sold in large numbers through the 1960s and early 1970s, becoming Scwhinn’s leading models. The wheel rims were likewise robust, chromed, stamped steel with a unique profile designed to hold the tire bead securely, even if pressure were low or lost.
Schwinn aluminum mountain frame delivers controlled riding on tough trails, while the with Schwinn suspension fork helps absorb bumps in the road for a more comfortable ride. At the time, most bicycle manufacturers in the United States sold in bulk to department stores, which in turn sold them as store brand models. F. Goodrich bicycles, sold in tire stores, Schwinn eliminated the practice of producing private label bicycles in 1950, insisting that the Schwinn brand and guarantee appear on all products. In exchange for ensuring the presence of the Schwinn name, distributors retained the right to distribute Schwinn bikes to any hardware store, toy store, or bicycle shop that ordered them. W. Schwinn tasked a new team to plan future business strategy, consisting of marketing supervisor Ray Burch, general manager Bill Stoeffhaas, and design supervisor Al Fritz.
The new frame and component technology incorporated in the Paramount largely failed to reach Schwinn’s mass-market bicycle lines. W. Schwinn, grandson Frank Valentine Schwinn took over management of the company. It is another conventional beginner mountain bike that suits those looking to be more adventurous and try out more varied terrains. The SR Suntour fork suspension and lightweight aluminum frame can persist in rough trails and small drops. Central to the Mesa’s appeal is its lightweight aluminum frame, known for its resilience and agility.
Schwinn states that the Ridgewood electric mountain bike has a range of 45 miles, but this can vary with terrain, rider weight, and weather conditions, just like an electric car. The 2022 Schwinn Ridgewood electric mountain bike makes uphill climbs easier and riding on level surfaces faster and more fun. The 250-watt pedal assist motor can boost your speed up to 20mph for an extra push when you need it most.
This sturdy construction, complemented by a responsive mountain suspension fork, ensures that riders experience smooth and shock-absorbed journeys even when navigating rocky terrains. The Schwinn High Timber is a traditional schwinn mountain bike steel hardtail mountain bike inspired by bikes of the 1990s. With a simple design and understated style paired with modern components, this bike may be the closest to a go-anywhere, do-almost-anything mountain bike.
Powering the Protocol 1.0’s ride is a 24-speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifter and a Shimano Altus rear derailleur, which together allow riders to effortlessly climb steep terrains and swiftly navigate descents. Usually, this type of gear configuration is widely available in high-end models priced at more than $5,000. The fact that the Schwinn Boundary contains this feature makes it worth buying. Most entry-level riders will appreciate this characteristic as it turns complexity into simplicity. Overall, the upgrade in the fork suspension enables you to tackle more rugged trails easily.