The Schwinn Corvette bicycle holds a special place in cycling history, particularly the models from its inaugural year. Often, there’s discussion around the exact year designations, especially concerning early production models. While some might refer to bikes with 1954 serial numbers as 1954 models, it’s crucial to understand that these were, in fact, the initial run of the 1955 model year Corvettes. Similar to how automobile manufacturers sometimes release the next year’s models in the preceding year, Schwinn may have begun producing 1955 model year Corvettes in late 1954. Let’s delve into the specific characteristics that define these sought-after First Year Corvette bicycles.
Key Distinguishing Features of the 1955 Corvette
Several key components and design elements set the 1955 Schwinn Corvette apart from subsequent models. These details are essential for collectors and enthusiasts looking to identify and appreciate these vintage bikes.
Handlebars: Narrower with Distinct Bends
One of the most noticeable differences lies in the handlebars. The 1955 and 1956 Corvette models featured handlebars that were narrower compared to later years. They also exhibited sharper bends, and importantly, the bar ends were designed to go straight back towards the rider. This handlebar style was not exclusive to the Corvette middleweight, as it was also utilized on some Schwinn lightweight models of the era.
Pedals: Bow Pedals with Bolted Blocks
The original 1955 Corvettes were consistently equipped with “bow pedals.” These pedals are characterized by their distinctive curved shape and featured rubber blocks that were screwed onto the pedal frame. It’s worth noting that these bow pedals weren’t newly introduced for the Corvette; Schwinn had already been using them on earlier lightweight bicycles. This suggests Schwinn likely had a sufficient stock of these pedals available for the initial Corvette production.
Fenders: Width Variations and Observations
While specific details regarding fender widths on 1954 serial-numbered bikes remain less documented, firsthand observations of original 1955 models are crucial. Further research and documented examples are needed to definitively compare fender specifications across very early production and standard 1955 models.
Saddle: Unique Brown Vinyl Spring Saddle
The 1955 Corvette boy’s and girl’s models featured a unique, one-year-only brown vinyl lightweight-style spring saddle. This saddle is a key identifier for the first year model. Interestingly, while the brown vinyl saddle was standard, some original girl’s models have been observed with a brown/tan Mesinger saddle, indicating potential variations or running changes even within the first year.
Rear Rack: One-Year-Only Aluminum Mayweg Rack
A definitive feature of the 1955 Corvette is its aluminum Mayweg rear rack. This rack was exclusive to the 1955 model year and is easily recognizable by its long “tongs.” These tongs extend approximately 3 inches down the sides of the rear fender, a distinctive characteristic of this specific rack.
Seat Clamp: Ballooner Style with AS D Bolt
The seat clamp used on the 1955 Corvette was the ballooner style, utilizing an “AS D bolt.” It remains uncertain whether the Corvette seat clamps transitioned to a longer clamp with a round “AS” bolt sometime during the 1956 model year or if this change occurred for the 1957 models. Further investigation into 1956 and 1957 models would be needed to clarify this transition.
Chain Guard: Shared with Lightweights, Unique Mounting
The 1955 Corvette middleweight shared its chain guard design with Schwinn lightweight bicycles of the time. This chain guard design was used across various models for several years and continued on Corvette and other middleweights through 1958. However, the 1955 (and earlier) chain guards had subtle differences in their mounting. Specifically, the mounting brackets on the 1955 and earlier guards were riveted further forward on the guard itself. This positioning resulted in the guard sitting slightly further back on the bicycle frame compared to the 1956 and later models.
An example of a Schwinn Corvette bicycle, similar in style to the first year models, showcasing the general design and components.
Interestingly, the use of this specific chain guard style, also found on geared lightweights, suggests Schwinn might have had a surplus inventory when Corvette production began. Adding to this point is the observation that nearly all 1955 boy’s Corvettes featured a riveted-on cable clip on the chain guard, which was ultimately not utilized. The purpose of this clip remains somewhat of a mystery. Earlier men’s Traveler models had employed a rear brake cable routing system that went to the chain guard and then up to the caliper. However, this routing method was changed before the introduction of the middleweight Corvettes, leaving the function of this cable clip on the 1955 Corvette chain guard unexplained.
Conclusion
Identifying a first year Corvette bicycle requires a keen eye for detail. By focusing on these specific components – the handlebars, pedals, saddle, rack, seat clamp, and chain guard – enthusiasts can accurately distinguish a 1955 model and appreciate the nuances of this important first iteration of the Schwinn Corvette. These details not only provide historical insight but also assist in authenticating and restoring these classic bicycles.
