Limited edition Schwinn Sting-Ray on the way

Nostalgic cyclists rejoice. Montreal-based bicycle concern Dorel Industries, makers of GT, Cannondale, Mongoose and Schwinn bikes, announced that it will manufacture a limited edition chrome Schwinn Sting-Ray to celebrate the 5oth anniversary of the iconic kid’s bike that was produced from 1963 to 1981.

Sting-Rays had a unique style: ape-hanger handle bars, a smaller front wheel, a suspended banana seat backed by a “sissy bar”, and a smooth rear tire. Any kid with a modicum of strength and panache could pop a wheelie and skid to a stop with aplomb on the Sting-Ray. They were superb doubling machines too.

The Sting-Ray was a huge success, making up 70 per cent of U.S. bicycle sales in 1964 and selling 700,000 units by 1968. Many bike companies had their own version of the Sting-Ray, like the Huffy Penguin, and whatever it was that my parents bought for me in Prince George, B.C. in the spring of 1973. By the end of the 70s sales were lagging as 10-speeds began to grow in popularity.

Five-hundred chrome Sting-Rays, named the Fritz Fifty edition after the bike’s designer Al Fritz, will be sold be independent bike dealers available starting the first week of December (it seems only in the U.S.).