As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved Schwinn bicycles. I have a specific memory of going to the Schwinn dealership on North Monroe in Spokane Washington, called Columbia Cycle. The building was pretty old and connected to a grocery store at that time, but they ended up building a nice big building a few years later. I also frequented it many times.

Columbia Cycle was like a big candy store, but I only got to window shop. I enjoyed the heck out of it though, and still get that same feeling today when I see a beautiful Schwinn bicycle.

I walked in there one day and there was a really cool sign that had sections of a Schwinn frame and wheels strapped to it. There was also writing telling you about all the quality features of the Schwinn frame and tubular rims, along with an explanation of the Schwinn painting method.

I thought it was a super cool sign and even bought one years later that’s missing all the parts that they’re supposed to be on it. I’ve saved some of the missing parts and hope to complete it one day.

In 1983 after I moved out on my own, I got my first Schwinn. It was a 1960 Schwinn American middle weight. Not very fancy and missing everything, but it was a Schwinn!

That’s when I fell in love with the way a Schwinn felt. It felt like quality! I loved the American, and even rode it to work for two years during the summer months. The winters are pretty rough in the Pacific Northwest, not much bicycle riding. Ha Ha Ha

 This is when my obsession, passion, mental illness…. was spawned. From that passion sprung the drive to find out as much as I possibly could about these beautiful works of art. Including, photos of the badges & bicycles and as much history as possible about the shops that sold them.

 Because of my general love for history and my passion for all things Schwinn, I was able to dive into the deep end on this research and spend countless hours trying to figure out some of this stuff.

 I’m sure there are some old-time collectors that could teach me a lot more than I’ve learned, but I haven’t met them Yet. I’m sure I will some-day, the bicycle collecting world is a small and word gets around.

 Some of the stories are truly amazing! Many of the shops have a long and rich history, and are still in business today. They truly go back to the roots of the bicycle business in America. I’ve spoken to many of the owners of those shops, and have enjoyed the many conversations immensely.

 Barry E. Gray, Rathdrum, Idaho