I remember those bikes. We were to poor to have one when we were kids.
Does any one know what it would cost you to buy one these today from a collector ?
A nice one , just wondering. Thanks for sharing the picture good memories. MD

I had one. Schwinn pea picker. Moved up to a varsity in the mid 70s.

When I was 14, the neighbor threw one in the trash. I dug it out and fixed it up, put a long sissy bar on it, pull the long handlebars back a little bit, and installed a slick wheel on the back. All you had to do for a wheelie was lean back and pedal. the front wheel would come up about a foot off the ground as you’re doing a wheelie down the road

we never had THAT kind of money...

Why I had to work or trap for it.

you must be pretty old, shift bikes came out in the early 1900s,

I, as many here, grew up in a family that did not have much money, especially for such a bike. They knew I really wanted a Stingray. In summer I went up to my older brothers place for a week and was told I could not take my beat-up, black 20-inch bike along. Had a great week up there, catching Sheepheads and Channel Cats.

When I got home I walked into the living room and there it was....

My folks had totally redone my 20-incher with kind of a purple paint job, high rise handlebars, banana seat, and a slick on the back wheel. They must have busted their butts on it for me. Never did find out how they paid for all the parts but I am sure there was some family belt-tightening done. I finally had my Stingray and rode it wildly and proudly till I inherited my brother's Schwinn.

Gotta go...got a big lump in my throat.

Moosetrot

Very nice.

mine had butterfly handlebars. 5 speed. big sissybar on back. i bent the shifter to the right so i could "speed shift" with my knee.fastest bike on the alley!
bought it used along the road, i think it was 5.00

No way would I have ridden double on that bike to school in 7-8 grade unless it was with Mary Lou and she’d have been on the back hanging on for dear life. Mary Lou matured at an early age. Lol

I understand the sentiment.

My first bike was a Christmas present pieced together from parts... I didn't care, I was just a little kid. I probably put a half-million miles on that thing. Kind of wish I still had it now.

Mike

Too poor???? It was only $86.95 , back then. I remember getting a bike back in 1973. It only cost $299.95

I bought my first car in 1972…for 200 00….and had way more fun…lol

Great story Moosy….glad I pulled that one out of yah !

My first bike was a BMX. Most of you guys probably bought your grandkids one, or don't know what they are!

Funny, I rode my bike to the crick/creek to catch muskrats to pay for my first car. $6 rats, $30 mink back in 1985 added up to a 1972 El Camino that I paid $900 for.

Nothing that fancy but mine did have the banana seat and tall handlebars.

Dang I'm getting old.In 1985 had a jeep and was working and trapping beaver, muskrat,otter,fox,coyotes,and bobcats in the fall.

Sweet apehangers on the pedal-powered choppah.
That's a cool scoot right there.
Bet theyre worth a fortune now.

Wonder what New in Box is worth ….bet they are out there.