The Schwinn Sting-Ray bike, an icon of cycling history, often evokes images of single-speed simplicity and coaster brakes. However, delving into vintage Schwinn catalogs reveals a more complex story, particularly concerning the availability of 2-speed and even 3-speed hub options. Let’s explore the intriguing details surrounding these geared Sting-Ray variations.
The Enigma of the 2-Speed Sting-Ray
According to historical Schwinn catalogs, the 2-speed Bendix Automatic hub first appeared as an option for Sting-Ray bikes in 1965. The exact specification for this initial year remains somewhat unclear. It’s noted that 1965 was likely the introduction year for the Yellow and Blue band versions of the Bendix Auto hub, leading to speculation that one of these, rather than the earlier Red Band, was offered. It’s also possible, though less probable, that Schwinn utilized existing Red Band hubs from previous stock.
From 1966 through 1968, the catalogs explicitly list a “2-speed overdrive” option for Sting-Ray bikes. This designation strongly suggests the use of the Blue Band Bendix Automatic hub, known for its overdrive capability.
Intriguingly, the 1969 and 1970 catalogs simply refer to a “2-speed” option, without the “overdrive” specification. By 1971, the 2-speed hub is no longer listed as an available feature for Sting-Ray bikes. Adding to the mystery, some sources indicate that Bendix Auto hub production ceased in 1969. This raises the question of whether Schwinn continued to offer 2-speed Sting-Rays in 1970 by utilizing leftover hub inventory. The generally accepted production timeline for Bendix Auto hubs is 1961-1964 for the Red Band, and 1965-1969 for the Yellow and Blue Bands.
The Rare 3-Speed Sting-Ray: An Unexpected Gear
Perhaps even more surprising is the catalog listing of a 3-speed hub option for Sting-Ray bikes from 1965 all the way through 1972. Despite this extended availability, sightings of 3-speed Sting-Rays are exceptionally rare, leading many to question the prevalence or even existence of this variant. It’s presumed that these 3-speed models utilized internal geared hubs, offering a wider range of gears than their 2-speed counterparts.
The shifting mechanisms for these 3-speed Sting-Rays also evolved over time. In 1967, catalogs indicate a choice between Trigger and Stik shift levers for the 3-speed option. However, from 1968 to 1972, only the Stik Shift is listed in conjunction with the 3-speed hub.
Visual evidence, such as images from online forums, lends credence to the existence of 3-speed Sting-Rays. Analysis of these images suggests the use of a Sturmey Archer AW hub, a common and reliable internal 3-speed hub of the era. The observed chainwheel appears to be a 36-tooth variant. Estimating a 16-tooth rear sprocket and applying gear ratio calculations, as with Sheldon Brown’s gear calculator, suggests gear inch ranges of approximately 31.5, 42, and 56 inches. However, questions remain regarding the specific wheel size used by Schwinn for these Sting-Rays. It’s uncertain whether they employed standard 44-406 BMX wheels or a proprietary 20-inch size.
Conclusion
The exploration of Schwinn catalogs and anecdotal evidence reveals that the Sting-Ray bike’s history extends beyond the typical single-speed model. The availability of 2-speed and, more surprisingly, 3-speed hub options adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the Sting-Ray legacy. While 2-speed versions were offered for a limited period, the 3-speed Sting-Ray remains a rare and fascinating variation, prompting further investigation into its specifications, production numbers, and the riding experience it offered.
