The Schwinn Superior

1981 schwinn superior cover 1

This page provides year by year images and info quoted from Schwinn catalogs for the Superior from 1939 to 1983.

1939

Racing club sports and ladie's models with every type of American and English equipment to choose from.

1938 paramount b12

Continental type, Chrome Molybdenum tubing, Dural featherweight hubs, and other parts of finest steels available.

  • B 12 model

See the full 1939 Schwinn catalog.

1940

The Schwinn Superior answers every requirement of pratical sports machine.

1940 schwinn superior

Doesn't the very picture of this bicycle suggest to you a new kind of vacation this year? Bicycle touring, for years a European pleasure, has become one of America's most fascinating and least expensive sports since the advent of the Schwinn Superior Sports Tourist, available in both Ladies' and Men's models.

Until recently, this country has had every facility for enjoyable bicycle vacations- except the bicycle itself. Now Arnold, Schwinn and Company has filled that need entirely.

Its frame and forks are of the same light, strong "Chrome Moly" steel used in the Paramount line, and comparable quality f materials and workmanship is found throughout. The Continental style of equipment, conclusively proved so satisfactory in European touring, has been followed consistently in this "Made in America FOR Americans" bicycle.

To increase the pleasure of any vacation, ride or take a Schwinn Superior Sports-Tourist with you. You'll never go without it again.

See the full 1940 Schwinn catalog.

1962

15 speed gears! Steel alloy frame! QUick release hubs! Amazing Speed!

1962 Superior

Fine Quality Sports Bike... 15-speed derailleur...38 to 100 gear... Deluxe radiant colors - Radiant GOld, terra cotto, violet, sky blue.

  • 27" size, 22" frame, 802 ..... $132.00
  • 27" size, 24" frame, 804 ..... $132.00

See the full 1962 Schwinn catalog.

1963

15-Speed gears! hand-brazed steel alloy frame! Quick release Hubs!

1963-superior

New, short upright frame design, 15-speed derailleur, 38, to 100 gear, deluxe radiant colors- Gold, violet, Sky blue and terra catta.

  • 802-27" size 22" frame....... $126.50
  • 804-27" size 24" frame....... $126.50

See the full 1963 Schwinn catalog.

1976

A new lightweight ten-speed bike with a famous Schwinn name. Superior proved that hi-performance need not be confirmed to lugged frames alone.

1976 schwinn superior

Chrome-Moly Frame
Schwinn's own unique hand-brazed frame fabricating process makes the Superior a one-of-a-kind bicycle. Joints brazed by hand at points of greatest stress make the frame exceptionally strong, and yet light in weight.

Carefully selected components, 14-32 rear cluster, small diameter spoke protector, bottom bar Huret ratchet control, cloth handlebar tape, Schwinn Super Record tires, toe clips and straps, recessed bolt handlebar stem... all to make this a truly responsive sports and touring bike.

  • Schwinn Superior- 22" frame Model 842
  • Schwinn Superior- 24" frame Model 844

See the full 1976 Schwinn catalog.

1977

An improved Super-Lite ten-speed bike with a famous Schwinn name.

1977 schwinn superior

Superior proves that hi-performance is not limited to lugged frames alone. Schwinn's own unique hand-brazed internally lugged frame fabricating process makes the Superior a one-of-a-kind bicycle.

Joints brazed by hand at points of greatest stress make the frame exceptionally strong, and yet Super-Light in weight. Carefully selected components, 14-32 rear cluster, small diameter spoke protector, bottom bar Huret ratchet control, cloth handlebar tape, Schwinn Super Record high pressure tires, rubber hooded levers, center pull brakes, toe clips and straps, recessed bolt handlebar stem... all to make this a truly responsive sports and touring bike.

  • Schwinn Superior- 22" frame Model 842.......$231.95
  • Schwinn Superior- 24" frame Model 844.......$231.95
  • Schwinn Superior- 26" frame Model 846.......$231.95

Specification

Frame: Schwinn hand built chrome molybdenum alloy and internal lug construction. Tubular fork with eyelets and chrome plated tips.
Frame Finish: Black, Flamingo, and Lime Green.
Wheels: Tubular aluminum alloy rims, large flange Schwinn-Approved alloy quick release hubs.
Tires: Schwinn Super Record 27" x 1 1/8" high pressure tires and tubes.
Handlebar and Stem: Alloy road racing handlebar and aluminum alloy stem with recessed bolt. Cloth handlebar tape.
Crank Set: 3-piece aluminum alloy, 40-54.
Pedals: Rattrap style with reflectors, toe clips and straps.
Derailleurs and Gears: Maeda V-GT 33 to 104 gear range. 14-17-21-26-32 rear.Schwinn-Approved GT-275 front derailleur.
Brakes: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy center pull.
Saddle: Racing style, top quality.
Weight: Approximately 28 lbs. depending on frame size.

Note: Prices and Specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1977 Schwinn catalog.

1978

Internally lugged Schwinn frame.

1978 schwinn superior

Hand brazed frame.
Hand built in Chicago.
Center pull brake.

  • Model 842 (22" frame).......$229.95
  • Model 844 (24" frame).......$229.95
  • Model 846 (26" frame).......$229.95

Specification

Frame: Schwinn hand built chrome- moly tubing, internally lugged construction. Tubular fork with eyelets and chrome tips.
Wheels: Aluminum alloy rims. Exclusive large flange Schwinn-Approved quick release hubs. 27" x 1 1/8" Schwinn Super Record high pressure tires.
Handlebar: Alloy road racing. Cloth handlebar tape.
Stem: Aluminum alloy with recessed bolt.
CrankSet: Cotterless aluminum alloy. 170 mm crankarms.
Derailleurs: Schwinn-Approved GT-295 front. Sun Tour V-GT rear.
GEars: 40-54 front. 14-17-21-26-32 freewheel.
Brakes: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy center pull.
Pedals: Rattrap with toe clips and straps. Reflectorized.
Saddle: Nylon base with vinyl cover.
Weight: Approximately 28 lbs.

Note: Prices and Specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1978 Schwinn catalog.

1981

Perfect for a good hard ride

1981 schwinn superior

Men's frame sizes

Color: Pearl Orange

  • 219 19"
  • 221 21"
  • 223 23"
  • 225 25"

Here's a new model for 1981 - made with Campagnolor Gran Sport components- that is responsive and corners with the grace and sophistication of the finest racing machines. The 73 degree seat mast and head tube angles are coupled with 1 3/4 inch fork rake and 16 1/2 inch rear stays to provide a comfortable yet responsive ride.

The 3-inch bottome bracket drop is more stable than a higher bracket but still allows plenty of clearance to pedal through tight turns. The wheelbase is a tight 39 1/4 inches to give you responsive, precise, accurate and predictable handling. Frame sizes in Pearl Orange include 19-inch, 21-inch, 23-inch and 25-inch. The Superior is a performance bicycle to deliver every ounce to deliver every ounce of energy you put into cycling- for light touring, recreational riding and racing.

1981 schwinn 9

Campagnolo derailleur system and versatile 14-16-18-21-24 Regina rear cluster with 42-52 chainwheels. The new Schwinn Superior uses Reynolds 531 light and resilient tubing throughout. The bike's Campagnolo caliper brakes are matched to 700C Super Champion rims and Schwinn Super 700 to 250g tires.

Specs

Tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted, Tange front fork.
Frame Chainstay length: 16 1/2"
Head and seat mast angles: 73 degrees
Fork rake: 1 1/4"
Wheelbase: 39 1/4"
Bottom bracket drop: 3"
Headset: Campagnolo Gran Sport.
Rims: Super Champion (700 C)
Hubs: Campagnolo Gran Sport with quick release.
Spokes: .072- .060 gauge stainless steel.
Tires: Schwinn 250 gram Super 700.
Front derailleur: Campagnolo Gran Sport.
Rear derailleur: SCampagnolo Gran Sport.
Shift levers: Campagnolo Gran Sport.
Chain: Regina Gold.
Crank set: Campagnolo Gran Sport, 170 mm arms. 42-52 chainwheels.
Freewheel: Regina (14-24).
Pedals: Campagnolo Gran Sport with toe clips and straps.
Seat post: Campagnolo Gran Sport (27.2 mm).
Saddle: Brooks BN5.
Handlebars: Sakae.
Stem: Sakae.
Brakes: Campagnolo Gran Sport.
Weight: 24.8 lbs.
Accessories: Brazed-on water bottle fittings.

See the full 1981 Schwinn catalog.

1982

Men's frame sizes

1982 schwinn superior
  • 219 19"
  • 221 21"
  • 223 23"
  • 225 25"
  • Color: Pearl Orange

Schwinn starts with lightweight double-butted Reynolds 531 tubing and adds Campagnolo Gran Sport components to deliver a truly superior machine. Its 73 degree frame angles, short 1 3/4 " fork rake, high bottom bracket and relatively short wheelbase offer a responsive bike, suitable for racing or light touring.

Frame sizes range from 19" to 25" . The wheel base is a tight 39 1/4", to give you responsive, precise, accurate and responsive, precise, accurate and predictable handling. For any rider, the Superior delivery rider, the Superior delivers every ounce of energy you put into it - whether you tour, race or ride for recreation.

1982 schwinn 9

High performance and maximum response, with energy to the most demanding rider

Campagnolo derailleur system and versatile 14-16-18-21-24 Regina rear cluster with 42-52 chainrings. The Schwinn Superior uses Reynolds 531 light and resilient tubing throughout. The bike's Campagnolo caliper brakes are matched to 700C Super Champion rims and Schwinn Super 700 to 250g tires.

Specs

Tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted, Tange front fork.
Frame Chainstay length: 16 1/2"
Head and seat mast angles: 73 degrees
Fork rake: 1 3/4"
Wheelbase: 39 1/4"
Bottom bracket drop: 3"
Headset: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Rims: Super Champion Canteliver (700 C)
Hubs: Campagnolo Gran Sport with quick release
Spokes: .072- .060 gauge stainless steel
Tires: Schwinn Super 700 250 gram 700 x 28 C
Front derailleur: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Rear derailleur: SCampagnolo Gran Sport
Shift levers: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Chain: Regina Oro
Crank set: Campagnolo Gran Sport, 170 mm arms. 42-52 chainwheels
Freewheel: Regina (14-24)
Pedals: Campagnolo Gran Sport with toe clips and straps
Seat post: Campagnolo Gran Sport (27.2 mm)
Saddle: Brooks BN5
Handlebars: Sakae
Stem: Sakae
Brakes: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Weight: 24.8 lbs
Accessories: Brazed-on water bottle fittings

See the full 1982 Schwinn catalog.

1983

12-speed Road

1983 schwinn superior

Hand built by Schwinn's Paramount Design Group with double butted Reynolds 531c tubing and world renowned Campagnolo compoentry. Classic racing frame with handcrafted braze-on details. Investment cast fork crown and Italian cut lugs.

  • Nuovo Record derailleurs
  • Investment cast fork crown
  • Super Champion Gentleman rims
  • DT stainless steel spokes
  • Gran Sport crankset, pedals, seatpost, brakes and hubs.
  • 19, 21, 23 and 25" frames
  • Color: Platinum Grey

See the full 1983 Schwinn catalog.

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