The Schwinn Krates


The Krates took over the bike world in 1968. They were without question the coolest bike on the block. Schwinn Krates were made between 1968 and 1973. The first year they came out with just three: The Orange Krate, Apple Krate and the Lemon Peeler. Due to their enourmous success, more models were introduced and some amazing accessories were added every year.

Scroll down to see how Schwinn represented these bikes in their catalogs for each year.

1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 2020

1968


The hottest Sting-Ray of them all!

1968 SCHWINN KRATE

  • Orange Krate
  • Lemon Peeler
  • Apple Krate

Blast off and move out to a whole new world of cycling thrills aboard the flashiest Sting-Rays ever designed- The Orange Krate, Lemon Peeler and Apple Krate drag racers.

Just wait until you try the floating, super cushioned ride of this unique 5-speed Stik-Shift model. You'll have to ride it to believe it. Equipped with spring suspension front fork. Schwinn 16" x 1 3/4" middleweight front tire and 20" x 2.125" Slik rear tire.

"Full-FLoating" bucket style saddle with racing stripes, strut and seat post with spring suspension, "MAG" sprocket, rear caliper brake and large aluminum front drum brake for extra stopping power. THree version to choose from- Orange krate in kool Orange color, Lemon Peeler in kool lemon and Apple Krate in kool red.

  • C30-9 Orange Krate.............$86.95
  • C30-9 Lemon Peeler.............$86.95
  • C30-9 Apple Krate..............$86.95

See the full 1968 Schwinn catalog.

1969


A whole new world of cycling thrills can be yours when you blast off and move out aboard the flashiest sting-rays ever designed-the orange krate,lemon peeler,apple krate and pea picker drag racers fron schwinn.

1969 Schwinn Krates

  • Orange Krate
  • Lemon Peeler
  • Apple Krate
  • Pea Picker

Just wait until you try the floating, super cushioned ride of this unique 5-speed Stik-Shift model. Equipped with spring suspension front fork. Schwinn 16" x 1 3/4" middleweight front tire and 20" x 2.125" Gripper Slik COlor: line rear tires, bucket style saddle with rally stripes, chrome plated fenders, patented spring Strut, "MAG" sprocket, rear caliper brake and large aluminum drum brake.

Colors: Orange krate in kool orange, lemon peeler in kool lemon, Apple krate in kool red and Pea picker in kool green.

  • C30-9 Orange Krate.............$93.95
  • C30-9 Lemon Peeler.............$93.95
  • C30-9 Apple Krate..............$93.95
  • C30-9 Pea Picker...............$93.95

See the full 1969 Schwinn catalog.

1970


If it's a bike "muscle"...with breathtaking starts and jet-age performance you want here it is!

1970 Schwinn Krates

New diamond jubilee model Cotton picket

  • C30 Orange Krate 5-speed, Stik-Shift......$94.95 Coaster......$76.95
  • C30 Lemon Krate 5-speed, Stik-Shift......$94.95 Coaster......$76.95
  • C30 Apple Krate 5-speed, Stik-Shift......$94.95 Coaster......$76.95
  • C30 Pea Krate 5-speed, Stik-Shift......$94.95 Coaster......$76.95
  • C30 Cotton Krate 5-speed, Stik-Shift......$94.95 Coaster......$76.95

The world's most exciting concept in bicycles Schwinn Krates
Featuring the new diamond jubillee cotton picket

Incorporating the revolutionary Schwinn Sting-Ray design with gears, full floating ride, and features that will thrill your imagintaion.

75 years of bicycling "know-how" went into this bike, and once you ride it, you'll know it, because only a Schwinn rides so well. Choose from any one of the stars of the cycling drag derby - the orange krate, the apple krate. The pea picker, the lemon peeler, or the new 1970 cotton picker.

  • New...1970 Stik-Shift levers numbered knob
  • New...1970 Sting-Ray handlebar
  • New...Deeper, roomier bucket seat
  • New...Buffed, lettered 20" x 2.125 Slik rear tire
  • Spring suspension front fork
  • 16"X1 3/4" Front tire
  • Chrome plated fenders
  • "MAG" sprocket
  • Rear caliper brake, handlebar control on 5-speed
  • Front aluminum drum expander brake on 5-speed

See the full 1970 Schwinn catalog.

1971


Engineered to Last...Schwinn Sting-Ray Design at its Best.

1971 Schwinn Krates

Featuring New Grey Ghost for 1971
Solid Schwinn engineering at its best and with you in mind.

This is the revolutionary Schwinn Sting-Ray design available with gears, full floating ride, and everything you've ever wanted in a bike. Look at all this: Stik-shift numbered lever, bucket seat, buffered rear slik tire, shock absorbing saddle struts, front aluminum drum brake on 5-speed models, shock absorbing front fork... famous Schwinn quality. You'll ride proud knowing you've bought the best!

1971 schwinn 8
  • C30 Cotton Picker 5-speed.........$101.95 Coaster......$82.95
  • C30 Orange Krate 5-speed.........$101.95 Coaster......$82.95
  • C30 Lemon Peeler 5-speed.........$101.95 Coaster......$82.95
1971 schwinn 8
  • C30 Apple Krate 5-speed...........$101.95 Coaster......$82.95
  • C30 Pea Picker 5-speed.............$101.95 Coaster......$82.95

See the full 1971 Schwinn catalog.

1972


The famous Schwinn Sting-Ray design customized with an array of special high-performance features!

1972 Schwinn Krates

Full floating ride with shock absorbing saddle and front fork, choice of gears, bucket seat, front drum brake. Rear disc brake on 5-speed models.
Choice of colors: Orange Krate, Lemon Peeler, Apple Krate (red) , Pea Picker (green)

  • C30-6 Coaster brake Krate ........... $ 82.95
  • C30-9 5-Speed Stik-shift Krate .... $113.95

All prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1972 Schwinn catalog.

1973


The famous Schwinn Sting-Ray design customized with an array of special high-performance features!

1973 Schwinn Krates

Full floating ride with shock absorbing saddle and front fork, 5-speed gears, bucket seat, front drum brake. Sure stop disc brake on rear wheel. 20" x 2.125" Slik rear tire.
Choice of colors: Orange Krate, Lemon Peeler, Apple Krate (RED). Wt. 49 lbs.

  • C30-9 5-speed Stik-Shift Krate......$119.95

See the full 1973 Schwinn catalog.

2020


The Schwinn Krate is back for 2020!

Exclusively available at Amazon (Limited to as few as 500 bikes). Quick links:

Schwinn has outdone themselves for 2020! For a very limited run, the Schwinn Krates are back.

The time has come to bring back the classic design everyone knew and loved! Revel in #throwback glory with the curvilinear Sting-Ray style frame. The vintage styled Krate also features authentic details like the high-rise ape handlebar, strut and seat post with spring suspension, and full-floating bucket style saddle with racing stripes for that boss '70's look. Plus, the sissy bar adjustability allows this bike to accommodate a variety of riders, from kids to adults.

2020 Coal Krate

The 2020 Coal Krate looks amazing and is solid as a rock. The Coal Krate was a popular mythical bike (Schwinn never actually released a Coal Krate in the 1960s but many people customized their bikes to be black). Now it is official and real: the 2020 Schwinn Coal Krate!

The Coal krate will be the first to sell out, it is highly desirable to users, collectors and everyone inbetween.

Buy the Coal Krate here >

2020 Grape Krate

The 2020 Grape Krate. Available for a limited time: the Schwinn Grape Krate. Revel in throwback glory with this Krate in pristine purple. The elusive icon lives! Don’t miss your chance to have your very own Grape Krate and enjoy the freedom of riding a Schwinn.

Buy the Grape Krate here >

2020 Orange Krate

The 2020 Grape Krate. Available for a limited time: the Schwinn Orange Krate. Grab your shades and turn up that transistor radio – the Schwinn Orange Krate is back! With an aesthetic descended from drag racers and rocket ships, the Orange Krate oozes more vintage flare than your favorite retro binge watch.

Buy the Orange Krate here >

Back to Schwinn Bikes.