This page provides year by year images and info quoted from Schwinn catalogs for the World from 1950 to 1988.
Schwinn Serial Numbers, The Complete List! Important Information!! The following pages were created by Brian Crawford with the intent of sharing information with all bicycle enthusiasts! He holds the copyright on them, starting in the year (©)2001 to the present day. The idea is to print them up, so you have a handy reference. Schwinn serial numbers may be found in several different places on the bike. Most bikes from the 1960s are stamped with the serial number next to the spot where the rear wheel axle connects with the frame. Starting in the 1970s, many bikes were manufactured with the serial number on the Schwinn seal, located somewhere on the bike's frame.
1950
For features, design and workmanship, these bicycles outrank any in their class.
1950 Schwinn World
Ideal for shopping, touring and exercise.
- Schwinn World for ladies....Model W-51
- Schwinn World for Men....Model W-1
See the full 1950 Schwinn catalog.
1951
A leading value in American made lightweights
- Model W-1 26-inch
A popular bike at a reasonable price - Schwinn quality throughout
Now the thrills of lightweight cycling can be had at a modest cost with this beautiful Schwinn World. It's light yet sturdy Schwinn quality construction assures top-notch performance and many miles of trouble-free service.
Equipped with dependable coaster brake, chrome rims, built-in kick-stand and streamlined chainguard. Available in beautiful sparkling colors - long lasting baked on enamel. Made in America by Schwinn - replacement parts easily obtainable.
See the full 1951 Schwinn catalog.
1952
A perfect choice for those who want a fine quality lightweight at a reasonable price.
1952 Schwinn World
Schwinn quality throughout and fully equipped with chainguard, kickstand, and coaster brake. Hand brakes are available at a slight extra charge.
For Men...
- 26 inch model No. W-1.
Schwinn World for ladies
For ladies'...
Smartest styling and fine quality at a popular price. Lightweight construction assures a smooth effortless ride. Equippedwith coaster brake and chrome rims.
- 26-inch model No. W-51.
See the full 1952 Schwinn catalog.
1953
A perfect choice for those who want a fine quality lightweight at a reasonable price.
1953 Schwinn World
Schwinn World for Men...
Schwinn quality throughout and fully equipped with chainguard, kickstand, and coaster brake. Hand brakes are available at a slight extra charge.
- 26 inch model No. W.I.
- Girls Model No. W-51
Schwinn World 24'
On ultra smart lightweight at a very attractive price!
Has all the features of the adult models. It's sleek, durable, and finishedin newest colors and trim. Equipped with coaster brake, chrome rims, mattress type saddle and built-in kickstand.
- 24-inch model No. W-24.
- Girls Model No. W-74.
1954
The perfect choice for those who want a fine quality lightweight!
1954 Schwinn World
Schwinn Quality Features throughout. Equipped with chainguard, kickstand, coaster brake. It's American made by Schwinn!
- 24-inch size Boys W-22
Schwinn World for ladies'
- 24-inch size Girls W-72
Schwinn Bicycles are made in America- Parts and Servive Readily Available...
See the full 1954 Schwinn catalog.
1955
Now the thrills of lightweight cycling are available at modest cost with the handsome Schwinn World.
1955 Schwinn World
- Boys 26-inch Model W2
This coaster brake model is light weight for easy pedaling, yet sturdy and dependable for many mile of trouble-free service.
Specifications
FRAME -
- Schwinn Diamond 19”, 21” or 23” for boys
- 19” only for girls
FORK- Schwinn tubular
REAR HUB- 3-speed.
RIMS- Schwinn tubular S6, chrome.
TIRES- Shwinn Whirlwind 1 3/8”.
COLORS- Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel
Models
Shipping Weight lbs.BOYS GIRLS SIZE DESCRIPTION BOYS/GIRLS
- W2 W52 26-inch World 50 50
- W22 W72 24-inch World 45 45
See the full 1955 Schwinn catalog.
1956
The perfect choice for those who want a fine quality lightweight.
1956 Schwinn World
Equipped with coaster brake, built-in kickstand, chain guard...American made by Schwinn!
Colors: Opal red, blue or green; also black enamel.
- Boys and girls models in 26' and 24' sizes
See the full 1956 Schwinn catalog.
1979
Schwinn has designed and imported this remarkable new Schwinn-Approved World Sport with 10-speed features you'd expect to find on mode expensive bicycles.
1979 Schwinn Approved World Sport
Men's frame sizes
- W11-9 21'
- W13-9 23'
- W15-9 25'
- Color: Pearl Blue
Schwinn Approved World Sport for ladies
If you've looked forward to the fun and thrills of true lightweight cycling but need a thrifty price, here's your answer.
Ladies' frame sizes
- W69-9 19'
- W71-9 21'
- Color: Royal Maroon
It weighs only 33 pounds and rides with the ease and smooth handling you'll want in your bike.Complete specifications on pages 12 and 13.
- Assembled and fitted, ready to ride.....$139.95
See the full 1979 Schwinn catalog.
1980
If you've looked forward to the excitement of true lightweight cycling but need a thrifty price, here's your answer.
1980 Schwinn Approved World
10-Speed
Men's frame sizes
- World Sport
- W31-9 21'
- W33-9 23'
- W35-9 25'
Schwinn Approved World for ladies
Ladies' frame sizes
- World Sport
- W89-9 19'
- W91-9 21'
Schwinn has designed and imported this remarkable new Schwinn-Approved World models with 10-speed or 5-speed features typicallefound only on mode expensive bicycles. In addition to weighing only 33 pounds, the World models have lively pedal action and stable, predictable riding characteristics.
Complete specifications on pages 12 and 13.
See the full 1980 Schwinn catalog.
1981
Lug frame, 10-speeds and great colors- all at a price that's hard to believe
1981 Schwinn World Sport
Men's frame sizes
- W11-5 21'
- W13-5 23'
- W15-5 25'
Schwinn World's Sport for ladies
Ladie's frame sizes
- W59-5 19'
- W61-5 21'
- Colors: Royal Maroon, Frosty Silver
Among the wide selection of X-tra Lites in the Schwinn system, the down-to-earth price of the World Sport makes it especiallypopular. To its lug frame and 10-speed versatility, the 1981 World Sport steel crank arms and Dia-Compe 630 side-pull caliper brakesand extension levers. Dependable value in a moderately priced bike, available in choice of Frosty Silver or Royal Maroon.
Crankset and derailleur system.
The World Sport's convenient gearshift levers are a key part of its dependable Maeda SunTour derailleur system.
A full range of accessories such as the water bottle and bags shown is available from your Schwinn Dealer.
(See pages 52-62).
Specs
Tubing: 1020 carbon steel.
Frame Chainstay length: 17 '.
Head and seat mast angles: 73 degrees.
Fork rake: 2'
Wheelbase: 40 1/2'
Bottom bracket drop: 2 1/2'.
Rims: chrome plated steel (27' x 1 1/4') .
Hubs: Front - Shimano steel semi- large flange Rear- Shimano steel small flange.
Spokes: .080 straight gauge.
Tires: High-pressure gumwall.
Front derailleur: Maeda SunTour Honor.
Rear derailleur: Maeda Suntour Spirt.
Shift levers: SunTour stem mounted.
Chain: TYC.
Crank set: Sugino steel, 165 mm arms, 40-52 chainrings.
Freewheel: Maeda (14-28).
Pedals: Rattrap.
Seat post: Chrome-plated steel.
Saddle: Black racing type.
Handlebars: Steel maes bond.
Stem: SR alloy.
Brakes: Schwinn side pull.
Weight: 33 lbs.
Accessories: Kickstand.
See the full 1981 Schwinn catalog.
1982
Schwinn Serial Numbers After 2000
Men's frame sizes
1982 Schwinn World Sport
- W11 21'
- W13 23'
- W15 25'
Schwinn World Sport for girls
Ladies' frame sizes
- W59 19'
- W61 21'
- Colors: Royal Maroon, Frosty Silver.
The practical price of this 10-speed beauty makes it extremely popular. It features a 1020 carbon steel frame, SunTour derailluers,alloy crankset, centerpull caliper brakes and extension levers. The look, the design and built-in Schwinn quality of this bikemay not strike you as assual - until you compare its price tag to similarly equipped 10-speeds. Classy color options and thedependable backing of the nationwide Schwinn Dealer organization are benefits you don't often find in a popularly-pricedmachine. It's the value leader of the X-tra Lites - the Schwinn World Sport.
Lug frame, 10 speeds, great colors - at a price that's hard to believe
The World Sport offers two women's frame sizes 19' and 21' and every contemporary styling.
Centerpull brakes are a new addition to the World Sport.
Dependable SunTour gearshift levers are stem mounted.
Specs
- Tubing: 1020 carbon steel.
- Frame Chainstay length: 17 '.
- Head and seat mast angles: 73 degrees.
- Fork rake: 2'
- Wheelbase: 40 1/2'
- Bottom bracket drop: 2 1/2'.
- Rims: chrome plated steel (27' x 1 1/4') .
- Hubs: Front - Shimano steel semi- large flange. Rear- Shimano steel small flange.
- Spokes: .080 straight gauge.
- Tires: Schwinn Traveler.
- Front derailleur: Maeda SunTour Honor.
- Rear derailleur: Maeda Suntour Spirt.
- Shift levers: SunTour stem mounted.
- Chain: TYC.
- Crank set: Schwinn alloy 170mm arms, 40-52 chainrings.
- Freewheel: Maeda (14-28).
- Pedals: Rattrap.
- Seat post: Chrome-plated steel.
- Saddle: Black racing type.
- Handlebars: Steel maes bond.
- Stem: SR alloy.
- Brakes: Center pull.
- Weight: 33.8 lbs.
- Accessories: Kickstand.
See the full 1982 Schwinn catalog.
1983
10 Speeed
1983 Schwinn World Sport
Ideal entry level 10 speed bicycle that's easy to learn on and dependably built. Easy to reach stem mounted shifting controls andbrake extension levers.
- Racing style saddle
- Sugino alloy cotterless crankset
- Narrow high pressure tires
- SunTour Honor rear derailleur
- Men's: 21, 23, and 25' frames
Schwinn World Sport for girls
- Ladies: 19 and 22' frames
- Colors: Dark Blue, Silver
See the full 1983 Schwinn catalog.
1984
The 1984 World Sport 12 speed is equipped with so many high end features, it begs for comparison with any other bike near this price.
1984 Schwinn World Sport
For starters, all three main frame tubes are made from lightweight chrome-moly, while the rims and front hub are aluminum alloy forstrength and light weight. For smooth, positive shifting, there's high performance derailleurs. The SunTour ARs. And for comfort, there'san anatomic saddle and cushion grips on the handlebar. This year's World Sport even comes with convenient brazed-on water bottlebosses.
- Mens: W19, W21, W23, W25, W27.
Schwinn World Sport for girls
- Ladies: W59, W61.
Black or Sky Blue.
See the full 1984 Schwinn catalog.
Schwinn Serial Numbers After 1982
1985
World designed for: Top quality entry level 10 speed for teenagers and young adults at a truly affordable price.
Frame Specifications
Frame: Hi tensile steel lugged frame.
Fork: Hi-tensile steel tubular.
Braze-ons: Top tube cable guides, bottom bracket guides, cable stops.
Drive Train specifications
Pedal: Chrome plated steel rat trap.
Crank: SUGINO No. 5 forged alloy cotterless with steel rings, 170mm.
Chain: TYC, 1/2' x 3/32' black.
Freewheel: SHIMANO 5 speed.
Derailleurs: SHIMANO FDZ202 (front). SHIMANO RDZ501 with spoke barrier (rear).
Levers: SunTour, alloy Schwinn system headest mount for easy reach.
Wheel Specifications
Tires: Schwinn HP Sport, 27' x 1 1/4', 85 psi gumwall, raised center ridge.
Rims: WEINMANN 416 27' x 1 1/4' alloy.
Hubs: Chrome plated steel 26 hole semi large flange.
Spokes: 14 ga chrome plated 3X spoke pattern, brass nipples.
Control Specifications
Handlebar: CHAMPION, chrome plated steel.
Stem: SR Custom, alloy aero style with recessed bolts, 60mm extension on 19' and 21', 80mm on 22', 23', 100mm on 25' and 27'.
Headset: Chrome plates steel with clipped bearings.
Brakes: CHANG STAR 630N, alloy side pull.
Brake levers: CHANG STAR alloy with quick release, and easy to reach extension lever lined cable housing.
Comfort Specifications
Saddle: VISCOUNT, anatomic padded vinyl.
Seat Post: Chrome plated steel 8' long 26.6mm dia.
Accessories: Cushion grips, chainguard stainless steel stay protector.
Finish
Colors: Light maroon, black sable.
Weight: Approx. 28 lbs.
See the full 1985 Schwinn catalog.
1986
Some bikes have it all! Quality, style, value with brand-name components and high-tech features. How can it be so affordable.
- Shimano light-action alloy derailleurs, with stem-mounted shift levers for easy shifting.
- Sugino VP light-alloy forged crankset, with the low-profile styling that is so popular.
- Aray alloy rims with front and rear quick release and easy rolling, high-pressure tires.
- Frame sizes available, Men's 19', 21', 23', 25' and 27'. Ladies; 19' and 21'. Clear coated charcoal or racing red. 919, 921, 923, 925, 927, 959 and 961.
See the full 1986 Schwinn catalog.
1987
Front alloy quick release with alloy rims.
- SunTour alloy derailleurs with 10 speeds
- Forged alloy crankset with integral chain guard
- White and blue grey
Diamond frame
- 819 - 19'
- 821 - 21'
- 823 - 23'
- 825 - 25'
- 827 - 27'
Step through
- 857 - 17'
- 859 - 19'
World Sport
Schwinn's reputation for quality and value is its hallmark.
The 1987 World, World Sport and Sprint examplify this tradition. These strong, street tested bikes are meant to be ridden every day. Featuring durable steel wheels on the Sprint, quick-release front hub on the World, and a chrome-moly frame on the World Sport. For stylish, value-packed transportation, they get you where you gotta' go and they do it the Schwinn way!
- Shimano derailleurs with 12 speeds
- Front and rear alloy quick release hubs and alloy rims
- Forged alloy crankset with quill style pedals
- Racing red and black
Diamond frame
- 919 - 19'
- 921 - 21'
- 923 - 23'
- 925 - 25'
Step through
- 959 - 19'
- 961 - 21'
See the full 1987 Schwinn catalog.
1988
Designed to offer you the pleasures of bicycling for any purpose at a value that goes a long, long way.
Enjoy the fun and value of 1988 World, Sprint and Caliente - three versatile lightweight bicycles that deliver the goods and are fun to ride. Like all Schwinn fully assembled bicycles, they're backed by our 30-day free checkup and Schwinn's famous 'No Time Limit' warranty, so your investment in fun and fitness is protected for as long as you own your Schwinn.
See your Authorized Schwinn Dealer for all that's new for 1988 and enjoy the pleasures of bicycles for any purpose at a value that goes a long, long way.
World Sport
Experience the look and feel of performance sport bicycling.
See the full 1988 Schwinn catalog.
Back to Schwinn Bikes.
Enter your Schwinn serial number in the box and click 'find' to see what date and year your Schwinn bike was manufactured.
This tool searches a database of Schwinn serial numbers and if it finds a match to your serial number then it will display the information available for your bike.
Notes: This tool works for Schwinn bikes from 1948 to 1982. All serial number records before 1948 were lost in a factory fire.
Serial Number Location
The serial number can typically be found in one of three places on a Schwinn made bicycle.
- The headtube
- The rear dropout
- Underneath the bottom bracket shell
Note: The serial number will always be found on the actual frame of the bike. In other words, it will not be found on a bike component (like a handlebar or a pedal).
Example Numbers
Schwinn serial numbers commonly have one of three formats:
- All numbers
- One letter followed by numbers
- Two letters followed by numbers
Here are some example numbers: 0465228 - F106791 - EB37868
What a serial number can tell you
The serial number on a Schwinn frame will tell you the date that frame was manufactured. It will not identify the model of the bike, only the year the frame itself was manufactured.
Schwinn Bikes > Serial Numbers