Schwinn Sting-Ray with Bike T-Shirt

Schwinn introduced the original Sting-Ray in 1963 after the company realized kids in California had been customizing their bikes to look like motorcycles. Bikes were fitted with 20-inch wheels, elongated seats, rear "sissy bars," and ape hanger handlebars. It didn't take long for Schwinn to develop a similar style. Al Fritz, Schwinn's director of research and development, recommended the Sting-Ray as a way to replicate the style California kids were looking for. The Sting-Ray quickly became the bestselling bike in Schwinn's history. These kids' bikes featured a coaster brake on the large back wheel and wide-stance handlebars that were perfect for popping big wheelies. The connection of the bike's name with the (at the time) new Corvette