Price Paid:
$399.00
at LBS Model Year: 2006 Favorite Ride: Huntington Beach Pier Bike Setup: All of the vintage Schwinn accessories collected over the years fit the Deluxe 7 without modification as I have added a transistor radio holder, Phantom rear light and chrome crash bars to the seat and rear frame. Summary: I knew I wanted to own a 2006 Schwinn Deluxe 7 the first time I saw one in person. The pictures online and in catalogs do not do the bicycle justice. With its cantilever frame, springer fork and Schwinn Phantom styling cues, it is truly a throw back to the balloon bikes of the 1950’s with modern technology in the use of the Nexus Internal 7-speed hub. At first sight most believe it is a restored original until they look closely at the handle bar mounted Revo Shifter and cables that lead to the rear hub.
Nearly everyone that sees the Schwinn parked asks to “toot” the horn enclosed in the Phantom style tank and usually turn on the light fastened to the front fender.
Strengths: As noted, the styling for the Deluxe 7 is definitely a tribute to Schwinn’s balloon cruisers of the mid to late 1950s. Moreover, in a community that coined the term “Beach Cruiser,” the Deluxe 7 definitely stands out from the myriad of bikes available.
The Nexus Internal 7 speed hub makes the heavy bicycle a breeze to ride and the wide seat with springs make long rides comfortable. The aforementioned makes this Schwinn a cruiser and not a bicycle built for speed. Weaknesses: The frame scallops and tank details are decals and not painted which will likely yellow over time. Also, the Phantom headlight is plastic rather than cast metal like the originals and will likely require replacement should the bike fall off its stand accidentally. Similar Products Used: 1955 Schwinn Phantom; 1961 Schwinn Corvette.
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