Schwinn Bicycle Company (previously Arnold, Schwinn & Company), which was established by Ignaz Schwinn in 1895, was considered as the most popular and dominant manufacturer of bicycles in the United States through most of the 20th century. In fact, Schwinn produced and marketed hundreds of models of bicycles between 1895 and 1995. However, the bicycle company was sold to Pacific Cycle on September 11, 2001 and, later on, when Pacific Cycle was acquired by Dorel Industries, a series of low-cost bicycles from Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China were branded with the Schwinn name and sold in large retail stores in the United States. Schwinn’s failure to capitalize on the BMX and mountain bike market led to its downfall.

Early models of Schwinn bicycles were mainly racing and basic bicycles. In the 1920s, adult Schwinn bicycles were introduced, followed by balloon tire bicycles from 1933 to 1942 and, eventually, by middleweight, Sting Ray and lightweight models. Some specific models introduced by the company include the Standard Roadster, World Racer, Breeze, Traveler, Schwinn B-10E Motorbike, Aerocycle, Autocycle, Paramount bikes and multi-geared sports bicycles such as Varsity and Continental. Original Schwinn bicycles are some of the most popular collectible items in the market today.