The Schwinn Sting-Ray arrived in 1963. Its inspiration came from California children customising bicycles with motorcycle-style tall handlebars and elongated saddles. The manufacturer turned a look created by young riders into a production model.
The Krate family followed in 1968. Its 16-inch front wheel and 20-inch rear wheel gave it a distinctive silhouette. Style mattered alongside the experience of riding.
This story is a reminder that riders seeking a different character for their bikes also shape cycling history.