STING-RAY MANIA GROWS: SCHWINN ROLLS OUT 16" STING-RAY FOR SMALLER RIDERS

August 2, 2004 - MADISON, Wis. - Schwinn Bicycles is proud to announce the launch of a 16" Sting-Ray, the first line extension for the popular Sting-Ray chopper bike platform.

"The new Schwinn Sting-Ray 20" model is selling better than any juvenile bicycle, and customer demand for this 16" model for younger or smaller riders has been very strong," said Byron Smith, Schwinn's Chief Operating Officer & President. "We want kids of all ages to enjoy the Sting-Ray experience, so we're rolling out this smaller version of our popular 20" model."

The new 16" Sting-Ray will arrive in Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us and other retail locations throughout the summer with a retail price of roughly $119. Check with your local Schwinn dealer for availability or log on to www.SchwinnStingRay.com for more information.

"We continue to hear incredible stories that demonstrate the demand for Sting-Rays," said Smith. "One dealer recently told us he'd started a waiting list for the Sting-Ray at his store. His list is more than 900 people long."

"The new Sting-Ray line has clearly gotten kids and parents excited about bicycling again," continued Smith. "The bike industry hasn't seen excitement like this about a particular model since the original Sting-Ray topped bike sales 40 years ago."

The new Sting-Ray models are modern chopper versions of the classic banana seat bike of the '60s and '70s, and have become the must-have bicycle for kids. The new Sting-Ray line has also created an entirely new category for the bike market, which has been traditionally comprised of BMX, mountain and traditional sidewalk bikes.

The new Sting-Ray line now includes several color schemes of 20" and 16" models, and plans for a larger bike (for big kids / adults) and even a trike for the youngest cruiser are underway. A full array of official Schwinn Sting-Ray parts and accessories including helmets, handlebar bags, gloves and more are available in mass retailers now, and additional custom parts such as light kits, mirrors, lights, tail pipes, and wheel spinners will hit independent bicycle dealerships this fall.

Schwinn has also reissued two models of the original, classic Sting-Rays: the Coppertone-colored Sting-Ray and the highly-collectible Grey Ghost. The classics are available now at select independent bicycle dealerships, and an additional classic Krate model will launch in the fall.

The original Schwinn Sting-Ray, widely considered the most popular bicycle of all time, was first introduced in 1963 during the muscle car craze and remained on the market until 1982. More than a million of the highly collectable Sting-Ray Krates were sold between 1968 and 1973. Any kid not lucky enough to have a Sting-Ray certainly dreamed of owning one. The new Sting-Ray's design pays homage to the original Sting-Ray, but this very modern interpretation reflects the public's interest in customized motorcycles. With its raked-out fork, knees-to-the-breeze seat position and enough bad-boy character to raise eyebrows, this is no ordinary bike.

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