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The Schwinn Run-A-Bout bike was technically not a folding bike since the frame itself did not fold in any way, but we included a page on it after getting countless e-mails regarding its omission.
For this bike, Schwinn took a Stingray frame, added tool-less releases to the handlebars and seat post, used 16″ wheels instead of the 20″, and called it a Run-A-Bout.
The only folding part was the handlebars which folded down then the extra-long seat post retracted into the frame making for a more compact bike that would easily fit into a car trunk. When Schwinn introduced the bike in 1968, they didn’t use the term folding bicycle; they used “fold-up bike.”
However, in 1969 they used both terms to describe the bike, but by 1970, the last year of production, the “folding bicycle” moniker had disappeared. Few people still call it the “Run-A-Bout folding bike,” but Schwinn can be blamed for the confusion.
Schwinn only sold the Run-A-Bout for three years – 1968, 1969, and 1970. All models came with a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub gear, most with a trigger shift on the handlebars.
Only in 1968 was a stick-shift on the frame offered as an option for $5.00 more.
Rumor has it that Schwinn dropped the stick shift after reported injuries it caused. The bike above is a 1969 model with a trigger shift. Following it is catalog scans of each of the model years.
Are you a fan of Schwinn bikes?
If you are a fan of Schwinn bikes then click the links below to find out more about the current Schwinn bicycle range:
- Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle Review
- Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike Review
- Schwinn Folding Bike Review
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free cheat sheet will help you choose a folding bike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations when buying a foldable bicycle!
