This 1968 Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle was refurbished under previous ownership in the style of a “Grape Krate,” of which two samples are rumored to have been made in 1969 but did not reach showroom floors. The bike features a cantilever frame, a purple glitter banana seat supported at the rear by spring-loaded sissy bar shocks, and a five-speed rear derailleur operated by an automotive-style Stik-Shift. The bike rides on 16″ and 20″ wire-spoke wheels and is further equipped with a chrome girder fork, a speedometer, chrome high-rise handlebars with tassels, front drum and rear rim brakes, and chrome fenders. This bike was acquired by the owner in 2009 and is now offered by the selling dealer at no reserve in Neptune, New Jersey.
This example was refurbished under prior ownership with work that involved repainting the frame in its current shade of purple to resemble a fictional “Grape Krate” bicycle. The color-matched chain guard features chrome accents along with white Grape Krate, Sting-Ray, and Schwinn graphics, and the chrome high-rise handlebar carries purple grips. A purple glitter banana seat with white racing stripes is supported at the rear by sissy bar shocks, and additional features include Schwinn badging, a rear reflector, chrome fenders, and a side stand. A nick in the paint is identified in the gallery.
Chrome wire-spoke wheels measuring 16″ front and 20″ rear are mounted with Schwinn Superior and Schwinn Sting-Ray Slik tires, respectively. The bike is brought to a halt by an Atom aluminum drum brake hub up front and a side-pull caliper setup at the rear, both of which are hand-lever-actuated.
The chrome high-rise handlebar carries purple glitter grips with tassels, and bright brake levers with matching glitter covers. The Schwinn-approved 40-mph speedometer has a four-digit odometer showing under 2 miles, and total mileage is unknown. The five speeds are selected via a Stik-Shift shifter on the top tube.
The drivetrain is comprised of a chrome one-piece crankset with a matching MAG sprocket, along with a drive chain, a five-speed freewheel, and a rear derailleur. The foot pedals are removed but included in the sale.
The DD prefix of the serial number stamped on the left-rear dropout is consistent with an April 1968 production date.
Source: Modified 1968 Schwinn Sting-Ray Bicycle at No Reserve
