In SoCal, folks were chopping up their cars and welding them back together with custom parts. They used bits and pieces from other vehicles and created an entirely new one. This “chopped” up vehicle was directly inspired by the recent Kustom Kars, Hot Rods, and T-Buckets of popular culture. It was no surprise that soon, motorcycles would follow.
Then, the coolest of the cool, the Chopper was born.
So, why wouldn’t kids try to emulate this in their neighborhoods? With old junkyard parts, bought parts, and a little creative energy, kids would take apart their little bicycles and turn them into something a bigger, badder, better kid in the neighborhood would be riding. The Chopper Bicycle is a completely homegrown staple in youth culture from the 60s onwards.
With most things underground, the mainstream will want a piece of it. In 1963, a designer over at Schwinn heard about the new “chopper bikes” out in California. He checked them out and of course loved them. The Schwinn Sting-Ray was created to emulate the look of the Motorcycle Chopper. These Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles with their ready-made “chopped up” look flew off the shelves.
In the Chopper Bicycle community, a Sting-Ray is not a real Chopper until it is chopped up. While it’s still an icon, it was a mass produced bike made to look like a Chopper bike. BONQO has got that little snag solved. Check this little beauty out: Schwinn Sting-Ray Chopper Bike designed and “chopped” at Orange County Choppers. This is a rare find and hopefully, the seller will find a good home to give it to. The price is negotiable and the listing description is honest and up front. Check it out and get on your Schwinn.
Notice, if you will, how we’ve even chopped up the image for further authentication.
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