The 1973 Schwinn Speedster

While in St. Louis, I was looking for a three speed bike that I can ride around town. Since I'm a roadie, I didn't want something different than my road bike. I wanted something more relaxed. I was shocked when I found this bike on craigslist. It had virtually no rust.

After going through it and re-greasing all the bearings, getting it functioning really well, I finally decided to go ahead and photograph it against a classic brick background.

There’s something special about discovering a piece of craftsmanship that has survived for decades and continues to carry its own character. That’s exactly how I felt when I photographed this 1973 Schwinn Speedster—a bicycle that represents an era when steel bikes were built to last and style meant clean lines, chrome accents, and crafty design. This Speedster isn’t just an old bike; it’s a time capsule. With its classic cantilever frame, upright cruiser geometry, and iconic Schwinn branding, it’s a perfect subject for anyone who loves photographing vintage machines.

Vintage bicycles have textures and details modern designs just don’t feature. The Speedster’s hand-brazed steel frame, old-school Schwinn head badge, and chrome fenders all catch light in ways that bring photographs to life. Even the imperfections—the worn paint, the faded decals, the slight pitting on the chrome. When photographing this bike, I found myself drawn to:

• The curves of the steel frame, especially the elegant lines from the head tube through the rear triangle.

• The original Sturmey-Archer 3-speed shifter, a piece of mechanical simplicity.

• The chrome spokes and fenders, which add natural reflections that play beautifully in outdoor light.

In an age of carbon fiber and matte finishes, the Speedster’s vintage shine is refreshing.

Schwinn introduced the Speedster as a durable, everyday bicycle—simple, reliable, and comfortable. This model from 1973 still carries those original values:

• Sturdy steel construction meant to last generations

  Internal 3-speed hub for smooth shifting and low maintenance

• Coaster or caliper brakes, depending on the trim

• Comfortable upright riding position

In an era when bikes were built like small machines rather than disposable products, the Speedster stood out. Today, it’s not unusual to find one still fully functional with only minor refurbishment.

Photography is storytelling, and that story doesn’t always need a face. Sometimes an object carries its own narrative, and the 1973 Schwinn Speedster speaks of simpler times with weekend rides around the neighborhood. Mechanical craftsmanship. Durability that modern products rarely match.

Photographing vintage items helps preserve them—not just physically, but visually and historically. Every detail you capture becomes part of that living archive.