In 1895, Schwinn was driven by the pursuit of an American dream when bicycling was still a relatively new sport. As one of the longest-standing bicycle companies, Schwinn signified influence and innovation amidst a biking craze that further catapulted their success. But over the years, it would lose its luster after a series of poor leadership decisions that led it to a dead end. Get the full story on Episode 58 of The Great Fail to hear the story. Special thanks to Jay Townley for his contributions to this segment.

Episode Sources

No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, an American Institution by Judith Crown and Glenn Coleman

Schwinn Bicycle Company

A Short History of Schwinn: 1990s Bankruptcy though 2021

No hands: The rise and fall of the Schwinn Bicycles Company: an American institution, Judith Crown & Glenn Coleman, Henry Holt&Co.

A Rough Ride for Schwinn Bicycle

Schwinn Cycle and Fitness L.P. – Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Schwinn Cycle and Fitness L.P.

Special Guest

Jay Townley
Futurist at Human Powered Solutions

Jay has over 60 years of experience in the human-powered transportation business. He was hired by Ray Burch, Vice President of Marketing at Arnold, Schwinn & Company in Chicago, and was a writer helping to develop a sales and management program and school for franchised Schwinn Dealers. He then became the Sales Promotion Manager, Director of Product Safety & Governmental Affairs, Vice President of Product Safety & Governmental Affairs, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President Bicycle Marketing, Vice President and Assistant to the President, and Vice President Purchasing from 1966 thru April 1990. 

After leaving Schwinn he served as President of Giant Bicycle Company responsible for North American sales and distribution, and President of Browning Component Company before becoming a consultant and most recently joined his two partners in founding Human Powered Solutions, a consulting practice focusing on Micro-mobility and described in more detail at www.humanpoweredsolutions.com.a consulting practice focusing on Micro-mobility and described in more detail at www.humanpoweredsolutions.com.