Schwinn Sting-Ray Wins Outdoor Toy of the Year

[Geneb]

*** Schwinn Sting-Ray Wins Outdoor Toy of the Year ***

Madison, WI., -- 02/22/2005
The popular Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle was named the 2004
Outdoor Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association, Inc.
(TIA). Winners were announced at the fifth-annual Toy of the
Year Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 19.

The Toy of the Year Awards ceremony is held on the eve of the
American International TOY FAIR,™ the largest toy trade show
in the Western Hemisphere with more than 1,500 manufacturers,
distributors, importers and sales agents from 30 countries showcasing
their toy and entertainment products.

“We are thrilled that the Toy Industry Association has recognized
the Schwinn Sting-Ray as Outdoor Toy of the Year,” said Chris
Hornung, founder and CEO of Pacific Cycle Inc., which owns the
Schwinn bicycle brand. “By our calculations the new Schwinn
Sting-Ray is the fastest selling bicycle of all time and it remains in
high demand. Schwinn has an illustrious history of creating innovative
bicycles and our new Sting-Ray is a terrific representation of that
creativity and spirit.”

Nominated products for Toy Of The Year (TOTY) Awards
cover all aspects of the toy industry in 11 categories ranging
from Infant/Preschool to Electronic Entertainment. The TOTY
nominations committee, consisting of toy journalists, toy inventors,
TIA board members and major retailers, oversees the final TOTY
ballot.

When Schwinn Bicycles launched the new Schwinn Sting-Ray
“Street Series” juvenile chopper bike in April 2004, the company
knew it was on to something special. The first retailer to receive
the bicycles sold what was thought to be a three-month allocation
in one weekend. Soon, every retailer selling the new Schwinn
Sting-Ray was asking for more Sting-Rays to meet unprecedented
consumer demand.

The new Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles are modern chopper versions
of the classic banana seat bike of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and have become
the must-have bicycle for kids. The new Sting-Ray line has created an
entirely new category for the bike market, which has been traditionally
comprised of BMX, mountain and traditional sidewalk bikes.

Schwinn has introduced a variety of new models since the initial
spring 2004 launch, including the smaller 16” and 12” models, the
Spoiler – a larger, high spec model, limited edition models, and a
scooter line that shares the styling of the chopper bicycles. Schwinn
also re-issued highly collectable Classic Sting-Ray models, complete
with banana seats and ape-hanger handlebars, including the Pea
Picker and Grey Ghost models.

A full array of official Schwinn Sting-Ray parts and accessories
including helmets, handlebar bags, gloves and more are available
in mass retailers now, and additional custom parts such as light kits,
mirrors, lights, tail pipes, and wheel spinners are available at
independent bicycle dealerships.

Check with local Schwinn retailers for availability or log on
to http://www.SchwinnStingRay.com for more information.

The original Schwinn Sting-Ray, widely considered the most popular
bicycle of all time, was first introduced in 1963 during the muscle car
craze and remained on the market until 1982. Any kid not lucky enough
to have a Sting-Ray certainly dreamed of owning one. The new
Sting-Ray’s design pays homage to the original Sting-Ray, but this
very modern interpretation reflects today’s customized motorcycles.
With its raked-out fork, knees-to-the-breeze seat position and plenty
of bad-boy character to raise eyebrows, this is no ordinary bike.

CC - http://www.schwinnbike.com/news/press_detail.php?id=77

Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
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