A Timeless Schwinn Heavy Duty Cruiser: Mignonette's Story

I still remember the feeling of riding my Schwinn Heavy Duty cruiser, affectionately known as Mignonette, with its fresh set of NOS Oakleys and Genuine Bicycle Products' rubber. It's a bike that has been a part of my life for decades, and every time I hop on it, I'm transported back to carefree days of youth.

My journey with Mignonette began in 7th grade, when I purchased the rusted frame from a friend for just $20. Over the years, I've put countless miles on this bike, transforming it into a trusty companion for both beach cruisers and trail rides. The original fork was replaced with ancient Bassett cruiser forks, featuring an old snowflake ring and Takagi cranks. The Regina 5-speed drivetrain provides smooth shifting, while the Suntour Cyclone crankset keeps the pedals turning smoothly.

One of the most striking features of Mignonette is its unique plating, which resembles a peppering of cracked black peppercorns – hence the name. I've had my fair share of customizations over the years, including adding Atom Hub and 6-speed gears, as well as skinny dirt tires for trail riding.

Interestingly, the '32 camelback' framed Heavy Duti was first introduced in either 1995 or 1996, making mine a rare find indeed. I'm convinced that the original fork and sprocket are still part of the frame, which is likely from the 1996 model year.

Mignonette has been my loyal companion through many adventures, including commuting to school as a teenager and exploring trails with friends. Its reliability is unparalleled, and it continues to bring me joy to this day. As I look back on its long history, I'm reminded of the countless memories we've shared – from sunny beach rides to muddy trail excursions.

Whether you're looking for a retro cruiser or a reliable commuter bike, the Schwinn Heavy Duty series has something to offer. For me, Mignonette will always be more than just a bike – it's a piece of my history, and I'm grateful to have had her by my side all these years.

Schwinn heavy duti 1996