Al Fritz, one of the legends of the U.S. bicycle industry, died Tuesday in Chicago.
Fritz's long career at Schwinn was most notable for his invention of the iconic Sting-Ray 20-inch muscle bike in the early 1960s. Schwinn sold millions of the influential bikes, which later were converted into BMX race bikes, leading to Fritz's induction into the BMX Hall of Fame in 2010.
Fritz retired from Schwinn in 1985. He died from complications from a stroke he suffered several weeks ago, his son Michael told BRAIN.
Fritz served as executive vice president of Schwinn Bicycles and also was president and general manager of Schwinn's Excelsior Fitness Equipment subsidiary. Besides the Sting-Ray, he was instrumental in developing the Schwinn Air Dyne exercise machine, and in offering Schwinn bike dealers an off-season product line.
"Dad is one of the most respected and admired men in the bicycle industry. He was an even better father and mentor. Our family is now trying to cope with this incredible loss," Michael Fritz said.
Michael Fritz worked with his father at Schwinn from 1973 until his father's retirement.
The family plans to hold a memorial service in the Chicago area in the next few weeks. Please check back tomorrow for more on Fritz's life and career.
