Chop Till You Drop

CHOP TILL YOU DROP

Have you had a little trouble cinching up your genuine Harley-Davidson belt buckle lately? Well then, here's a surefire way to get back in shape without sacrificing one iota of cruiser cool. In a rare nostalgic moment (and an even rarer recently profitable one), Schwinn has tapped into its own rich history and brought back the Sting-Ray bicycle. Two versions are offered: the original springerfork classic ($249) and a modern version that emulates today's custom choppers ($180). With its raked-out fork, V-back drag bars and massive, motorcycle-wide rear tire, the 2004 Sting-Ray is endorsed by no less than the First Family of "Chopperdumb," the Teutels of Orange County Choppers fame. There is, of course, a full line of accessories, and various spin-off models (one with adult-sized 26-inch wheels) are being considered. Get yours at your local Wal-Mart or Toys "R" Us store.

Brian Catterson