A new documentary on Schwinn Bicycles called No Hands: The Wild Ride of the Schwinn Bicycle Company explores the American brand’s storied history, from the iconic Sting-Ray to its widespread influence in the worlds of BMX and mountain biking. Narrated by Lance Armstrong, through the accounts of fans, collectors and the Schwinn family themselves, No Hands tells the story of a brand that changed American cycling forever and survived through the struggles of American manufacturing, family drama, fads and business forces that ultimately led to its demise.
Few brands have provided more childhood memories than Schwinn Bicycles. From its founding in Chicago in 1895 to its bankruptcy in 1992, Schwinn provided kids and adults with a freewheeling freedom like they had never had before. Now thirty years removed from the company’s mysterious collapse, the full story of its rise and fall is being told
“Part love letter to a brand we grew up with, part riveting true story of an iconic American brand filled with mystery, No Hands is a passion project for this team,” says producer David Brookwell.
“Through unique accounts from the Schwinn family and a who’s who in cycling – including Lance Armstrong, whose life was certainly impacted by his first Schwinn – the full story behind this legacy can finally be told,” Brookwell adds.
“My first bike was a Schwinn Mag Scrambler, which was the beginning of everything for me. I have always been curious with Schwinn and its history, and this documentary captures the essence of the iconic brand in a truly compelling way,” says Armstrong.
The film is the first from Unfeatured Films, which was founded by filmmaker Daniel Clarke.
“At its peak, Schwinn stood alongside Coca-Cola and McDonald’s – not just as a brand, but as a fixture of American life that gave generations their first sense of freedom,” says Clarke. “This film is about honoring that legacy, and spotlighting the intrigue of the company’s rise and fall, using both classic storytelling and modern AI technology to resurrect the story of a brand with unfathomable cultural impact.”
No Hands: The Wild Ride of the Schwinn Bicycle Company will debut at film festivals in early 2026.
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