What Is a Bicycle Horn Tank?

chopper style bicycle with horn tank

Horn tanks are metal tanks that attach to the top tube of the bicycle frame. Originally designed to hold batteries for an electric horn, they are still used on modern bikes to impart style and aesthetic appeal.

Origins of Horn Tanks

In the 1930s, Schwinn developed cruiser-style bikes to attract the youth market to bicycles. These bikes featured faux gas tanks and wide "balloon-style" tires to make them resemble motorcycles.

Horn Tanks

After Schwinn and other bicycle companies began to install battery compartments and electric horns in the tanks, they came to be known as "horn tanks."

Horn Control

Push-button switches were installed on the top or side of the horn tanks for the rider to control the sounding of the horn.

Lights and Radios

Horn tanks often used batteries to power headlights attached to the front end of the bicycle or tank. In 1955, Huffy Bicycles introduced a horn tank with a built-in radio.

Collectors' Items

Original horn tanks are coveted by vintage bicycle collectors and can be found for sale on many online auction sites.

Lasting Effect

The horn tank style, although devoid of the batteries and horns, is still a common design element of modern cruiser-style bicycles.

References

• Schwinn Bicycle History
• Huffy Bicycle History