1985 Schwinn LeTour Luxe
#1
Eccentric Old Man
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BelleVegas, IL
Posts: 719
Bikes: 1986 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1979 Schwinn Traveler III, Trek T100, 1995 Trek 970, Fuji America
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 173 Times
in
87 Posts
1985 Schwinn LeTour Luxe
Went to the bike shop today to order a few items.
It was a real treat to see this beauty in for some repairs.
[IMG]IMG_0731 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
They think he is the original owner. The bike is in really good shape. I did not see a blemish. Word is he is going to head out for a tour on it. The mechanic asked if I had any long cage Suntour RD's? Luckily I did.
[IMG]IMG_0730 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
It's good to be a hoarder.
It was a real treat to see this beauty in for some repairs.
[IMG]IMG_0731 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
They think he is the original owner. The bike is in really good shape. I did not see a blemish. Word is he is going to head out for a tour on it. The mechanic asked if I had any long cage Suntour RD's? Luckily I did.
[IMG]IMG_0730 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
It's good to be a hoarder.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WI
Posts: 905
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
I have a Luxe and have considered switching to barcons. What are they using for a downtube clamp? Does it integrate with that top braze on shifter mount?
#4
Eccentric Old Man
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BelleVegas, IL
Posts: 719
Bikes: 1986 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1979 Schwinn Traveler III, Trek T100, 1995 Trek 970, Fuji America
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 173 Times
in
87 Posts
No. He removed the original shifters, put a screw in the boss and used a clamp on above the boss. Problem Solvers?
I donated a Suntour clamp on stop to the cause. A bike that sweet needs it more than my spare bin.
[IMG]img_0731.1 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
I donated a Suntour clamp on stop to the cause. A bike that sweet needs it more than my spare bin.
[IMG]img_0731.1 by lebagman, on Flickr[/IMG]
#5
Eccentric Old Man
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BelleVegas, IL
Posts: 719
Bikes: 1986 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1979 Schwinn Traveler III, Trek T100, 1995 Trek 970, Fuji America
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 173 Times
in
87 Posts
The shop replaced the originals at his request. Originals look better than most of mine.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
And Dia Compe made downtube cable stops by the zillions in the 1970s and 80s for all those stem-shifter bikes. That's what came on my Le Tour.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#8
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,644
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2607 Post(s)
Liked 1,696 Times
in
935 Posts
That's the worst possible Suntour derailleur to have.
The enclosed pulley is famous for ingesting dirt, seizing up and throwing the derailleur into the spokes.
From Disraeli Gears:
But this second generation ‘Tech’ design had a fatal flaw. SunTour had decided to improve on the Design of the Le Tech by cunningly fitting the spring that tensions the third pivot inside the guide pulley. This meant that the guide pulley ran on a large diameter centre - and this rapidly attracted dirt. When the dirt got in, the pulley bearing became as rough as a badger’s arse and often jammed. To compound the problem the pulley was exceedingly difficult to remove for cleaning or for replacing. SunTour were inundated with expensive warranty claims, and, worse, lost the reputation for bomb-proof reliability that they had carefully and patiently built up over the decades.
In fact the MounTech had a couple of other flaws. The first was that it was seriously heavy and the second was that, like all three pivot designs, it rapidly went out of alignment and had a tendency to throw itself recklessly into the spokes of the back wheel. Like the Huret Duopar, it was God’s gift to wheel builders everywhere.
In fact the MounTech had a couple of other flaws. The first was that it was seriously heavy and the second was that, like all three pivot designs, it rapidly went out of alignment and had a tendency to throw itself recklessly into the spokes of the back wheel. Like the Huret Duopar, it was God’s gift to wheel builders everywhere.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#9
Eccentric Old Man
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BelleVegas, IL
Posts: 719
Bikes: 1986 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1979 Schwinn Traveler III, Trek T100, 1995 Trek 970, Fuji America
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 173 Times
in
87 Posts
The truth may be an offense, but it's no sin. ):
They asked for it so I provided. Told them I would not choose that to tour on.
They asked for it so I provided. Told them I would not choose that to tour on.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,783
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
9 Posts
I have an '85 Le Tour Luxe myself, but this one's in MUCH better shape.
Looks just like the Origin8 cable stop I've got on my Trek 300 Elance. Should work great as shown on this bike since the cables will run along the top side of the downtube just like they would from the original SunTour downtube shifters.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...-28-6mm-silver
It may not be what you meant to imply, but this bike didn't have stem shifters. It had SunTour downtube shifters that mounted via a single screw on top of the downtube. Much like SunTour's 'Symmetric' shifters, but without the trimming mechanism.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...-28-6mm-silver
It may not be what you meant to imply, but this bike didn't have stem shifters. It had SunTour downtube shifters that mounted via a single screw on top of the downtube. Much like SunTour's 'Symmetric' shifters, but without the trimming mechanism.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WI
Posts: 905
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
Thanks for the link to that cable stop. Here's a pic of my Le Tour Luxe hauling groceries today. This thing needs a white seat or different tape.
Found a Bianchi on the way home...
Found a Bianchi on the way home...
Likes For 3speedslow:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
It may not be what you meant to imply, but this bike didn't have stem shifters. It had SunTour downtube shifters that mounted via a single screw on top of the downtube. Much like SunTour's 'Symmetric' shifters, but without the trimming mechanism.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#15
Newbie
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 53
Bikes: '94 Eddy Merckx Century TSX '86 Schwinn Paramount, '89 Schwinn Paramount, '84 Specialized Sequoia, '85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, '86 Schwinn Prelude, '92 Cannondale T600, '78 Guerciotti, '91 Giant ATX 770, '87 Schwinn Le Tour(beater)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
18 Posts
Found one of the blue versions of the '85 on Ebay in Gilroy, CA. Believe I was the only bidder and took delivery out of the owners storage bin. Probably paid more than it was really worth, but it was in very good original condition. Made a few minor changes added Nitto Noodle 44cm bars, XT 730 175mm cranks, and have had the rear triangle spread to 130mm for conversion to 700c wheels with Ultegra/Sun CR18 combination. Nice riding bike!!
Last edited by kwhiner; 06-26-19 at 03:23 AM. Reason: adding photo
Likes For kwhiner:
#16
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,402
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
Wow, an '85 Luxe! The one year they had that model with canti brakes before changing its name to Passage the next year. What seems like forever ago in my bike world, but is more like only five years, there was a 25" Le Tour Luxe for sale, and it was either an '83 or '84 (no canti, dark grey paint), likely an '84. Back then I wasn't into the long chain stay look. Times have changed on that front certainly.
#17
Newbie
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 53
Bikes: '94 Eddy Merckx Century TSX '86 Schwinn Paramount, '89 Schwinn Paramount, '84 Specialized Sequoia, '85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, '86 Schwinn Prelude, '92 Cannondale T600, '78 Guerciotti, '91 Giant ATX 770, '87 Schwinn Le Tour(beater)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
18 Posts
Changed my Luxe over to Bar Ends and used the exact solution as this works really well.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,161
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,494 Times
in
408 Posts
Cool to see this thread resurrected.
I am really enjoying my 86 Passage.
The upright bars and tall stem work great for me.
I spread my riding over a handful of bikes but I am always impressed with the smooth ride of this bike when its turn in the rotation comes up.
I am really enjoying my 86 Passage.
The upright bars and tall stem work great for me.
I spread my riding over a handful of bikes but I am always impressed with the smooth ride of this bike when its turn in the rotation comes up.
Likes For cooperryder:
#20
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
165 Posts
I used the same clamp to retrofit indexed thumbies on my '84 Luxe.
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,753
Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 385 Times
in
207 Posts
I used this Origin 8 when I updated my 86 KHS to 5600 105..