Schwinn Voyageur -- 1986 Pickup Today
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Schwinn Voyageur -- 1986 Pickup Today
UPDATE: Final Photos Added Jan 8 Starting at Post #19:
Hey all, I just picked up a Schwinn Voyageur today in what I believe is called Pine Green. From everything I've been reading, it looks to be a 1986, but I need you experts to verify that. I am new to the touring world and am finding out that I apparently got a really, really good deal on this at $60. I seldom pass on any bike for less than $75 unless it's obvious junk. I had a hunch I was picking up a nice ride. Obviously, it needs some going through and brought up to snuff, like new bar tape and a good cleaning up.
Anyhow, I have found the Schwinn brochures online, but it doesn't mention this model carrying the SunTour XC 9000 RD that mine has. Can anyone confirm that this was the original one? It seems period correct anyhow. Also, the original wheelset has sealed bearings. Do they need to be replaced after all this time? I plan on doing the lubes on all of the other bearings.
Since I'm new at the touring bike game, I was wondering what the set of bosses are for UNDER the front down tube close to the bottom bracket. Is that just another set to stick whatever might fit? Also, I do not know what the set of oversized bosses, the ones with spacers is for on the front fork about 2/3 of the way down on each side. Is that for a rack or something?
If anyone has any interesting tidbits about this model, I sure would appreciate hearing it.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Hey all, I just picked up a Schwinn Voyageur today in what I believe is called Pine Green. From everything I've been reading, it looks to be a 1986, but I need you experts to verify that. I am new to the touring world and am finding out that I apparently got a really, really good deal on this at $60. I seldom pass on any bike for less than $75 unless it's obvious junk. I had a hunch I was picking up a nice ride. Obviously, it needs some going through and brought up to snuff, like new bar tape and a good cleaning up.
Anyhow, I have found the Schwinn brochures online, but it doesn't mention this model carrying the SunTour XC 9000 RD that mine has. Can anyone confirm that this was the original one? It seems period correct anyhow. Also, the original wheelset has sealed bearings. Do they need to be replaced after all this time? I plan on doing the lubes on all of the other bearings.
Since I'm new at the touring bike game, I was wondering what the set of bosses are for UNDER the front down tube close to the bottom bracket. Is that just another set to stick whatever might fit? Also, I do not know what the set of oversized bosses, the ones with spacers is for on the front fork about 2/3 of the way down on each side. Is that for a rack or something?
If anyone has any interesting tidbits about this model, I sure would appreciate hearing it.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Last edited by UKFan4Sure; 01-08-20 at 01:54 PM.
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https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa...986Ltwt31.html
Thats a link to the catalog for the 1986 voyageur build. You can look at the rest of that year and many more by clicking the arrows at the top.
I found that site very helpful for the Schwinn bikes I've owned from that era, including the 86 Voyageur I have.
As for that derailleur, no its not original. I love Suntour. I like it far better than older Shimano. But then again I like friction shifting so there aren't any issues with friction.
I would treat the sealed bearings the same as the rest of the bike. Clean the outside, make sure they're not damaged, regrease then leave it alone til the next cleaning.
The mounts under the down tube by the bottom bracket is for a third water bottle or mount for anything else. The mounts on the fork blades are for a rack. I suppose you could use it for another fender mount if you needed.
I don't know what you plan to do with the bike but I had a hell of a time, and failed thus far, converting from the original 27" wheels to 700c. I've tried multiple different canti brakes. Nothing seems to work. I've seen a different '86 Voyageur on Instagram that was able to convert wheel sizes. I know its possible but I haven't been able to do it. I do know I have a wide set of rims on the touring wheelset I have. It would be nice to use them to open the options for different tires. I'm hoping to get mine going this winter.
I got mine in terrible shape. I replaced everything except the fork, seat post bold, the headset, canti brakes and possibly seat post. I had hoped to build it up with new Sram parts, racks bags, etc and do some over night rides. But the brakes derailed that plan. I was considering lacing up a nice 27" wheelset capable of modern components.
I do know people love these bikes. I've read many forums and the general consensus seems to be vastly positive. I can't speak too much to the ride quality. I've only ridden mine maybe 50 miles over the years.
Thats a link to the catalog for the 1986 voyageur build. You can look at the rest of that year and many more by clicking the arrows at the top.
I found that site very helpful for the Schwinn bikes I've owned from that era, including the 86 Voyageur I have.
As for that derailleur, no its not original. I love Suntour. I like it far better than older Shimano. But then again I like friction shifting so there aren't any issues with friction.
I would treat the sealed bearings the same as the rest of the bike. Clean the outside, make sure they're not damaged, regrease then leave it alone til the next cleaning.
The mounts under the down tube by the bottom bracket is for a third water bottle or mount for anything else. The mounts on the fork blades are for a rack. I suppose you could use it for another fender mount if you needed.
I don't know what you plan to do with the bike but I had a hell of a time, and failed thus far, converting from the original 27" wheels to 700c. I've tried multiple different canti brakes. Nothing seems to work. I've seen a different '86 Voyageur on Instagram that was able to convert wheel sizes. I know its possible but I haven't been able to do it. I do know I have a wide set of rims on the touring wheelset I have. It would be nice to use them to open the options for different tires. I'm hoping to get mine going this winter.
I got mine in terrible shape. I replaced everything except the fork, seat post bold, the headset, canti brakes and possibly seat post. I had hoped to build it up with new Sram parts, racks bags, etc and do some over night rides. But the brakes derailed that plan. I was considering lacing up a nice 27" wheelset capable of modern components.
I do know people love these bikes. I've read many forums and the general consensus seems to be vastly positive. I can't speak too much to the ride quality. I've only ridden mine maybe 50 miles over the years.
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Welcome to the '86 Voyageur Owner's Club! I picked up a very low mileage model this year. The official name for the color is British Pine.
Your stock rear derailleur would be a Shimano Light Action. These are very well built bikes. I hope that you will enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
1986 Schwinn Voyageur by cb400bill, on Flickr
Your stock rear derailleur would be a Shimano Light Action. These are very well built bikes. I hope that you will enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
1986 Schwinn Voyageur by cb400bill, on Flickr
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Here is a link to comparison chart with specs of the various Voyageur models from 1980 to 1991.
Last edited by cb400bill; 12-17-19 at 09:35 PM.
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Thanks to all for the info! I had a hunch the RD wasn't the original. Very interesting that someone went to all of this trouble to swap it out.
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Congrats on getting a fine bike. Mine is an '87. After a frame up restoration I loaded it up to 70lbs and rode the GAP this past summer. It handled it all just great. GAP on my Voyageur
You'll see I went fully self supported so that 70lbs was bike, camping gear, kitchen, food, water, tools, etc. I shifted as much weight forward as I could but that 40 spoke rear wheel was still well loaded. No sweat, didn't even blink. You'll see I used that bottle position under the DT for a tool bottle with fuel and tools. The front fork mid mounts held my DIY cages for trail mix and protein bars. Lots of custom made stuff on that bike.
"Sealed bearings" may not be what you think. Yes they are somewhat sealed as they keep sticks, dead squirrels and gum wrappers out but otherwise they are pretty standard hubs. Take the hubs apart for an excellent cleaning and relube. The grease is almost 35 years old and dirty. Ditto the HS and BB and pedals.
Enjoy your voyageur and go 'venturing.
BTW, those canti brakes with new Jagwire pads did just fine. On the last day's decent from the Eastern Continental Divide, 22 miles down grade on that 70 lb machine, in cold rain, they worked just fine. 17 mph at times on stone unpaved trail. No worries.
You'll see I went fully self supported so that 70lbs was bike, camping gear, kitchen, food, water, tools, etc. I shifted as much weight forward as I could but that 40 spoke rear wheel was still well loaded. No sweat, didn't even blink. You'll see I used that bottle position under the DT for a tool bottle with fuel and tools. The front fork mid mounts held my DIY cages for trail mix and protein bars. Lots of custom made stuff on that bike.
"Sealed bearings" may not be what you think. Yes they are somewhat sealed as they keep sticks, dead squirrels and gum wrappers out but otherwise they are pretty standard hubs. Take the hubs apart for an excellent cleaning and relube. The grease is almost 35 years old and dirty. Ditto the HS and BB and pedals.
Enjoy your voyageur and go 'venturing.
BTW, those canti brakes with new Jagwire pads did just fine. On the last day's decent from the Eastern Continental Divide, 22 miles down grade on that 70 lb machine, in cold rain, they worked just fine. 17 mph at times on stone unpaved trail. No worries.
Last edited by Prowler; 12-18-19 at 06:06 AM. Reason: Added info
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Congrats on getting a fine bike. Mine is an '87. After a frame up restoration I loaded it up to 70lbs and rode the GAP this past summer. It handled it all just great. GAP on my Voyageur
You'll see I went fully self supported so that 70lbs was bike, camping gear, kitchen, food, water, tools, etc. I shifted as much weight forward as I could but that 40 spoke rear wheel was still well loaded. No sweat, didn't even blink. You'll see I used that bottle position under the DT for a tool bottle with fuel and tools. The front fork mid mounts held my DIY cages for trail mix and protein bars. Lots of custom made stuff on that bike.
"Sealed bearings" may not be what you think. Yes they are somewhat sealed as they keep sticks, dead squirrels and gum wrappers out but otherwise they are pretty standard hubs. Take the hubs apart for an excellent cleaning and relube. The grease is almost 35 years old and dirty. Ditto the HS and BB and pedals.
Enjoy your voyageur and go 'venturing.
BTW, those canti brakes with new Jagwire pads did just fine. On the last day's decent from the Eastern Continental Divide, 22 miles down grade on that 70 lb machine, in cold rain, they worked just fine. 17 mph at times on stone unpaved trail. No worries.
You'll see I went fully self supported so that 70lbs was bike, camping gear, kitchen, food, water, tools, etc. I shifted as much weight forward as I could but that 40 spoke rear wheel was still well loaded. No sweat, didn't even blink. You'll see I used that bottle position under the DT for a tool bottle with fuel and tools. The front fork mid mounts held my DIY cages for trail mix and protein bars. Lots of custom made stuff on that bike.
"Sealed bearings" may not be what you think. Yes they are somewhat sealed as they keep sticks, dead squirrels and gum wrappers out but otherwise they are pretty standard hubs. Take the hubs apart for an excellent cleaning and relube. The grease is almost 35 years old and dirty. Ditto the HS and BB and pedals.
Enjoy your voyageur and go 'venturing.
BTW, those canti brakes with new Jagwire pads did just fine. On the last day's decent from the Eastern Continental Divide, 22 miles down grade on that 70 lb machine, in cold rain, they worked just fine. 17 mph at times on stone unpaved trail. No worries.
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Even if you put an original RD back on it, don't just throw that one away. XC9000 was TOTL for MTB components, just like XTR is Shimano's TOTL now. 👌
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Yeah, I don't see any need to put it back to stock. I was riding it a bit yesterday and I like the indexed shifting. It works well.
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You beat me to the draw on that one. I had contacted the seller, but you were the faster.
Congratulations on a very nice looking ride. Robert, in Vine Grove
Congratulations on a very nice looking ride. Robert, in Vine Grove
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Perhaps the original bent/broke. That's one of many possibilities and a very real one, considering the age and intended use of the bike.
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It isnt a lot of trouble to swap a RD out. Its unscrewing a bolt and disconnecting a cable, then doing the reverse. It takes 3-15min depending on how much adjusting is needed.
Perhaps the original bent/broke. That's one of many possibilities and a very real one, considering the age and intended use of the bike.
Perhaps the original bent/broke. That's one of many possibilities and a very real one, considering the age and intended use of the bike.
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She's getting there.... Velo Orange hammered fenders coming in tomorrow. That'll take a good day to install. I also have an Ibera rear rack on the way. My new bell is late getting here... .
I'm going with a 30 tooth final cog on the Suntour Winner Pro cassette and changing the front Biopace to regular 46/36/24 Shimano up front. I put it all back together anyhow for now. I can change the gearing when I get the time.
Take a look and see what you think?? So far, I have $466 and change in the entire project.
I'm going with a 30 tooth final cog on the Suntour Winner Pro cassette and changing the front Biopace to regular 46/36/24 Shimano up front. I put it all back together anyhow for now. I can change the gearing when I get the time.
Take a look and see what you think?? So far, I have $466 and change in the entire project.
Last edited by UKFan4Sure; 01-03-20 at 08:11 PM.
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I'm finally wrapping this up today. Installed the VO Hammered fenders yesterday along with the Shimano SG 46/36/24 front rings (replacing 50/44/28 Biopace). The only thing I'd like to do is put a 30 cog on my Suntour Winner Pro 6-speed cassette, but even my vintage LBS didn't know how to do that. I know someone out there knows how, but it ain't me. Take a look at the photos and see what you think. For a total investment of less than $500, I'd say not bad at all.
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What a nice bike! Looks great! Love the look of those fenders with the green paint.
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Nice job!
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Not bad atall. 👍 That’s about the same green as my Killer V, except mine has the sparkly sparklers (metallic is what they called it, back in the day). 😁
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