johnbobey

Hello! I normally spend time in the C&V area, where I was advised this frame may not be the best platform for a randonneuring project. I know it's hi-ten steel, but the look is pretty minimal and the chrome is a head-turner. I had an old full-chrome Panasonic single 10 years ago, and regret selling it to this day. Perhaps this is a chance at a fresh start? Thoughts? (If I don't go this route, I'm probably heading down the Soma Rush/Wabi Classic/KiloTT Pro path.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-sch...53.m1438.l2649

Rolla

The 1981 model was available in chrome. I believe all the old Voyageurs were chromoly, either Columbus or Tange.

acoustophile

I love turning old frames like that into chill single speeds. Throw some 28c gumwall tires, moustache/cruiser bars, brooks saddle, small (front or back) rack and full fenders and ride off into the sun (or grocery store).

TugaDude

The frame is way better than I think you are giving it credit for. First, it is likely 4130 CroMO and it was made in Japan for Schwinn and the workmanship at that point in time was excellent. The bike retailed for somewhere around $430.00 in 1981, making it one of the most expensive Schwinn's under the Paramount and the Super Sport. The lower end Schwinn's were in the $150.00 range.

I collect vintage bikes and I know that if that frame is in good condition it will handle most anything you can throw at it.

rustystrings61 

While you could make a decent single-speed out of it, I would look for something else. No matter how cool it looks - and it DOES look cool - it's still going to be hampered by the oddball steerer tube diameter, which will severely limit your choice of stems. It's also getting pretty pricey, with shipping. Right now, combined with shipping it's more than I would pay for it, but that's just me.

Looking at this question AND your questions regarding rando bikes, I would steer you towards something British or French built with Reynolds 531 c.1960-1975 with a 120 mm rear spacing to convert to fixed or single-speed use. You could get comparable geometry to what you would ride brevets on and be more comfortable while you're at it. Something with a 72 or 73 degree seat angle and longer chainstays might suit your overall needs better. Don't these Voyageurs run 74 degrees with short top tubes?

TugaDude

If you look at the photos closely you'll notice it has a converter stem so you can use any threadless stem you want. French-built frames open up another can of worms when it comes to replacement parts and choices.

rustystrings61 

I see what you mean about the threadless converter. French parts are easier to come by than they were 20 years ago, though, and they're less of an issue than they once were, especially if one does a little research and learns tricks like opening up the top headset lock nut to allow the stem to pass through unobstructed into the steerer - amazing how well Nitto and other stems fit those 22.0 steerers! But I digress. I think whoever buys this Voyageur at its current (or higher) auction price will pay a premium for the pretty chrome. Which is fine if you like chrome, and who doesn't? So long as I don't have to keep it from rusting in the South, but that's not so much an issue for the OP, right?

jay4usc

have you seen the Fuji Feather?

johnbobey

I have-had a light blue one that I regret selling to this day. Can’t seem to one one in town...everybody’s sold out.

jay4usc

keep an eye on eBay or Craigslist they pop up on occasions. There’s one for sale on eBay now buts a size 54cm. Fuji used to make single speed Urban Track model but 2019 was the last year they made them. I had the 2016 model and it was a very nice bike.

jay4usc

below is a Fuji Single Speed Urban Track thats in stock. It looks like 2019 model.

https://www.bikesonwheels.com/products/fuji-track

abshipp 

Auction is over, did you get it?

Correct. My SLT is the exact same frame and has a 57cm top tube on the 64cm (25") size.

Looked at the 1981 catalog, it's listed as 73° parallel.