Nothing to see here, just another Schwinn..
08-05-20, 10:24 AM
#1
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Nothing to see here, just another Schwinn..
Ciao Amico Fidatos,
I was given a 1987 Schwinn Prelude frameset earlier this year by @mstateglfr, and I knew immediately that this was one that I wouldn’t be afraid to make minor modifications to. The project in mind was to create a bike that emulated vintage Italian styling from the 60s/70s, but to do it on a minimal budget. The thing that I like about this frameset is its relaxed HT/ST geometry and that it is made from Columbus tubing. It has all day comfort so it was a perfect candidate.
To begin, I removed as many frame brazeons as I possibly could without going down a rabbit hole. I drewed the top tube guides, the head tube pump peg, all four fender eyelets, and the rear derailleur cable stop. The cable stop was replaced with a diver helmet courtesy of @gugie. (it brazed much easier than I anticipated). Also I spread the rear triangle to 128-130mm. I’m still debating drilling/tapping for dropout adjusters later on.
I wanted to build this with as many bin components as I could scrounge with Italian origin being the priority; however, the bin was somewhat shallow, so I backfilled with suitable Japanese pieces with no qualms. There were a few pieces that I did not have, and had to purchase. @jeirvine supplied the Campy front derailleur, and @gugie provided info for sourcing the top tube guides. I bought the English threaded Ofmega BB off the internet. The broken Gipiemme rear freewheel hub was replaced with a Shimano 5500 unit that was modified to receive the oil port cover. I even reused old handlebar tape... well, just because. I paid homage to the frame/components countries of origin on the NDS chain stay.
For the color choice, I looked to the pastel colors of the Detroit-based autos from the 50s/60s. It has been noted by @merziac that the color of choice is Bianchi flavored, and I must agree. With the exception of the fork decal (which I already had), I made the others using MS Office, a snipping app, and a pack of decal paper. It would be an understatement to say that waterslide paper is a good barometer of one’s patience. Afterwards, I top coated with Spraymax 2K urethane to seal the deal.
I assembled everything yesterday with a test ride pending. I was aiming for a vibe.. didn’t worry about correctness..
As for Amico Fidato (trusted friend), I thought a bit of Italian plastered to the NDS would be magnifico karma.
-Dwayne
I was given a 1987 Schwinn Prelude frameset earlier this year by @mstateglfr, and I knew immediately that this was one that I wouldn’t be afraid to make minor modifications to. The project in mind was to create a bike that emulated vintage Italian styling from the 60s/70s, but to do it on a minimal budget. The thing that I like about this frameset is its relaxed HT/ST geometry and that it is made from Columbus tubing. It has all day comfort so it was a perfect candidate.
To begin, I removed as many frame brazeons as I possibly could without going down a rabbit hole. I drewed the top tube guides, the head tube pump peg, all four fender eyelets, and the rear derailleur cable stop. The cable stop was replaced with a diver helmet courtesy of @gugie. (it brazed much easier than I anticipated). Also I spread the rear triangle to 128-130mm. I’m still debating drilling/tapping for dropout adjusters later on.
I wanted to build this with as many bin components as I could scrounge with Italian origin being the priority; however, the bin was somewhat shallow, so I backfilled with suitable Japanese pieces with no qualms. There were a few pieces that I did not have, and had to purchase. @jeirvine supplied the Campy front derailleur, and @gugie provided info for sourcing the top tube guides. I bought the English threaded Ofmega BB off the internet. The broken Gipiemme rear freewheel hub was replaced with a Shimano 5500 unit that was modified to receive the oil port cover. I even reused old handlebar tape... well, just because. I paid homage to the frame/components countries of origin on the NDS chain stay.
For the color choice, I looked to the pastel colors of the Detroit-based autos from the 50s/60s. It has been noted by @merziac that the color of choice is Bianchi flavored, and I must agree. With the exception of the fork decal (which I already had), I made the others using MS Office, a snipping app, and a pack of decal paper. It would be an understatement to say that waterslide paper is a good barometer of one’s patience. Afterwards, I top coated with Spraymax 2K urethane to seal the deal.
I assembled everything yesterday with a test ride pending. I was aiming for a vibe.. didn’t worry about correctness..
As for Amico Fidato (trusted friend), I thought a bit of Italian plastered to the NDS would be magnifico karma.
-Dwayne
Last edited by tyler_fred; 02-11-21 at 08:21 AM.
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08-05-20, 10:43 AM
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one more try..
08-05-20, 10:45 AM
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and another..
08-05-20, 10:45 AM
#5
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Pretty Awesome, I like it a lot! Now you have me looking at the possibilities with my 84 Supersport. Way to bring back an old Schwinn, you nailed it!
Tim
Tim
08-05-20, 10:54 AM
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Very nice bike! I sold a few of those back in the Eighties.
(If a bike company were smart, they'd jump on that as their "signature" color!)
(If a bike company were smart, they'd jump on that as their "signature" color!)
08-05-20, 10:55 AM
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Well you certainly put in the thought and sweat equity to make it your own! That's fantastic- strong work.
What I love about this subforum is the variety and creativity its posters bring.
In the span of 3 years with me, that frame was a traditional downtube shifting 2x7 bike, an STI shifting 2x7 bike, and a single-singlespeed bike. You have now given it yet another personality. That bike has changed its image more than Madonna!
And the frame that replaced this one on my end is a Schwinn Premis that was trashed, so new cable guides were brazed on, it was powdercoated, and is now a 2x11 road bike.
The crestive variety and re-imaging of bikes on this forum is just great to see.
What I love about this subforum is the variety and creativity its posters bring.
In the span of 3 years with me, that frame was a traditional downtube shifting 2x7 bike, an STI shifting 2x7 bike, and a single-singlespeed bike. You have now given it yet another personality. That bike has changed its image more than Madonna!
And the frame that replaced this one on my end is a Schwinn Premis that was trashed, so new cable guides were brazed on, it was powdercoated, and is now a 2x11 road bike.
The crestive variety and re-imaging of bikes on this forum is just great to see.
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08-05-20, 11:04 AM
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I love it!
08-05-20, 11:07 AM
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Great work! like it! Yes, interesting color. Certainly would confuse some!
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08-05-20, 11:11 AM
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Ciao bella!
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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08-05-20, 11:26 AM
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That is lovely. Great job.
I have read through the various Tenax threads and I know there is some mystery around it. I am curious if anyone knows if there is a difference between the Tenax used on the road bikes like this one and the Tenax used on the Voyageurs? Were there different butting profiles?
I have read through the various Tenax threads and I know there is some mystery around it. I am curious if anyone knows if there is a difference between the Tenax used on the road bikes like this one and the Tenax used on the Voyageurs? Were there different butting profiles?
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Andy
Last edited by beicster; 08-05-20 at 11:31 AM.
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08-05-20, 12:00 PM
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08-05-20, 12:02 PM
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That looks great - nice work!
how does it ride? I just sold a way too small 1987 Prelude. The frame looked really nice, but I couldn't get an impression of the ride or handling.
how does it ride? I just sold a way too small 1987 Prelude. The frame looked really nice, but I couldn't get an impression of the ride or handling.
08-05-20, 12:32 PM
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Well done! I really like that color.
08-05-20, 12:46 PM
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Bella bicicletta! Esecuzione perfetta. Invidio il tuo pisonato. Che classico! 
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Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
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08-05-20, 12:54 PM
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08-06-20, 07:13 PM
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"Just" another Schwinn? I think not. Gorgeous, simply gorgeous. 
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08-07-20, 06:28 AM
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Thank you all for your comments. If anyone wishes to make their own decals, I recommend the thicker 23µ waterslide paper. The 13µ tends to curl under and stretch too easily. Here's a pic of my decal file. Remember.. Nesting is your friend!!
08-07-20, 12:48 PM
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Nice job on the Schwinn! With that color and red decals it's reminiscent of older Bianchis.
Could you tell me what brand and model the brakes are?
Thanks
pete
Could you tell me what brand and model the brakes are?
Thanks
pete
08-07-20, 01:19 PM
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I am beginning to like these build-your-own-bike-with-what's-available projects more and more. And this is a fine example. Well done!
