1983 Schwinn Le Tour Resto-modern
01-31-17, 10:06 PM
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1983 Schwinn Le Tour Resto-modern
The 1983 Schwinn Le Tour had a full 4130 Cro-Moly lugged frame, and some lower end components. As best I know, the Le Tours from 1983 were built in Greenville, Mississippi. Mine was original stock everything with black paint. This is the before picture taken several years ago:
For years I have wanted to put modern components on this bike. I know this isn't a high end collectable, but I really like the frame and the way it rides. I went a little overboard. It got it powder coated a red color (to make it go faster) and all new components. Here are a bunch of pictures of my all new 34 year old bike.
For years I have wanted to put modern components on this bike. I know this isn't a high end collectable, but I really like the frame and the way it rides. I went a little overboard. It got it powder coated a red color (to make it go faster) and all new components. Here are a bunch of pictures of my all new 34 year old bike.
Last edited by m_yates; 01-31-17 at 10:14 PM.
01-31-17, 10:53 PM
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Sweet!! I have an 84 Super LeTour I'm rebuilding as a winter project. Where did you the decals?
01-31-17, 10:58 PM
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Schwinn Le Tour 12.2 Decal Set of 10 (sku 307) - VeloCals
They aren't cheap, but the quality seems nice. I just cut off the word "super" from the decals.
01-31-17, 11:19 PM
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My favorite part of your restomod build "It got it powder coated a red color (to make it go faster)"
02-01-17, 07:24 AM
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For reference for anyone wishing to upgrade one of these bikes in the future...I learned some things:
1. The seat post is installed with a shim from the factory. If you want to get rid of that shim, your new seat post size is 26.0 mm.
2. As with other Schwinns of that era, the quill is 21.15 mm (marked as 0.833 inches). The fork inner diameter matches this quill size, as does the headset. If you want to replace the quill, headset, or fork, you will need to do one of 2 things: (1) Find a used one from a Schwinn of similar vintage, or (2) Replace all 3 things (headset, fork, and quill) with the standard 22.2 mm size components.
3. The bottom bracket is 68 mm with English threading. However, I can't be sure of that size because my threads ended up ruined. My modern cartridge bottom bracket would not screw in straight. I'm not sure if that was a mistake due to cross threading, or from the guy who chased my threads after powder coating. In any event, I had to install a "threadless" bottom bracket designed to fit frames with bottom bracket threads that are trashed.
4. The frame had to be cold set to accept a modern 130 mm rear hub. If you have no experience doing that, it is a good idea to get a shop to check the spacing, frame alignment, and alignment of the dropouts.
5. The frame does not have a hanger for the rear derailleur. If you want to install a modern derailleur, you'll need one of these adapters ("Sunrace Index Hanger Plate"):
Sunrace Index Hanger Plate With Nut and Bolt, Shimano Compatible
I'm very happy with this bike, but I don't want to sit down and total up how much money was spent on it. It definitely doesn't make financial sense to upgrade one of these bicycles. Buying a Surly Pacer, Velo-Orange Campeur, or some other modern steel frame will make it a lot easier to put modern components on it, and end up costing less in the end. I kept my local bike shop mechanic busy this winter.
1. The seat post is installed with a shim from the factory. If you want to get rid of that shim, your new seat post size is 26.0 mm.
2. As with other Schwinns of that era, the quill is 21.15 mm (marked as 0.833 inches). The fork inner diameter matches this quill size, as does the headset. If you want to replace the quill, headset, or fork, you will need to do one of 2 things: (1) Find a used one from a Schwinn of similar vintage, or (2) Replace all 3 things (headset, fork, and quill) with the standard 22.2 mm size components.
3. The bottom bracket is 68 mm with English threading. However, I can't be sure of that size because my threads ended up ruined. My modern cartridge bottom bracket would not screw in straight. I'm not sure if that was a mistake due to cross threading, or from the guy who chased my threads after powder coating. In any event, I had to install a "threadless" bottom bracket designed to fit frames with bottom bracket threads that are trashed.
4. The frame had to be cold set to accept a modern 130 mm rear hub. If you have no experience doing that, it is a good idea to get a shop to check the spacing, frame alignment, and alignment of the dropouts.
5. The frame does not have a hanger for the rear derailleur. If you want to install a modern derailleur, you'll need one of these adapters ("Sunrace Index Hanger Plate"):
Sunrace Index Hanger Plate With Nut and Bolt, Shimano Compatible
I'm very happy with this bike, but I don't want to sit down and total up how much money was spent on it. It definitely doesn't make financial sense to upgrade one of these bicycles. Buying a Surly Pacer, Velo-Orange Campeur, or some other modern steel frame will make it a lot easier to put modern components on it, and end up costing less in the end. I kept my local bike shop mechanic busy this winter.
02-01-17, 07:44 AM
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Bike looks great! And who cares how much was spent? As long as you like it and ride it, all is good.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a post build weight?
And I agree, the bike being faster in red comment was funny.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a post build weight?
And I agree, the bike being faster in red comment was funny.
Last edited by Senrab62; 02-01-17 at 10:03 PM.
02-01-17, 07:02 PM
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Sweet. Back in the day my wife and I bought matching LeTours, hers in a mixte frame. Loved the bike and we both took long rides together. Then kids came along, we both lost interest in cycling (temporarily) and we gave the bikes away to charity.
Wish I still had them.
You did a great job. Congrats!
Wish I still had them.
You did a great job. Congrats!
02-01-17, 07:46 PM
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Excellent job
02-01-17, 08:57 PM
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The weight comes in at 28 pounds on the nose:
Not exactly a lightweight, but I am not either.
If I lose 15 pounds like I planned for my New Year's resolution, it will be just like I am riding a 13 pound carbon fiber bike!
02-04-17, 07:57 PM
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Powder Coat Studio in Traverse City Michigan. I shipped the bike frame to them. Bikeflights.com offers cheapest shipping. There was a cheaper powder coater local, but I wanted someone who specializes in bikes. I'm very happy with how the powder coating turned out. I used the color RAL #3003 "ruby red".
02-04-17, 08:42 PM
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Another Rochesterian. (I moved away in 1981)
Very nice job on the re-do. Have done a couple modernizations, and there's nothing like getting the bike out on the road and enjoying the result.
Very creative idea on the improvised scale. Will have to use that one myself.
Very nice job on the re-do. Have done a couple modernizations, and there's nothing like getting the bike out on the road and enjoying the result.
Very creative idea on the improvised scale. Will have to use that one myself.
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