ramzilla

I recently picked up this Schwinn Caliente (for a reasonable price) on Craigslist. I was attracted to the fully lugged step through frame and, I intend to convert it to an upright handlebar city bike. But....................... I'm curious about two things about this bike. The first thing that got my attention is that this thing is all steel. No kidding. Chrome steel wheels, steel frame, stem, handlebars, brake levers. seatpost, and, chrome steel cotterless crankset. The only two things that a magnet doesn't stick on is the kickstand & the turkey levers. Wow. (I've never seen a three piece crankset that was chrome steel). The other thing I'm curious about is what year this thing was made. It's got the classic stamp on the headbadge. But, according to Schwinn numbers it could either be a 1980 or a 1990 vintage. Let me know what you think.

rhenning

Caliente was another name for a Varsity one year. Schwinn marketing maybe? Roger

branko_76 

It may be all steel, but it's "Guaranteed built with Lightweight High Tensile Carbon Steel Frame and Forks".....

daverup 

This appears to be a 1990 Caliente. The late 70's Caliente had the Front Freewheel System. I don't think yours has that.
Looks to be in pretty nice shape for steel everything.

ramzilla

Upon close inspection, I noticed there's no wear on the brake pads. The bike appears to have never been used. I've already got a new set of inexpensive alloy wheels, tires and, a new stem & upright alloy riser handlebars for it. I can't seem to make up my mind to keep it a 6 speed drivetrain with grip shifters. Or, turn it into a 7 speed drivetrain with trigger shifters.

JohnDThompson 

SIS indexed shifting didn't come out until 1985, and then only at the Dura-Ace level. It took several years to trickle down to the lower levels. So, I'm voting for 1990.

daverup 

The alloy rims with some new brake pads will probably allow you stop when wet.. I don't think I would try that as it sits now.
Other alloy stuff will help with the weight. Those 30 year old grip shifters will probably last awhile since they are mostly new. Once they break, a shifter upgrade will be needed.
I don't know whether a 7 speed drivetrain will really be worth doing. Not much return on that upgrade.
The steel schwinns are nice cruisers.
Good luck,
Dave

ramzilla

I went shopping online & found an amazing deal on this pair of brand new wheels. I received them yesterday and, they look good. The only thing I had to do was disassemble the loose ball hubs & properly grease them up. And, I'm also going to drill them out for schrader valves.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wheel-Rea...6-404f91d06406

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wheel-Fro...6-404f91d06406

nlerner

I believe that in Schwinnland, Caliente translates roughly to “heavy a$$ bike.”

ramzilla

It's no longer "all steel".

Here's the makeover pictures for the Schwinn Caliente. With new wheels & 25mm Panaracer tires it rolls fast. Upright alloy handlebars with 6 speed Shimano grip shifters. Kept the 6 speed freewheel, chain &, old Shimano SIS drivetrain. (The old chain showed absolutely no wear). A friend volunteered to break it in and was impressed after riding it for two days & about 30 miles. My wife doesn't want me to sell it. She wants me to give it to our daughter.

tricky 

Nice! How much weight do you think it lost?

ramzilla

Now that it's all dressed up with kickstand, rear rack, water bottle cage, rear view mirror, handlebar bag &, bell. The Caliente weighs in at a svelte 31 pounds according to my very precise luggage scale. I could probably drop at least two more pounds if I ditched the chrome steel crankset but, I'll wait till it wears out first.

tpadul 

that is a beautiful find!! The paint job is in great shape!!

Velo Mule

I like this thread. It has lots of pictures and a really nice turn around on this bike. It looks great.