Schwinn Caliente All Steel
#1
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Schwinn Caliente All Steel
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.
Last edited by ramzilla; 09-16-20 at 07:36 PM.
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#4
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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.
Looks to be in pretty nice shape for steel everything.
#5
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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.
#6
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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.
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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.
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
#8
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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
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wheel-Rea...6-404f91d06406
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wheel-Fro...6-404f91d06406
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I believe that in Schwinnland, Caliente translates roughly to “heavy a$$ bike.”
#10
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
#12
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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.
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#13
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that is a beautiful find!! The paint job is in great shape!!
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I like this thread. It has lots of pictures and a really nice turn around on this bike. It looks great.