1988 Schwinn Prologue...
04-19-13, 10:58 AM
#26
Hogosha Sekai
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+10 Another Prologue fan here, I currently have two 1987 Prologues. Big jump from the Tenax Schwinns IMHO. Of course, I have a budding fleet of high end Panasonic built Schwinns right now.
+1 To Robbie's comment below: While I have several late 1980s/early 1990s high end Panasonic built Schwinns, the finish work on the Prologue was the best. Its really well thought out, from the great paint, to the decal work. The decal work on my 1992 Panasonic built series Paramounts (5 and 7) are both after thoughts, and appear to be slapped on there, with no attention to appearance.
+1 To Robbie's comment below: While I have several late 1980s/early 1990s high end Panasonic built Schwinns, the finish work on the Prologue was the best. Its really well thought out, from the great paint, to the decal work. The decal work on my 1992 Panasonic built series Paramounts (5 and 7) are both after thoughts, and appear to be slapped on there, with no attention to appearance.
I think the "blindfold ride quality" of Tenax/SL/Prestige/#1 of these late 80's frames is virtually indistinguishable. But the more expensive ones (e.g. Prologue, Peloton, Circuit) do have nice build touches that set them apart aesthetically. Any way you look at it, these are awesome bikes for the price, as good as anything that was produced at the time from the boot country if you ask me. But...prices are rising as people realize that.
Problem with Cannondales is the top tube cable guides, as they'll be brittle even on well-kept ones and they are very,very difficult to find. The one pictured is a very nice example, but I bet up close it will have some paint issues (Imron + 25 years = brittle, flaking, bubbly). It's just inevitable. I'm finishing up builds on my last two SR frames for which I have parts 'n pieces (and guides) but after that I'm down to my last '88 ST, which is mine, mine, mine.
Possible that I could do more in the future, but not in the volume I'm used to building. So now I sift through the market each year to find the sweet spot of high quality/reasonable price frames and bikes and gobble up as many of those as I can find. Five years ago it was Cannondales, two years ago it was late 80's Schwinns, this past year it was Ironman(s). Plus a sprinkling of Italian and Belgian bikes in there, when the prices are within reason. Buy and store, buy and store, build all winter, sell in the spring, ride in the summer.
Problem with Cannondales is the top tube cable guides, as they'll be brittle even on well-kept ones and they are very,very difficult to find. The one pictured is a very nice example, but I bet up close it will have some paint issues (Imron + 25 years = brittle, flaking, bubbly). It's just inevitable. I'm finishing up builds on my last two SR frames for which I have parts 'n pieces (and guides) but after that I'm down to my last '88 ST, which is mine, mine, mine.
Possible that I could do more in the future, but not in the volume I'm used to building. So now I sift through the market each year to find the sweet spot of high quality/reasonable price frames and bikes and gobble up as many of those as I can find. Five years ago it was Cannondales, two years ago it was late 80's Schwinns, this past year it was Ironman(s). Plus a sprinkling of Italian and Belgian bikes in there, when the prices are within reason. Buy and store, buy and store, build all winter, sell in the spring, ride in the summer.
04-19-13, 11:05 AM
#27
The Drive Side is Within
With as many bikes as I have, trading two for one makes a lot of sense. Good move.
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04-19-13, 12:46 PM
#28
Thrifty Bill
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While I like several of the models that Schwinn made in Greenville, I have not been impressed with the finish work when compared to the best that was coming out of Japan.
+1 Two for one trade is a fine idea.
04-19-13, 03:02 PM
#29
80's bikes FTW
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I think the Dr got it right. Basically, the Prologue represented Panasonic's best for that year (1987), and has the typical top of the line workmanship that the Japanese in general, and Panasonic in particular. Blindfolded? Not sure I could tell the difference.
While I like several of the models that Schwinn made in Greenville, I have not been impressed with the finish work when compared to the best that was coming out of Japan.
+1 Two for one trade is a fine idea.
While I like several of the models that Schwinn made in Greenville, I have not been impressed with the finish work when compared to the best that was coming out of Japan.
+1 Two for one trade is a fine idea.
I agree that the 2 for 1 was a good trade. I loved both the Prelude and Premis dearly but lets be honest...those bikes have the same frame with slightly different components....Suntour 5000 vs Cyclone 7000. Both those groups are very similar. The tenax frames are nice, but the finish is just ok in my opinion. The BB shell was very plain looking, and the suntour groups while they shifted well were a little bit clunky...not nearly as smooth as what you get to see with any shimano group...especially the 6500 Ultegra thats on my prologue at the moment.
I disagree with the blind ride test, because the prologue rides a lot better. Now some of this could be attributed to the Rolf wheelset, but I think the Prestige frame feels better on the road...acceleration is improved over the tenax frames, climbing hills are easier now....it feels like there is less resistance is the best way I can describe it. Also this Prologue frame is nearly free of any chips...it looks almost new it was really a no brainer for me.
04-19-13, 03:05 PM
#30
80's bikes FTW
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The way I was looking at it was this....have 2 middle of the road Schwinns or have one really high end schwinn. I have thinned my herd down considerably now and just have 2 road bikes....my PX-10 and this prologue. Trying to get my bike collection to the point where I only have the top of the line stuff or close to it.
04-19-13, 03:08 PM
#31
Hogosha Sekai
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I agree that the 2 for 1 was a good trade. I loved both the Prelude and Premis dearly but lets be honest...those bikes have the same frame with slightly different components....Suntour 5000 vs Cyclone 7000. Both those groups are very similar. The tenax frames are nice, but the finish is just ok in my opinion. The BB shell was very plain looking, and the suntour groups while they shifted well were a little bit clunky...not nearly as smooth as what you get to see with any shimano group...especially the 6500 Ultegra thats on my prologue at the moment.
I disagree with the blind ride test, because the prologue rides a lot better. Now some of this could be attributed to the Rolf wheelset, but I think the Prestige frame feels better on the road...acceleration is improved over the tenax frames, climbing hills are easier now....it feels like there is less resistance is the best way I can describe it. Also this Prologue frame is nearly free of any chips...it looks almost new it was really a no brainer for me.
I disagree with the blind ride test, because the prologue rides a lot better. Now some of this could be attributed to the Rolf wheelset, but I think the Prestige frame feels better on the road...acceleration is improved over the tenax frames, climbing hills are easier now....it feels like there is less resistance is the best way I can describe it. Also this Prologue frame is nearly free of any chips...it looks almost new it was really a no brainer for me.
04-19-13, 06:10 PM
#32
80's bikes FTW
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I do agree, a wheelset is going to make a big difference. My Prelude had the OEM Weinmann black anodized wheels and they were wearing the same Continental GP 4000's that the Prologue has. The Prelude was fast and it rode very well....but it really doesnt even come close in my opinion to how well this prologue rides. The Prologue just has a different feel about it. The Premis had its OEM Weinmann Aero wheels with lower end Kenda's and it was slightly slower feeling than the Prelude was but nearly identical.
I know you own a Premis and its a super bike, but a Prologue it is not. The Tempo, Premis, and Prelude are going to all feel the same....now the Circuit used higher end Columbus and wore better parts and Im sure it would challenge the ride of the Prologue but I have not had the opportunity to ride a Circuit yet.
04-19-13, 06:42 PM
#33
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The Circuit frame is a memorable ride. As good as any. Still the finish was not the smartest. I'd love to have a Prologue.
J
J
04-19-13, 07:14 PM
#34
Hogosha Sekai
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I do agree, a wheelset is going to make a big difference. My Prelude had the OEM Weinmann black anodized wheels and they were wearing the same Continental GP 4000's that the Prologue has. The Prelude was fast and it rode very well....but it really doesnt even come close in my opinion to how well this prologue rides. The Prologue just has a different feel about it. The Premis had its OEM Weinmann Aero wheels with lower end Kenda's and it was slightly slower feeling than the Prelude was but nearly identical.
I know you own a Premis and its a super bike, but a Prologue it is not. The Tempo, Premis, and Prelude are going to all feel the same....now the Circuit used higher end Columbus and wore better parts and Im sure it would challenge the ride of the Prologue but I have not had the opportunity to ride a Circuit yet.
I know you own a Premis and its a super bike, but a Prologue it is not. The Tempo, Premis, and Prelude are going to all feel the same....now the Circuit used higher end Columbus and wore better parts and Im sure it would challenge the ride of the Prologue but I have not had the opportunity to ride a Circuit yet.
04-20-13, 09:40 AM
#35
80's bikes FTW
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Youll find one at some point, and then at that point youll fall in love with the bike. I just rode it to work again today because its such a joy to ride. Effortless describes the ride of this bike, and with the turbo saddle I threw on it looks its vintage now.
04-20-13, 09:43 AM
#36
80's bikes FTW
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Funny how you search and search and go out of your way to find a rare bike and then another one falls right in your lap a couple weeks later. I wouldnt mind having 2 of these bikes...haha. I was starting to realize I had too many bikes in the fleet. At one point I was thinking to myself " I could collect every schwinn from the 88 lineup ". I had a problem and I figured why not get arguably the nicest schwinn from the 88 catalog and just rock with one love.
05-19-14, 01:43 PM
#37
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Reviving a year+ old thread here but add me (my son actually) to the list of recent owners of this model.
I've been working on getting him more interested in cycling as his mother and I want him to get more active and out of the house and away from passive electronic entertainment. Being he is of shorter stature I needed something 50cm or smaller. I came across a decent looking Prologue on C/L advertised as a 50cm with decent components. So once I told him about getting a bike his interest level began to pique. Then I showed him the ad and that ratcheted up his interest and he would stop bugging me about it lol So when we actually saw it he was drooling over it, he had never ridding a safety frame bike before so after a seatpost adjustment he took off for a wobbly beginning lol
After a few more spins his confidence and ability gained measurably and he was ever more stoked at riding a road bike and all he wanted to do was ride it when we got home, which he did and then some more after dinner. He also wanted to ride this morning when I was leaving for work (5:30!). needless to say I'll have to sort some minor issues (rims need truing, brake pads, clean and lube, headset etc...), but it'll give him something to grow into for the next couple of years I hope and then he can ride my Vitus until he finds a suitable steed.
A shout out to all the helpful and knowledgeable members here!
I've been working on getting him more interested in cycling as his mother and I want him to get more active and out of the house and away from passive electronic entertainment. Being he is of shorter stature I needed something 50cm or smaller. I came across a decent looking Prologue on C/L advertised as a 50cm with decent components. So once I told him about getting a bike his interest level began to pique. Then I showed him the ad and that ratcheted up his interest and he would stop bugging me about it lol So when we actually saw it he was drooling over it, he had never ridding a safety frame bike before so after a seatpost adjustment he took off for a wobbly beginning lol
After a few more spins his confidence and ability gained measurably and he was ever more stoked at riding a road bike and all he wanted to do was ride it when we got home, which he did and then some more after dinner. He also wanted to ride this morning when I was leaving for work (5:30!). needless to say I'll have to sort some minor issues (rims need truing, brake pads, clean and lube, headset etc...), but it'll give him something to grow into for the next couple of years I hope and then he can ride my Vitus until he finds a suitable steed.
A shout out to all the helpful and knowledgeable members here!
02-06-16, 06:19 AM
#39
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Zombie post brought back! I have my prologue stopped down and waiting for an OA bath
02-06-16, 07:52 AM
#40
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Those were Shimano R500's, pretty sure, with the decals removed. That was a pretty bike.
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02-06-16, 11:14 AM
#41
Hogosha Sekai
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Forgot all about this thread.. and now I own a Peloton instead, I blame you Bill and you rccardr. (Thank you)
02-09-16, 11:27 AM
#44
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Prologues are exceptionally nice frameset's, I had 1 awhile bike and if it were my size and in better condition I would have kept it. Tange Prestige is top notch tubing, I think one could easily argue it's just as a good a tube as Reynolds 531P/SL, Columbus SL/X and Super Vitus 980.
I have a late-80s Schwinn made of Tange Prestige --- but it's MTB tubing ('88 Project KOM-10)
09-25-20, 08:34 PM
#45
Carpe Velo
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Was just searching for specs on this bike before buying a new bottom bracket and ran across my own post from 7 years ago. I finally got it powder coated, but did not stick with the factory look. Went with a deep candy apple red.
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09-25-20, 11:12 PM
#47
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Love the color! I have a frameset that I'm looking to powder coat in a rich red metallic. I have Prismatic Powder's Illusion Cherry that will get me the deep red metallic with a 'wet paint' look. What powder did you go with to get that red???
01-02-21, 12:55 AM
#48
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The place I got it done at calls it "Tiger Candy Red" and the metallic coat under it is "Tiger Candy Sparkle" No idea of what brand of coatings they use, though.
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01-02-21, 12:59 AM
#49
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Finished my rebuild/ upgrade. Drivetrain is mostly Veloce 9 speed with a Chorus Crankset. Centaur brakes, Record headset. Don't know what group or year the front derailleur is, but it fit the tubing, so that's what it got.
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01-02-21, 01:04 AM
#50
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Gorgeous bike! I may only be a one bike man at the moment (and with a lovely original blue metallic paint job to boot), but I still have my eye on a red like that for a "tired paint" frame at some point. I'll have to rustle up a groupset as well--no spare set exists at present! Thank you for sharing!
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