Retro roadies- old frames with STI's or Ergos
#7251
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Some absolutely gorgeous steeds on this thead, really inspiring builds. Here’s my Olmo I haven’t long had it so have borrowed the wheels off my commuter bike to get it running, new campag hoops should arrive next week. Also as a bonus here is my Gitane winter commuter, pedals have changed since this photo to clipless, it’s still on downtube shifters though so doesn’t strictly belong here..
#7252
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 60
Bikes: 1991 Schwinn 354, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Premis, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 1987 Schwinn Super Sport, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport Custom, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1974 Schwinn Sports Tourer and 2017 Niner RIP RDO
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Beautiful Schwinn @ski4bob ! R7000 looks right at home. The red splatter on the blue paint is a really nice '90s touch, and the carbon fork looks natural.
I took a look at the Schwinn catalog scans, and it appears this is a 1991 354, and I only mention that as it is the one model with a seat post collar/clamp, and it's the "entry level" aluminum offering--the "higher level" models still use the quill seat post. I think that I would very much prefer the 354 for this reason. The other two models only seem a little lighter due to components. All that to say, I think you got the best of the bunch. The seat post diameter is still 27.2mm, so it's not like Schwinn skimped or downgraded that or anything else on the 354 vs the other models. 1991 looked like the last year of these aluminum offerings as well--a shame as they got it right, just before everything went poof.
My big question is, what 1" threadless fork did you find??? It looks very modern and very sleek, perfectly matching the R7000 and the seat post, stem and bars!
EDIT: I think I found it! It's a Hylix full carbon (330g or so, which is crazy light) 1" threadless. Great price, great look, and it chops a lot of weight off the front while likely aiding the ride. And for us tall 25"+ frame guys, the steerer is 300mm, so a fork upgrade is truly possible. How much does your 354 weigh now? I would have to think less than 20 lb!
I took a look at the Schwinn catalog scans, and it appears this is a 1991 354, and I only mention that as it is the one model with a seat post collar/clamp, and it's the "entry level" aluminum offering--the "higher level" models still use the quill seat post. I think that I would very much prefer the 354 for this reason. The other two models only seem a little lighter due to components. All that to say, I think you got the best of the bunch. The seat post diameter is still 27.2mm, so it's not like Schwinn skimped or downgraded that or anything else on the 354 vs the other models. 1991 looked like the last year of these aluminum offerings as well--a shame as they got it right, just before everything went poof.
My big question is, what 1" threadless fork did you find??? It looks very modern and very sleek, perfectly matching the R7000 and the seat post, stem and bars!
EDIT: I think I found it! It's a Hylix full carbon (330g or so, which is crazy light) 1" threadless. Great price, great look, and it chops a lot of weight off the front while likely aiding the ride. And for us tall 25"+ frame guys, the steerer is 300mm, so a fork upgrade is truly possible. How much does your 354 weigh now? I would have to think less than 20 lb!
#7253
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Southern California
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Bikes: 1991 Schwinn 354, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Premis, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 1987 Schwinn Super Sport, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport Custom, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1974 Schwinn Sports Tourer and 2017 Niner RIP RDO
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I am with you on the nostalgia for Schwinn, I had seen one of these in the showroom back then but couldn't pull the trigger on it. Always loved the paint job, the internally routed rear brake housing and the lack of the silly quill seat post. The only other one that really caught my eye was the original aluminum Ontare, again because of awesome paint job. From what I know on the 354 it's the same made in America aluminum tubes as the other higher models, but assembled in, here's where it's murky, Asia? somewhere? For some reason, in my opinion, they made the nicer frame for the "entry" bike.
#7254
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Location: Southern California
Posts: 60
Bikes: 1991 Schwinn 354, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Premis, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 1987 Schwinn Super Sport, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport Custom, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1974 Schwinn Sports Tourer and 2017 Niner RIP RDO
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Some absolutely gorgeous steeds on this thead, really inspiring builds. Here’s my Olmo I haven’t long had it so have borrowed the wheels off my commuter bike to get it running, new campag hoops should arrive next week. Also as a bonus here is my Gitane winter commuter, pedals have changed since this photo to clipless, it’s still on downtube shifters though so doesn’t strictly belong here..
#7255
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 60
Bikes: 1991 Schwinn 354, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Premis, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 1987 Schwinn Super Sport, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport Custom, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1974 Schwinn Sports Tourer and 2017 Niner RIP RDO
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Truly a great "hot rod" job on that Schwinn Aluminum.
The guys at GCN should use that as an example of the kind of transformation that can be done, with the right vision and patience and judgement.
This page alone shows how diverse the "upgrade" market is. The elegance of the mixte, the tradition of the Bianchi, and the badass of the Aluminum, all without axing the original idea. If ever there was a "saving" bike movement, it's this.
The guys at GCN should use that as an example of the kind of transformation that can be done, with the right vision and patience and judgement.
This page alone shows how diverse the "upgrade" market is. The elegance of the mixte, the tradition of the Bianchi, and the badass of the Aluminum, all without axing the original idea. If ever there was a "saving" bike movement, it's this.
#7256
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I am with you on the nostalgia for Schwinn, I had seen one of these in the showroom back then but couldn't pull the trigger on it. Always loved the paint job, the internally routed rear brake housing and the lack of the silly quill seat post. The only other one that really caught my eye was the original aluminum Ontare, again because of awesome paint job. From what I know on the 354 it's the same made in America aluminum tubes as the other higher models, but assembled in, here's where it's murky, Asia? somewhere? For some reason, in my opinion, they made the nicer frame for the "entry" bike.
I saw an Ontare in the Denver Craigslist a while back and had no idea what it was and it got snatched up pretty quick.
#7257
Port
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Truly a great "hot rod" job on that Schwinn Aluminum.
The guys at GCN should use that as an example of the kind of transformation that can be done, with the right vision and patience and judgement.
This page alone shows how diverse the "upgrade" market is. The elegance of the mixte, the tradition of the Bianchi, and the badass of the Aluminum, all without axing the original idea. If ever there was a "saving" bike movement, it's this.
The guys at GCN should use that as an example of the kind of transformation that can be done, with the right vision and patience and judgement.
This page alone shows how diverse the "upgrade" market is. The elegance of the mixte, the tradition of the Bianchi, and the badass of the Aluminum, all without axing the original idea. If ever there was a "saving" bike movement, it's this.
Agree on how the diverse nature of retro-mod bikes are is why this is my favorite thread on the forums. All those bikes are just plain cool!
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#7258
Senior Member
#7259
Newbie
Fuso #167
My '85 fuso with an updated ultegra 2x11 drivetrain. What a joy to ride.
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#7261
Senior Member
Im in process of restoring a 1987 Super Sport as well. It originally came with the "Miami Vice" Lavender (?) And white.
I'm sanding the whole thing down to repaint. After seeing your bike, Im not sure I want to keep the original color.
A couple questions for you -
1. What fork is that and where did you get it from?
2. What headset did you use?
3. What paint did you use Or is that original paint/decals (It doesnt look like the original paint)?
4. Where did you get the decals?
Thanks in advance. Fantastic looking buke.
-Sean
#7262
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As usual, I check in and see nothing but beautiful bikes! Great jobs, everyone.
#7263
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Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R
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@ski4bob love that color! My daughter just picked up a 98 Schwinn Passage in a very similar blue. Your bike looks awesome...
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#7264
Shifting is fun!
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#7265
HarborBandS
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Love This Bike!
Im in process of restoring a 1987 Super Sport as well. It originally came with the "Miami Vice" Lavender (?) And white.
I'm sanding the whole thing down to repaint. After seeing your bike, Im not sure I want to keep the original color.
A couple questions for you -
1. What fork is that and where did you get it from?
2. What headset did you use?
3. What paint did you use Or is that original paint/decals (It doesnt look like the original paint)?
4. Where did you get the decals?
Thanks in advance. Fantastic looking buke.
-Sean
Im in process of restoring a 1987 Super Sport as well. It originally came with the "Miami Vice" Lavender (?) And white.
I'm sanding the whole thing down to repaint. After seeing your bike, Im not sure I want to keep the original color.
A couple questions for you -
1. What fork is that and where did you get it from?
2. What headset did you use?
3. What paint did you use Or is that original paint/decals (It doesnt look like the original paint)?
4. Where did you get the decals?
Thanks in advance. Fantastic looking buke.
-Sean
The fork is a Nashbar carbon fork with a 1-inch threadless aluminum steerer. I am uncertain if they are still available with the bankruptcy of Nashbar/Peformance Bike, but it was only like $70.
The headset is an Origin 8 Pro threadless 1" headset. It was not JIS, but the 30.2 mm cups pressed in to the 30.0 mm head tube without issue.
The finish is powdercoat (RAL 3003 Ruby Red, I believe). A place in Chicago media-blasted and powder-coated the frame for about $100. I don't have a huge number of miles on this bike yet, but the finish is holding up very well so far.
The decals are from Velocals. The "Schwinn" decals were easy to apply, but the "Super Sport" decals were individually cut out letters connected by the underline. Very tricky, and I didn't get it perfectly straight--even using a ruler and marking the location. I'm sure it would be a lot easier with a shorter model name like "Tempo" or "Circuit". Ha.
I have another Tenax Schwinn that I rode for a bit before deciding I liked the frame and fit enough to invest in this build, and so far I just love riding this bike! Feel free to reach out with any other questions. I can also respond to PM's.
Last edited by HarborBandS; 05-13-19 at 08:47 AM.
#7266
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HarborBands that is a really nice Super Sport. I had a chance to buy one for $75, but it would of required a 4 hour round trip so I let it go and I still kick myself for passing on it.
#7267
HarborBandS
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Thank you! They are definitely available out there for little $$$. Mine had already been stripped of the 600 Tricolor components, so I just reinvented the thing. It’s not a super high end steel frame, but I honestly can’t tell the difference. And it’s a lot nicer than a modern Surly or Soma, in my opinion.
#7268
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To many of us biking and bikes we own are not just a passing fad, we hold affinity for our bikes and as we grow older or geography change we have to make certain changes to the bikes to keep them on the road. 20 years ago I was able to push those tall gears in the valley for hours and keep up. Now I make changes to make it more comfortable and lower gears more suitable for bay area riding.
I rather continually make necessary changes to keep riding my old De Rosa than to give it up and buy a modern bike. What could have been more charitable?
I rather continually make necessary changes to keep riding my old De Rosa than to give it up and buy a modern bike. What could have been more charitable?
#7269
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So many nice rides...
Haven’t posted in awhile since I had little new stuff. One new bit of info I discovered for those of you that like to mix and match, or have newer Campy compatible wheels hanging in the shop... SRAM 10 brifters can be mated with a Shimano 7000-8000 series rear derailleur and flawlessly shift across a Campy 10 cassette with 11s chain.
Helped me clean out the parts box box on a Ritchey Breakaway build I am working on. Just FYI and for your gearing spreadsheets.
Haven’t posted in awhile since I had little new stuff. One new bit of info I discovered for those of you that like to mix and match, or have newer Campy compatible wheels hanging in the shop... SRAM 10 brifters can be mated with a Shimano 7000-8000 series rear derailleur and flawlessly shift across a Campy 10 cassette with 11s chain.
Helped me clean out the parts box box on a Ritchey Breakaway build I am working on. Just FYI and for your gearing spreadsheets.
#7270
Catching Smallmouth
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: In a boat
Posts: 590
Bikes: 1990 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 1985 Trek 460, 2005 Lemond Tourmalet, 1984 Schwinn LeTour 'Luxe, 1988 Trek 400T, 1985 Trek 450, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1993 Diamond Back Apex, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Prologue, 1978 Trek TX700, Sannino
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I've had this 1993 Allez on the back burner for a few years. Work, kids and life in general take priority over hobbies sometimes.
I finally got around to painting it over the winter. I used DuPont automotive base/clear with Velocals under the clear. Decals are for an '85 Allez but I had them already. Paint is a late 90s GM dark metallic green.
Groupset is a Shimano Tiagra 4600. I put one on my wife's Lemond when I built it up for her a few years ago and was very impressed. I slowly put together another group as I acquired parts for the build. I did upgrade the brake pads. Crankset is 39/52 and the cassette is a 13-30 10 speed (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30) I put together from loose Shimano and Miche cogs. I love it. I'm planning to roll a 14-28 too (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28).
I bought a 1" threadless fork from Nasbar. I did not want to use a quill adapter, shims or 31.8 bars. I managed to find a 1" threadless stem with a 26mm clamp. When using Shimano STIs with the longer hoods I like the short reach/shallow drop bars with smooth transitions. Finding those with a 26 or 25.4 center is not always easy. I ended up using some Kalloy UNO bars leftover from another project. Nitto has one also and I've got some Soma Hwy One bars on another bike I really like. I made the bell mount out of a piece of 3/8" aluminum. I may trim it down in the future. I'm not sure about the bar tape but until it's shot it stays. Headset is a Tange.
Wheels are Tiagra 4600 hubs, Mavic Open Elite rims and butted Sapim spokes. I had some NOS 700-25 Continental 3000s with tan sidewalls. I wish I had more of these.
I finally got around to painting it over the winter. I used DuPont automotive base/clear with Velocals under the clear. Decals are for an '85 Allez but I had them already. Paint is a late 90s GM dark metallic green.
Groupset is a Shimano Tiagra 4600. I put one on my wife's Lemond when I built it up for her a few years ago and was very impressed. I slowly put together another group as I acquired parts for the build. I did upgrade the brake pads. Crankset is 39/52 and the cassette is a 13-30 10 speed (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30) I put together from loose Shimano and Miche cogs. I love it. I'm planning to roll a 14-28 too (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28).
I bought a 1" threadless fork from Nasbar. I did not want to use a quill adapter, shims or 31.8 bars. I managed to find a 1" threadless stem with a 26mm clamp. When using Shimano STIs with the longer hoods I like the short reach/shallow drop bars with smooth transitions. Finding those with a 26 or 25.4 center is not always easy. I ended up using some Kalloy UNO bars leftover from another project. Nitto has one also and I've got some Soma Hwy One bars on another bike I really like. I made the bell mount out of a piece of 3/8" aluminum. I may trim it down in the future. I'm not sure about the bar tape but until it's shot it stays. Headset is a Tange.
Wheels are Tiagra 4600 hubs, Mavic Open Elite rims and butted Sapim spokes. I had some NOS 700-25 Continental 3000s with tan sidewalls. I wish I had more of these.
#7271
Master Parts Rearranger
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Great looking Allez! 4600 is a very good groupset, with the shifters inheriting 7800 Dura-Ace's internals. The rest is simply well-proven Shimano running gear, and excellent combination.
As for me, I have an "official" entry of my 1987 Schwinn Prologue, kitted up properly, in the outdoors (aka good lighting), looking as stealth as can be. She will give her components to another frameset soon, which makes me a little sad that the whole Black & Smoked look will be less so, but fear not (you all, and me as well), she will not suffer with inferior components. She'll be black with a bit of sparkle, and I think it will be stunning.
Full 7900 Dura-Ace, 7850 Dura-Ace wheelset, FSA K-Force carbon bars and stem, Specialized Ribcage bottle cages, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX tires, Prologo Scratch Pro saddle.
As for me, I have an "official" entry of my 1987 Schwinn Prologue, kitted up properly, in the outdoors (aka good lighting), looking as stealth as can be. She will give her components to another frameset soon, which makes me a little sad that the whole Black & Smoked look will be less so, but fear not (you all, and me as well), she will not suffer with inferior components. She'll be black with a bit of sparkle, and I think it will be stunning.
Full 7900 Dura-Ace, 7850 Dura-Ace wheelset, FSA K-Force carbon bars and stem, Specialized Ribcage bottle cages, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX tires, Prologo Scratch Pro saddle.
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#7272
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Great looking Allez! 4600 is a very good groupset, with the shifters inheriting 7800 Dura-Ace's internals. The rest is simply well-proven Shimano running gear, and excellent combination.
As for me, I have an "official" entry of my 1987 Schwinn Prologue, kitted up properly, in the outdoors (aka good lighting), looking as stealth as can be. She will give her components to another frameset soon, which makes me a little sad that the whole Black & Smoked look will be less so, but fear not (you all, and me as well), she will not suffer with inferior components. She'll be black with a bit of sparkle, and I think it will be stunning.
Full 7900 Dura-Ace, 7850 Dura-Ace wheelset, FSA K-Force carbon bars and stem, Specialized Ribcage bottle cages, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX tires, Prologo Scratch Pro saddle.
As for me, I have an "official" entry of my 1987 Schwinn Prologue, kitted up properly, in the outdoors (aka good lighting), looking as stealth as can be. She will give her components to another frameset soon, which makes me a little sad that the whole Black & Smoked look will be less so, but fear not (you all, and me as well), she will not suffer with inferior components. She'll be black with a bit of sparkle, and I think it will be stunning.
Full 7900 Dura-Ace, 7850 Dura-Ace wheelset, FSA K-Force carbon bars and stem, Specialized Ribcage bottle cages, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX tires, Prologo Scratch Pro saddle.
#7273
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
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#7274
Catching Smallmouth
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Bikes: 1990 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 1985 Trek 460, 2005 Lemond Tourmalet, 1984 Schwinn LeTour 'Luxe, 1988 Trek 400T, 1985 Trek 450, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1993 Diamond Back Apex, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Prologue, 1978 Trek TX700, Sannino
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#7275
Junior Member
I'm a longtime lurker on this thread and have admired all of the beautiful bikes here. I've always thought that a really special aspect of old steel bicycles is that they can be updated to a point where their performance is not that different from a brand new bike. Back when I was looking for my first road bike I was very very close to buying a steel Salsa Colossal but talked myself out of it, going for a carbon Ridley Fenix instead. While I've been quite happy with my Ridley, I often found myself thinking wistfully about the steel bike.
A few months ago I was gifted a 1986 Trek 500 Tri-series frame. It doesn't have the original paint scheme, but did have the Shimano 600 SIS group. The front and rear brakes don't match: the rear is a Diacompe G 500 and I'm not sure what the front brake is.
Honestly, it was in decent shape. After servicing the bottom bracket and headset I could have bought some wheels with a 6-speed freewheel and it would have been usable. But I decided that I wanted it to be a bike that I'd ride regularly. Also, not too long ago I had a chance to borrow a bike equipped with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset and loved the feel. The added bonus of upgrading to an 11-speed groupset was that I would be able to use Campy but keep my wheels with the Shimano cassette. I liked the idea of a silver crankset so I decided to go with the 11-speed Centaur. Along the way I learned a ton about wrenching and feel about 100x more confident in my ability to keep a bike running smoothly than before I took on this project. Since taking these photos I swapped the saddle from my Ridley onto this one (it's white), and have ordered some Tektro R539s since I'm planning to occasionally put some wider tires on it and do a little more off-roading.
A few months ago I was gifted a 1986 Trek 500 Tri-series frame. It doesn't have the original paint scheme, but did have the Shimano 600 SIS group. The front and rear brakes don't match: the rear is a Diacompe G 500 and I'm not sure what the front brake is.
Honestly, it was in decent shape. After servicing the bottom bracket and headset I could have bought some wheels with a 6-speed freewheel and it would have been usable. But I decided that I wanted it to be a bike that I'd ride regularly. Also, not too long ago I had a chance to borrow a bike equipped with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset and loved the feel. The added bonus of upgrading to an 11-speed groupset was that I would be able to use Campy but keep my wheels with the Shimano cassette. I liked the idea of a silver crankset so I decided to go with the 11-speed Centaur. Along the way I learned a ton about wrenching and feel about 100x more confident in my ability to keep a bike running smoothly than before I took on this project. Since taking these photos I swapped the saddle from my Ridley onto this one (it's white), and have ordered some Tektro R539s since I'm planning to occasionally put some wider tires on it and do a little more off-roading.
Last edited by alanalanbobalan; 05-27-19 at 04:23 PM.