1988 Schwinn Circuit road bike frame questions
04-03-20, 11:18 AM
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1988 Schwinn Circuit road bike frame questions
I’m very new to vintage road bikes, I’ve had an 1988 schwinn circuit frame laying around for years. Is it possible to build it using newer components. I under stand that it originally came with an 7 speed Sante’ group. I’d like to build it with an 9 or 10speed group if possible. I’ve heard that you may have to widen the year to 130mm?
04-03-20, 11:28 AM
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Original spacing should be 126mm.
You can spread the DO's by 4mm by just stuffing the wheel in.
The right way is to have it cold set and the DO's realigned.
You can spread the DO's by 4mm by just stuffing the wheel in.
The right way is to have it cold set and the DO's realigned.
04-03-20, 11:38 AM
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There is a long running thread on this exact topic.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...i-s-ergos.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...i-s-ergos.html
04-03-20, 12:40 PM
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Yes, you can build it up with updated components. The Circuit is a great frame for modding. Check out the retro-roadie thread.
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04-03-20, 02:21 PM
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Personally the older stuff is better anyways in terms of durability! and if you change out the parts to modern stuff the bike is worth less and that bike was a very good bike in it's day and still is today. So I wouldn't bastardize it if it were me.
04-03-20, 07:55 PM
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I’m very new to vintage road bikes, I’ve had an 1988 schwinn circuit frame laying around for years. Is it possible to build it using newer components. I under stand that it originally came with an 7 speed Sante’ group. I’d like to build it with an 9 or 10speed group if possible. I’ve heard that you may have to widen the year to 130mm?
04-04-20, 08:42 AM
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I have a 78 Raleigh Comp and a 91 Schwinn Paramount. Both run better with upgraded components. My Raleigh had plenty of flex to let a 130 mm spaced hub fit the rear drops, so you might not need to do what they call cold setting. The Paramount already had 130 mm spacing. I've got 105 5800 11 speed on my Paramount, runs smooth and quiet. Campy, if that's your preference should too. Easier to get Shimano stuff though for better prices.
If your bike is in museum piece quality condition, and you want a museum piece that you ride once or twice a year, then keep it original.
But if you want to ride a great frame, then give it newer and better components. 10 or 11 plus gears on the back is better than anything less, unless you are in the flatlands with no hills.
Leaving old components on these great frames when the bike isn't intended to be a restoration for a museum is a terrible way to honor how great some of these old frames ride. IMO of course ............you vintage purists. I'll allow you to do what you want with your bike.
If your bike is in museum piece quality condition, and you want a museum piece that you ride once or twice a year, then keep it original.
But if you want to ride a great frame, then give it newer and better components. 10 or 11 plus gears on the back is better than anything less, unless you are in the flatlands with no hills.
Leaving old components on these great frames when the bike isn't intended to be a restoration for a museum is a terrible way to honor how great some of these old frames ride. IMO of course ............you vintage purists. I'll allow you to do what you want with your bike.
Last edited by Iride01; 04-04-20 at 08:47 AM.
