Originally Posted by
cudak888
In nearly 20 years of bikes, this is my first 4130 Schwinn. '73 Super Sport, LBS find. Going to flip it as it's too small for me (and I'd build a Sports Tourer first before I'd bother with an Ashtabula crank), but couldn't resist the opportunity. Virtually fell into my lap.
Front tire is the original
As found. Believe it or not, the only thing between these pics is the removal of the bottle cage, the bar position, and a pair of tires filled up so they don't look flat
-Kurt
I know, the darned Ashtabula crank! Don’t be too quick to dismiss it though. I weighed the stock setup, a 3 piece with rings, and the Ashtabula with a 110bcd spider adapter plus rings. The Ashtabula with spider and aluminum rings is only 1 lb heavier than a three piece. I bet that difference wouldn’t deter you from something else more prestigious, and it is really that “cheap bike” look of the crank that gets you. A lot of the dreaded extra weight is in the steel chainrings and chain guard. The Ashtabula is pretty indestructible and easily serviced too. It isn’t a paramount, but the SS is a close cousin, and the frame geometry keeps it interesting.