I Can’t Stop Buying Vintage Schwinn Road Bikes
#1
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I Can’t Stop Buying Vintage Schwinn Road Bikes
I still own the Schwinn Sierra mountain bike I bought when I was in high school (over 30 years ago!). Other than that MTB, I’ve never owned another Schwinn in my life, until now. Over the last month I have bought 4 Schwinn road bikes: a 1988 Premis, a 1987 Super Sport, a 1987 Tempo and a 1986 Tempo.
I have no idea why I all of a sudden have the vintage Schwinn bug. All of them were acquired for a low price, and I guess I felt the need to restore them to some degree…hate seeing bikes that have been neglected.
The Premis is 100% original, including the saddle and tires. The only consumable that may not be original could be the bar wrap.
The Super Sport has the original Shimano 600 groupset. Original saddle as well. Need to rewrap the bars white to match the original look of the bike.
1986 Tempo has 105 groupset. Since the saddle was in bad shape I decided to wrap it with custom leather and then matched the bar tape as well.
1987 Tempo has the 105 groupset with replacement saddle.
At this pint my only hope is people stop posting vintage Scwhinns in my area! I’m going to run out of room! LOL.
1986 Tempo
1987 Super Sport
1988 Premis
1987 Tempo
I have no idea why I all of a sudden have the vintage Schwinn bug. All of them were acquired for a low price, and I guess I felt the need to restore them to some degree…hate seeing bikes that have been neglected.
The Premis is 100% original, including the saddle and tires. The only consumable that may not be original could be the bar wrap.
The Super Sport has the original Shimano 600 groupset. Original saddle as well. Need to rewrap the bars white to match the original look of the bike.
1986 Tempo has 105 groupset. Since the saddle was in bad shape I decided to wrap it with custom leather and then matched the bar tape as well.
1987 Tempo has the 105 groupset with replacement saddle.
At this pint my only hope is people stop posting vintage Scwhinns in my area! I’m going to run out of room! LOL.
1986 Tempo
1987 Super Sport
1988 Premis
1987 Tempo
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#2
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Whoops, I meant to post this in the Classic and Vintage thread instead.
If an administrator happens to read, can you update the thread for me? Thanks!
If an administrator happens to read, can you update the thread for me? Thanks!
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#3
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Beautiful bikes all. I owned a Tempo and it was awesome, but sadly had to move it. I always hoped to find a black and chrome Circuit, but no luck locally. All of yours are clearly well cared for. Enjoy them!
BTW, what’s the one in the background with chrome lugs and green, yellow and blue paint? Not a Schwinn.
BTW, what’s the one in the background with chrome lugs and green, yellow and blue paint? Not a Schwinn.
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My brother has untold numbers, most 70's. But he also has land and a barn in Texas, so endless space. He buys and buys, and I've never heard of him selling one.
Be careful, be very careful.
Also, nice bikes
Be careful, be very careful.
Also, nice bikes
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#6
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That’s an Atala frame (w/ campy dropouts) with a KHS Turbo fork which would need to be shortened, if I decide to do something with the bike. Frame has a slight dent on down tube right next to and under the lug. May just keep as a wall hanger. Really not sure what to do with it to be honest.
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Looks like you can ride a 25" frame, which provides a new reason to buy more bikes!
#8
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I’m sure there are many others out there that just enjoy either partial or full restores just to gain knowledge (which I do with every bike), bring life back into an older bike, to flip, to keep/ride or whatever the reason. For me, my son has gotten into triathlons, has 3 bikes and is constantly upgrading or doing some maintenance on them. I figure wrenching on these older bikes is a good way to learn and be able to show him how to do a few things on his bike rather than take it to the LBS.
#9
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Don’t l tempt me! 😊 As you can clearly see you don’t have to twist my arm very far. Have heard the Curcuits ride nice.
I will say all three of the models have a nice ride to them but can notice a step up from Tempo to Super Sport. Just finished the Premis last night and only took for a quick spin around the block. Need to take it out for a longer ride but based on the short ride I’m almost certain it will give the Super Sport a run for it’s money.
I will say all three of the models have a nice ride to them but can notice a step up from Tempo to Super Sport. Just finished the Premis last night and only took for a quick spin around the block. Need to take it out for a longer ride but based on the short ride I’m almost certain it will give the Super Sport a run for it’s money.
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Thread moved from C&V Appraisals to reggly C&V.
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That Premis with the white components is pretty slick!!!
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#13
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#14
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Thanks. The Premis was not in the best condition when I got it. The white Sakae crank was really scratched up.
I’ve had a lot of luck removing scratches from bikes using bug and tar remover. Just need to be careful and test on a part of the frame that is not noticeable. I couldn’t believe how well it worked to take out the scratches. Wish I had a before picture to show the difference.
I’ve had a lot of luck removing scratches from bikes using bug and tar remover. Just need to be careful and test on a part of the frame that is not noticeable. I couldn’t believe how well it worked to take out the scratches. Wish I had a before picture to show the difference.
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#15
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At least you seem to be sticking to frame sizes that fit you. If you make that a hard-and-fast rule it will greatly cut down on the bikes you're tempted to buy..
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#16
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You’re exactly right. I’m focused on buying 58-60cm bikes, as I want to be able to ride them comfortably and decide if I want to keep it or pass it along to someone else.
#17
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Lucky for me my area doesn't really has that many offerings at a given time and my vice is vintage touring bikes, too uncommon for me to be picking them left and right even if I wanted to.
Recently I did add a Raleigh Alyeska to the collection.
Recently I did add a Raleigh Alyeska to the collection.
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The mid-late Schwinn schemes are some of my favorite. A black Circuit (88?) and a Premis in that color scheme are two bikes I've eyed before, but haven't seen any in my area in my size and I don't want one badly enough to go the online route. That being said, my Voyageur has been my single bike for a few years now. Both because I live in a studio and because it has suited my needs perfectly. It's been around this forum a bit but I'll add some photos for the thread.
Last edited by polymorphself; 07-21-23 at 06:32 PM.
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My Madison
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#21
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You guys are killing me with posting those bikes…all three are awesome!
Thought this forum would talk me off the Scwhinn-buying ledge but instead it’s just pushing me over it. LOL
Thought this forum would talk me off the Scwhinn-buying ledge but instead it’s just pushing me over it. LOL
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#22
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The mid-late Schwinn schemes are some of my favorite. A black Circuit (88?) and a Premis in that color scheme are two bikes I've eyed before, but haven't seen any in my area in my size and I don't want one badly enough to go the online route. That being said, my Voyageur has been my single bike for a few years now. Both because I live in a studio and because it has suited my needs perfectly. It's been around this forum a bit but I'll add some photos for the thread.
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It's not on the same level as the Tempo or Super Sport, but I like my Le Tour just fine. I have experimented with different configurations, but for the moment, it is back to the original Accu-Shift.
1988 Schwinn Le Tour
1988 Schwinn Le Tour
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