cqlink 

I've restored a chrome frame 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8.

I'm planning on swapping out the stock chain rings to a triple.

Could one of the Schwinn experts let me know if the stock Shimano Alts LT FD and RD provide enough range to cover the three rings?

Could someone let me know what size spindle/ axle I'll need?

Recommendations for a crank set?

Thanks!
Here are a few pics:

BFisher

BB spindle length will depend on whatever crank you choose.

I doubt the short cage Altus LT would handle the range of a triple. They did make a long cage version of the Altus LT.

Those derailleurs usually shift well, but the plastic pivot housing at the pulley cage often cracks and falls apart.

A Sugino AT crankset would look great on that bike.

cqlink 

So......I'd likely need to replace the RD with a long cage?

Is the Altus FD up to the task?

Anyone else have thoughts on a triple crankset if I'm unable to find a Sugino AT? I see there's a few on eBay at Campy+ prices.

etherhuffer 

Look for RSX cranks and derailleurs. They work well and are bomb proof. The Sugino AT as noted before is good too. Also, A new Sugino triple is going to be great, but spendy.Looks like you have a 7 speed freewheel on that. Get a more modern 7 speed with shaped cogs. They shift so nicely....

BFisher

Can't say whether that front mech would handle the triple. Maybe?

Yeah, I'd go long cage in the rear. Lots of options from Suntour that would work fine - VGT, VXGT, Cyclone, and more.

rccardr 

I’d be looking for Shimano MT-60 stuff. Crankset, FD and RD was stock on bikes like late 80’s Voyageurs, etc. Bombproof, shifts well, lasts forever.
Works well with friction shifters, too!

cqlink 

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the feedback.

For the crankset, 170 or 175mm?

Forgot to add, I’m going with bar end shifters as well.

Soody

You don't need derailer capacity
If the rd doesn't have enough, the cage will drag on the chain in small/small
if the fd doesn't have enough, the chain will drag on the bottom plate of the fd in small/small
Neither of those cause any real problems. It just means you have less overlap on gears that probably aren't even that useful.

you do need to have a long enough chain so it doesn't explode in big+big, because that fails catastrophically. And if other people are gonna ride it a bunch then maybe you do want a bike that has all useable gear combos. But otherwise, maybe it's fine? Or atleast maybe mechs with slightly more capacity but still not a lot are fine.

Just something to consider.

BFisher

This is a great suggestion.

bikemig 

I like Shimano FC 6207 triple cranks. They look good on vintage bikes, they're not hard to find, and you can run a shimano sealed square taper BB which works great.

If you can find an old MTB as a parts donor, that will give you the parts you need. You can mount your crank and derailleurs on the MTB and sell it to recoup your expenses.

cqlink 

I've found a RSX triple crankset. 170mm.

The frame shell width for the BB is 68mm wide. Will the spindle that's on the bike provide enough room for the triple?

If not, could you all chime in on what length pedal spindle or BB I'll need?

Mr. 66

I think it will be to far out with the spindle present, an old SR or Sugino triple may work.

bamboobike4

RSX used a double (symmetrical) crankset.
As did Campagnolo's Racing T.

cqlink 

Thanks. Could you elaborate? How does this factor into the BB or pedal spindle I'll need.

bamboobike4

The RSX used a "standard" ISO square taper BB.
The spindle length would be the same as most Shimano doubles of the era.
It's been so long since I used a Shimano square taper BB, I can't remember the length.
My suggestion, if your Schwinn was using a double, is to try that crankset on the current BB.
It may work quite well.

The RSX, being polished, is a good choice for that frameset.
I do recall simply swapping in the RSX triple onto a square taper on two builds.
One build was originally Shimano 600EX and the other was originally a Suntour Superbe Pro.
Both original cranksets were double, and the RSX crankset fit right on with no issues on either bike.

rccardr 

Sheldon Brown’s worksheet says the RSX triple takes a 118 symmetric cartridge style bottom bracket.
Amazon Prime has them for $22.

cqlink 

Perfect! Thanks gents!!!

bamboobike4

I knew the RSX used a symmetric, and per rccardr , it's 118 mm. Also: https://sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html

I do know the time I swapped one onto a steel road bike, I pulled a 600EX off (most likely a 116 or 117mm).
The extra 2mm will likely not be an issue, but if you're buying a BB, get the 118.
Again, I'd try your existing one first if you don't intend to keep it with the original crankset.

The RSX, being polished, is a good choice for that frameset. It can easily be polished up more.

As the crankset pictured appears to be a 52/42/30, clearance should be fine on the R chain stay.

cqlink 

REALLY appreciate the help guys! Thanks!!!

52telecaster

Those rsx cranks are nice. Got one on a volpe.

daverup 

Here's mine on my AD,

cqlink 

Nice!

cqlink 

Got the RSX triple on. Got a double shifter cable clamp from a member. Installed bar ends.

I can shift through all the cogs but I can’t shift up from the middle chain ring to the big ring. The FD won’t travel laterally enough to push the chain to the big ring. I pulled the stop screw off and there still wasn’t enough lateral range. I can shift down to the small ring with no problem but there’s little clearance to keep the chain off the rear of the FD.

Did I do anything wrong? Anything I can check or do I need a new FD for increased span?

Any thoughts as to what FD I should look for?

52telecaster

My guess would be that you need a little shorter bottom bracket axle.

thumpism 

You can do what I did with a Maxy II crank, bolt a SunTour 22T freewheel cog to the inside of the spider. That's the cheapo, half-ass way to do it...and it works.