bconneraz

I know they're out there; let's see them! Post your 85-89 USA built Schwinn Cimarron!

The Schwinn Cimarron provides the perfect platform to build a commuter, a gravel grinder, a touring bike, etc. The filet brazed and lugged frame is unique and beautiful, and riding an American made Schwinn feels pretty good.

So lets see your Cimarron! And by all means, feel free to share catalog scans, or any info that you may have about production numbers, etc. This thread could turn into a great resource.


I'll start with an original, un-molested 1985.

bconneraz

1986

bconneraz

bconneraz

and a few of my 87 which will make regular appearances here as it sees lots of use

mparker326

Here is a pic of the 86 I owned for a while. It was a great bike, but I had too many bikes so something had to go.

wrk101

I have a 1988 LE (green) and a 1989 (red). Both got the drop bar treatment (corrected, the LE is a 1988).


My LE was definitely NOT minty fresh. Started as a neglected, garage sale find.

21 inch frame size, ST center to top.

[IMG]IMG_1630 by Bills Vintage Steel Bikes and Parts, on Flickr[/IMG]

One of my favorite before pictures (look closely, that's a homemade quad crankset)!


[IMG]1988 Cimmaron LE as found by wrk101, on Flickr[/IM





And the 1989 red one, 20 inch frame size, center to top (the third picture is as acquired, note the Klein Mission Control handlebars:

WNG

Talk about serious bike porn!

I need a cigarette.

neo_pop_71

Right on bconneraz!

Your Cimarrons are gorgeous, so minty fresh it's unbelievable! Thank you for starting a thread dedicated to these wonderful bikes, not many bikes can claim to have fillet brazed and lugged construction (certainly not most production bikes). For me they represent everything that "Schwinn" as a name and entity stood for right up until the end.

Here's what I mean...
My dad saved his money as a teen in the 50's to buy a Schwinn Phantom and a mildly customized '50 Merc from the neighbor's son.
When I was 4 years old, pops bought Schwinn Le Tour bikes for himself, my mom, and sister to ride around Lake Tahoe and he drove a VW Bug.
I bought a Schwinn Cimarron, Circuit, and 974 as a teen in the 80's and I bought a mildly customized '67 Mustang from a family friend.
What I'm getting at...
1st my dad bought a lavish bike to go with his custom car.
2nd my dad bought practical bikes for a practical working man's camping vacation to go with his practical car.
3rd I bought lavish bikes to go with my custom car.
What I'm trying to say is Schwinn has always been there, a quality bike for a hard earned buck... whether it be a premium top-of-the-line model or a modest "Everyday Joe's" bike, Schwinn had a model for whatever budget. The standing legacy for me with regard to C&V is how many Schwinns are still around from pre-war through the 80's, quality mattered as did hard work... quality and hard work will forever be synonymous with the Schwinn name!

Sorry for the soap box..

My '88 Cimarron LE is almost done being rebuilt again, this time it's gray Schwalbe Fat Frank tires, gray Dia Compe "Batwing" levers, and gray housing to match the NOS gray waterslide decals. This builds I've simplified everything down to cream/gray with silver and black accents, some new Thomson to go with the vintage "Deerhead" XT running a 2x8 drivetrain with 52x32 gearing. If all goes well I'll update this weekend with photos, for now the cream/gray teaser photo will have to do...



-D-

p.s. Don't even get me started about grandpa's pre-war Schwinn collection in the barn up on the ranch... I spared you the long story going back 3 generations!

bconneraz

some great looking bikes guys- thanks for posting them. I'll take a glamour shot tomorrow on my commute..... Neo- I keep seeing that teaser pic.....I'm dying to see the complete bike!

I just dug out my 85 & 86 ATB catalogs; I'll work on getting clear scans up with the spec sheets and pics. Anyone have the remaining 3 years? I know the info is out there on the world wide webs....lol- but I'd love it if this thread became a "one stop shop" for all things Cimarron.

Keep the pics coming!

#pbschwinncimarron

due ruote 

There's one right now on Chicago CL if anyone's interested.
Schwinn Cimarron Mountain Bike
[h=2]Schwinn Cimarron Mountain Bike - $155 (Geneva)[/h]

neo_pop_71

Okay due ruote, I'll see your $155.00 green one and raise you a $75.00 red one...

Schwinn Cimarron Mountain Bike

Schwinn Cimarron Mountain Bike - $75 (Swampscott)

Excellent condition,18 speed,18"frame,21"tire rims,quick release on hubs and seat.Gel foam seat.Tires are like new,pumped up in second picture.

neo_pop_71

I'm just throwing this out there if anyone is in need, I've owned a number of these gems over the years and as a result I have a few sets of the stock high flange wheels and multiple pairs of the stock black "motorcycle" brake levers. I've customized a few for myself and half a dozen for old customers. The drivetrain stuff never lasts very long but if you're looking to restore a Cimarron back to original I can at least help you out with the wheels and brake levers. You'd be doing me a favor too by clearing out some much needed space!

due ruote 

Boston seems to get more than its share of good deals. That red one would even fit me, unlike the one I posted. Anyway I'm in the flatlands and really don't need another mtb. I'm not real sure why I even need my Grizzly, but it's just fun to ride. I guess that's reason enough.

neo_pop_71

Sorry man, I'm waiting on the mailman to deliver the final few bits to complete the build.

I'm pretty sure that I have the 1988 Schwinn Trail catalog, it was the year that Schwinn switched to the big bold decals and the chrome fork. I think the best I can do are photos as I don't have a scanner. Let me know if you want me to post them. Otherwise, I can send you the catalog as I don't need it and you can give it a loving new home. You're just down the freeway from me, snail mail should only take a day or two.

-D-

p.s. I also have the some of the hard to find mounting block adapters for installing toe clips on XC II pedals, I'm not much for toe clips, you're welcome to them if cages are your thing.

neo_pop_71

Naw, that's not a good enough reason... allow me to assist in simplifying your life, let's begin by you sending your Grizzly out west to me. That should free you up to focus on the things that really matter. I'm here for 'ya man, let a brother help!

The Golden Boy 

That will not last too long... now.


If I could justify that at this time... that looks like a sweet bike.


I really would love to get a Cimarron- I have my High Sierra- fillet brazed in the front but TIGged in the back instead of lugged. A lot of what I like about bikes is represented here- there's a very "business" aspect to these bikes but gracefulness to balance that; and there's a utility that not all bikes share. I've come more to the "touring bike" side of things, but just looking at the Cimarron- it's a "go anywhere" bike- braze ons for everything, the best components, and a very special bike all around.

due ruote 

That bike's actually been listed a few times over the past several months. I've been surprised it hasn't been snapped up.

due ruote 

What a swell offer; that's what this forum is all about! Actually though I'm afraid my Grizzly was dropped on its head one too many times, replacement fork...not at all up to your fine west coast standards. Thanks anyway though!

bconneraz

Yep- I should have jumped on the 88 that I saw yesterday here in CA; it's already gone. There's another up now but it's overpriced at $475. I need an 88!

bconneraz

on my commute this morning

guzziee

Almost done with this one, just needs a chain, pedals, bar tape and adjustment on everything

neo_pop_71

I saw than in Thousand Oaks for $149.00, original owner with all the provenance, I seriously considered that drive as I don't teach on Fridays during the summer. Boy oh boy, you snooze... you lose!!!

vonfilm 

I have got to get one. Unfortunately, I have never seen on for sale around here.

neo_pop_71

Hey bconneraz,

What area is that? Your commute looks very familiar, I think we're at opposite ends of the county, but I can't help but feel like I've ridden that stretch of pathway at some point.

By the way, your commuter is by far the coolest one on Bike Forums, not because I'm partial to Cimarrons... it's just well thought out and your build was executed perfectly! The proper amount of form, function, and flair, I think anyone would be stoked to have that bike!

Cheers!

-D-

bconneraz

You're way too kind; I do love my bike but there are some seriously great looking bikes popping up here. (can't wait to see yours) That shot is on the San Siego Creek Trail, going through Irvine. It's a great stretch, and I can tick off a loop around the back bay on the days I feel extra motivated. Neo, we've got to get a ride together; perhaps a little OC C&V ride; although knowing how close you are is dangerous; I can see that we share the same passion for bicycles, and what they stand for. Having another bike nerd close only means one thing; my bike habit will only get worse...lol.