JimboMartin

Hi Guys:
Can any of you tell me where the Schwinn Voyageur 11.8's were built? There is one about 45min from me that looks pretty good in the pics. I might be interested in picking it for a commuter but only if it is made in the USA. So, Schwinn factory or import?
Thanks,
Jim

lord_athlon

Im 99.8% sure its Panasonic sourced.

JimboMartin

Bummer! But I guess I should have known.

lord_athlon

Theyre quite nice, and the Panasonic bikes tend to be nicer than the Greenville ones.

JimboMartin

I notice you own one in chrome. How's the chrome holding up?

lord_athlon

The chrome has held up quite well. There are a couple of rust spots, but nothing major.

mstateglfr 

It was Panasonic. I have an '80 model that was one of the earliest 11.8s as it was actually manufactured in late 79.
The bike was the same in '81 in every way except for a different seatpost and pedals.

When I took the bike apart, the fork was stamped as Tange on the steerer tube. That doesn't mean it came from Panasonic, just mentioning it since there is never mention of what company supplied the tubing.



If the bike you are looking at is a good deal, grab it- they are good riding sport tourers. I changed mine to a SunTour drivetrain and added a triple crank as well as rack and it has served me well on long rides, overnights, and bikecamping.



Curious- where were you hoping it was built? Panasonic Schwinns were well assembled regardless of model which is more than can be said for some 70s and 80s Schwinns made elsewhere. that ive seen.

JimboMartin

I would prefer to own things made in America by American workers. Call me nostalgic.

mstateglfr 

To each their own, I wont argue.
I actually have a love for 80s Japanese made bikes and components, so I understand wanting to ride something specific.
...the components are going to be Japanese and made either there or Indonesia(or elsewhere) though, no matter what Schwinn you get.

Schwinn Paramount was US made.
86/87 Schwinn Super Sport was a Greenville MS made bike.

Watch out- Schwinn had a Hungarian plant too towards the end, but not idea what it manufactured.


Chicago Schwinn plants didn't have the capability to manufacture with lightweight tubing. Or something like that. I know I read that in one of the downfall of Schwinn books/news articles. That's why everything from there is heavy/low end. <---sweeping generalization


Good luck on your search.

robert schlatte

I have a 1980 Schwinn voyageur 11.8 and the head tube badge says Japan. I purchased it new in 1980 and it is has been a great bike. 11.8 refers to its weight in Kgs which equals roughly 26 lbs.