Metacortex

I just read this and thought it was was interesting: https://johns-recycled-bicycle.blogsp...servation.html

From what I've already learned from Scooper and others here I believe that the frame builder would be Don Mainland. I thought it was amazing that they were able to contact him and that he was so willing to talk!

pastorbobnlnh 

Wow! That is a beautiful and perfect Superior. What a nice find. I wonder what the owner paid for it? We can all dream, can't we!

bconneraz

I'm the proud owner of one that looks just like that. I love my Superior. I've also owned an 83 in grey. They tend to go cheap when they come up because not a lot of people know about these bikes. They are truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing

Brannigan

Beautiful!

bikemig 

Awesome bike; love the orange as well. The story behind the bike is great as well.

Michael Angelo 

Very nice Schwinn.

Schwinn4125

Just joined the forum today. I am the owner of this Superior. It is an amazing bike. I did make a few changes that have made it much more comfortable to ride: Brooks B17 narrow saddle, Nitto Technomic tall stem, Nitto bars, and MKS (Campy knock off) pedals. The changes have not taken away from the vintage look of the bike and have made the bike exceptionally comfortable to ride. I used the Rivendell approach to fit the bike. The road bars are 46cm and the tall stem brings the bars just a bit above the saddle height. I'll post a picture shortly.

Metacortex

Welcome! I'd love to hear more details about the bike and your meeting with Don.

jjhabbs 

Took me 30 years to find my superior in a 23.5 frame. Someone offered me $1500 for it a few months ago and I refused. I love this bicycle, The color, the fit, the ride..I did upgrade to a NR rear derailleur though. The GS is ok but what the heck.

The Golden Boy 

Did anyone notice the Ben's Cycle sticker on there!

The Golden Boy 

As an aside- I sold a beat up Continental to the guy who does the blog.

He's a really cool guy and really nice. I really enjoyed talking to him.

Schwinn4125

Don Mainland is a great guy and a long time personal friend of the Schwinn family. He advised and Richard Schwinn confirmed that he did in fact produce the 81 and 82 Superior frames. I spoke with Richard regarding my Superior because I ran into a problem when I removed the vintage Panasonic light mounted to the fork. It appeared that the fork was protected by a piece of black cloth. See John's blog above. However it was slightly adhesive backed and when I gently pulled it away, I pulled a couple of small paint chips with it. So the bike remained perfect for 30 yrs and I caused a flaw after owning it for 12 hours...ouch! I spoke with Richard Schwinn at Waterford when he just happened to pick up the phone when I called. I heard they had the original pearl orange paint color. He was extremely nice and advised to leave the fork alone. They don't have N exact paint match, it while he he could get it close, it would be slightly different. I'm still on the fence with what to do. He suggested simply putting the light back on. It is in perfect condition and is period correct. Looks a little clunky to me. Any ideas??

acoffin 

^I could go either way with the light. It seems like you want this for a rider though. If that is the case your better off not letting a couple of small chips bother you. The longer you ride it the more likely you are to get chips, it's just part of owning and riding a bike. grant Peterson is a proponent of "patina" if that makes you feel any better.

Schwinn4125

I hear you. I was miffed when it happened, but what are you going to do. Ya, Grant is into that Patina stuff. I like a clean, crisp vintage bike. I have a 1991 Cannondale SR800 with thousands of miles that looks new.

Hudson308 

My guess is that there's chrome under those chips, so you won't have to worry about corrosion. You could dab some orange in them to make them less noticeable, but you're really the only person that will be bothered by the chips. I say ride it.

There's a new member lurking here on the forum that has an early 80's Superior hanging in the garage as well. I'll let him share if he wants to. Go ahead and pat my back for pointing him here.

Schwinn4125

Was it a 73 opaque blue continental by any chance?