1970s Schwinn Continental
06-06-17, 02:17 PM
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1970s Schwinn Continental
Hey guys, I just got this bike from a friend that was graduating and didn't want it any more. The bike was definitely originally geared, but has since been turned into a fixed gear bike with some good wheels and tires.
After a few google searches I found out the bike was made some time in the 70s but can't tell exactly what year it's from. Would it be possible to still find parts anywhere that would work with this bike? I want to change a few things like the handle bar, saddle (maybe even the post) and the brakes. The cabling for the back brake also needs to be replaced.
After a few google searches I found out the bike was made some time in the 70s but can't tell exactly what year it's from. Would it be possible to still find parts anywhere that would work with this bike? I want to change a few things like the handle bar, saddle (maybe even the post) and the brakes. The cabling for the back brake also needs to be replaced.
06-06-17, 02:44 PM
#2
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I believe that's a 1973 model, the serial number will be on the base of the head tube (below the badge) and will indicate the month and year it was stamped. There are many new and used parts available that will fit. Search the forum for Schwinn Varsity Continental upgrade and you'll find a lot of good information on what parts are available to fit.
06-06-17, 11:52 PM
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Welcome to the forums.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
06-07-17, 03:22 AM
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Welcome to the forums.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
I built an entire website because I realized, early in my vintage bicycle career(lack of a better word comes not to mind this early in the morning), that people new to the interest can, and do, make some glaring mistakes that prove costly and frustrating.
So, learn a bit about Vintage Bicycle Quality and then how to go about Finding A Vintage Bicycle for minimal cash outlay. You will be glad you did, unless you get a case of N+1itis.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
06-07-17, 10:59 AM
#5
Senior Member
Welcome to the forums.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
O/P, I recommend looking up a bicycle co-op in your area and consult with them w/ regards to new brake cabling and/or some decent, used Al-alloy handlebars. Your Connie won't be a racer, but she can be a decent runabout/bar bike. Best of luck
06-07-17, 04:45 PM
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I believe that's a 1973 model, the serial number will be on the base of the head tube (below the badge) and will indicate the month and year it was stamped. There are many new and used parts available that will fit. Search the forum for Schwinn Varsity Continental upgrade and you'll find a lot of good information on what parts are available to fit.
Welcome to the forums.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
But honestly, rather than getting a bunch of new parts to upgrade an extremely heavy, (yes, durable), low end bike -- why not spend the money on a bike you'll really enjoy riding? Something about 12-14 lbs lighter.
Continentals have their place, I'll grant you, but perhaps their highest purpose is merely to be a flat-land-only single speed, as currently configured. Don't waste your time and money on it, sending it back to original. Almost any bike is better for actual riding than this one.
06-07-17, 04:51 PM
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Thank you!
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
06-07-17, 05:09 PM
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I dunno but that bike probably has good market value as is. I would offer it up on CL and start studying up on what kind of bike to look for as a replacement. randyjawa's tips and links are an excellent start, also to assess how much refurbishment and modification you are willing to take on yourself vs hiring a shop to do. If you have a bike co-op in your area, that should be an excellent resource for assistance of all kinds, parts and maybe even a complete bike.
06-07-17, 05:10 PM
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Thank you!
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
06-07-17, 05:21 PM
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Thank you!
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
06-07-17, 08:22 PM
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Thank you!
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
It is definitely uncomfortably heavy and is kind of annoying on steep climbs and downhills which I try to avoid. I'm a student at college and really need a bike to get around and this is all I have right now, so I figured why not spend a little money on it to make the ride a bit more comfortable
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
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