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Old 11-07-10, 05:10 AM
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cycleheimer
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
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Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!

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The Suburban is a nice bike for around town use.

These "Chicago" Schwinns were easy-to-service, exceptionally dependable, practically indestructable bikes with very durable and long lasting chrome plating and paint. They are comfortable to ride. Replacement tires can sometimes take a little more effort to find, as compared to a newer mountain bike tire (for example). Everything else is pretty easy to find. The Alvit-Huret deraileurs and friction shifters of the '70s are not as smooth and precise as later models from other manufacturers. They do work, however, and are fine for casual around town use. These bikes are a bit heavy, and can drain your energy on longer rides. If you have any hills at all to contend with, you are better with a 5-speed or 10-speed model instead of a 3-speed model. The 3-speed models, however, usually present you with fewer maintenance issues. There are still quite a few of them around, and they don't really cost that much. They do look nice, especially with chrome fenders, saddle bag, rear rack and a generator light set!
To get an idea of pricing, which does vary by regional market and the bike's condition, take a look at this website:

http://bike.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/bike.c...ye=&submit=+GO+

Inexpensive parts and accessories can be purchased online from places like Nashbar and Niagara Cycle Works.
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