Road Cycling - Info on Shwinn Voyageur 11.8

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copper RS
07-16-02, 04:40 PM
Hi I am new the the road forum and know nothing about road bikes. My question is about an old Shwinn Voyageur 11.8 (I'm guessing the year is about 1982). This was my dad's bike. I am under the impression that this was a very good bike at the time, and am wondering if it would be anygood to race against new higher end bikes today. The reason I am asking is that as a long time mountain biker, I am looking for someting new. I have always wanted to try my luck on the road but can't spend the money on a new road bike. If this bike will suit me then I would be very happy. Im not sure on the frame size but it seems fairly comfortable to me, so I dont think fit will be an issue (I am the same height as my dad). The bike is in perfect condition, only really needs new tires and brake pads (hopefully I can find these).

If anyone has any info on this bike or knows where I can find some, let me know. I really want to get into road riding and hope I can with this bike.

thanks

-Mark

mechBgon
07-16-02, 07:18 PM
One of the tricky things will be finding respectable 27" tires for it. Panaracer Pasela is one that comes to mind, your LBS can probably order them from QBP if they're set up with them.

The narrow rear wheel spacing typical of older road bikes will be a bit of a problem too, if you need to swap rear wheels in a race. I can just about guarantee none of the rear wheels in the support car will fit the frame, or work with the wide chain on the V11.8.

Maybe you can start by doing some club rides with other road riders, make some friends and score a used bike from one of them after saving up a bit of money. There may be snobs who will dis you because of your older bike, but hopefully most of them will see past the bike to the rider. In my 20's, I rode an older bike that looked like trash (generator lights, fenders, racks, home-made paint job) and I didn't look very fast myself in denim shorts and a t-shirt, but I was in good training and surprised a few people, including one Italian-racer-style snob who wouldn't reply to my "hello!" He ate my dust on the next long climb :Q