Sincitycycler
10-04-05, 11:56 AM
Were they heavier than the Varsities? Where were they made? Are they as good as the Le Tours?
Comments please!
Comments please!
Classic & Vintage - What's the scoop on old Schwinn Continentals?
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Sierra
10-04-05, 01:37 PM
They were a step up from the Varsities. Same frame but with a tubular fork, centerpull brakes, and maybe a few other minor upgrades. I would say that any LeTour is a better bike(the later they are, the better they got), unless you are looking for a bombproof durable bike for an adolescent.
Sincitycycler
10-04-05, 02:16 PM
They were a step up from the Varsities. Same frame but with a tubular fork, centerpull brakes, and maybe a few other minor upgrades. I would say that any LeTour is a better bike(the later they are, the better they got), unless you are looking for a bombproof durable bike for an adolescent.
There's a big 62cm on Ebay that weighs 38 lbs :eek: .
That would be a good work-out bike to contrast with my 20 lb. Lemond.. :o :)
There's a big 62cm on Ebay that weighs 38 lbs :eek: .
That would be a good work-out bike to contrast with my 20 lb. Lemond.. :o :)
merlinextraligh
10-04-05, 02:18 PM
Continetal also had an upgraded handlebar. If I remember correctly, Varsities had steel rims, and Continentals had aluminum. I may be mistaken. But I remember as a Varsity owner in the seventh grade being envious of the Continental owners.
The first Letours were a slight step up from the Continentals.
The first Letours were a slight step up from the Continentals.
Walter
10-04-05, 06:01 PM
Contis had QR axles, at least on the front. As mentioned earlier their handlebars/stems were an upgrade and the tubular forks as well. Most if not all years the forks were partially chromed and had pin striping as well.
I don't remember the rims being alloy. B/c of the bars/stems I'd imagine they weighed a bit less than Varsities but when that far to the wrong side of 30# it didn't really matter.
LeTours started off in 1974 IIRC as a "Schwinn Approved" Japanese import and weren't real special. Hi-ten frames lugged frames and steel rims. However they had 3pc cotterless cranks and were substantially lighter than the Chicago built "Varsinentals." Still every bit of 30# though.
While Varsinentals were what they were the LeTour evolved over time into a pretty decent bike with Shimano drivetrains, alloy rims and complete weights of about 24#. There was a chrome Super LeTour around 1977 or so I lusted after mightily.
:beer:
I don't remember the rims being alloy. B/c of the bars/stems I'd imagine they weighed a bit less than Varsities but when that far to the wrong side of 30# it didn't really matter.
LeTours started off in 1974 IIRC as a "Schwinn Approved" Japanese import and weren't real special. Hi-ten frames lugged frames and steel rims. However they had 3pc cotterless cranks and were substantially lighter than the Chicago built "Varsinentals." Still every bit of 30# though.
While Varsinentals were what they were the LeTour evolved over time into a pretty decent bike with Shimano drivetrains, alloy rims and complete weights of about 24#. There was a chrome Super LeTour around 1977 or so I lusted after mightily.
:beer:
duane041
10-04-05, 08:19 PM
Were they heavier than the Varsities? Where were they made? Are they as good as the Le Tours?
Comments please!
My Continental feels just as heavy as a Varsity, but that's part of their charm. It's just an overweight road bike. I tend to tell people it's a 'training' bike because it's so heavy. Mine has an alloy stem and bars, alloy seat stem, steel rims and the infamous EF frame. It's an 82 and is mostly original, save for tires. Even the original headlight/taillight/generator setup, which still lights up the road (or trees, depending on where you point the headlight).
They sure do ride smooth, and they handle like a 61 Buick LeSabre. Enjoy!
Comments please!
My Continental feels just as heavy as a Varsity, but that's part of their charm. It's just an overweight road bike. I tend to tell people it's a 'training' bike because it's so heavy. Mine has an alloy stem and bars, alloy seat stem, steel rims and the infamous EF frame. It's an 82 and is mostly original, save for tires. Even the original headlight/taillight/generator setup, which still lights up the road (or trees, depending on where you point the headlight).
They sure do ride smooth, and they handle like a 61 Buick LeSabre. Enjoy!