Classic & Vintage - what schwinns had chromed rear stays and forks?

Hey, today online I saw a beautiful-looking bike that had rear stays and fork that were chromed. The decals were worn off, but it looked like a vibrant red that I've only seen on old Schwinns. Seller wouldn't tell me without me being there what the componentry is. So, if it is a Schwinn, what bikes could it be? I know it could be a Paramount *fingers crossed*, any other possibilities? Where would I look for proof positive that it is a Paramount?

Thanks!

Could be a voyageur 11.8 ;)

Could be a voyageur 11.8 ;)

Could be, and if so is pretty rare as the Scarlet Flame 11.8 appears to be available only in 1980. I saw one once on ebay so I swiped the photos...

Older than about 1980 Paramounts had Campagnolo dropouts and the serial number is stamped in the left rear dropout. Also the lugs (if Nervex) would most likely be pointy and possibly chrome. A Paramount headbadge says "Paramount." Rarely do other Schwinn headbadges name the model, but there are exceptions.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/April%2020%202007/ParamountTopLug.jpg

My 1976 Voyageur II has the fork tips and the chain stay tips chromed. This year also came in red.

http://buzznet-97.vo.llnwd.net/assets/users13/marinerfan/default/large-msg-116568680014.jpg

http://buzznet-77.vo.llnwd.net/assets/users13/marinerfan/default/large-msg-116569359456.jpg

The decals were worn off, but it looked like a vibrant red that I've only seen on old Schwinns. Seller wouldn't tell me without me being there what the componentry is.Volare? (lugs would be chrome as well)

Don't you love a lazy seller ... :rolleyes:

Bob

In my collection the following Schwinns have chromed tips and drop outs. World Voyager, 1974 Paramount, Volare, Super Le Tour 12.2, Voyager 11.8, and Paramount OS 2. Roger

Chromed forks and stays make the bike go faster even more than red does!

what was the componentry on those voyagers? seller couldn't find the serial number, and told me most everything was shimano and the rear derailleur was "arus". It was a struggle to get him to give me any info, I don't understand how he sells any bikes.

Chromed forks and stays make the bike go faster even more than red does! was that sarcasm/ you trying to flame me? don't all your paramounts have chromed rear stays and fork ends? you even have a bike that's entirely chrome.

was that sarcasm/ you trying to flame me? don't all your paramounts have chromed rear stays and fork ends? you even have a bike that's entirely chrome.


Just my rather facetious way of saying that I love chrome. Please don't take any offense as none was intended. I go out of my way NOT to flame anyone here.

what was the componentry on those voyagers? seller couldn't find the serial number, and told me most everything was shimano and the rear derailleur was "arus". It was a struggle to get him to give me any info, I don't understand how he sells any bikes.
That would be Shimano Altus LT. The earliest use of the Altus LT derailleurs that I can find is the '79 Le Tour II, but it has a 1020 frame so I doubt it has chrome rear stays.

The '80-'82 Voyageur 11.8s does have chrome stays and fork, and used Altus LT derailleurs. The '81 catalog shows all Le Tour models used them but they have just chrome forks, not stays too. The '83 catalog shows the Le Tour and Le Tour Luxe used them, but they don't have any chrome, forks or stays.

Edit: So it's beginning to look like only the 11.8 had chrome stays and fork ends, and used the Altus LT ders.

I should mention that the 87-89 Schwinn Circuit also had chrome forks and partial stays, even though it sounds like you're already on the right track.

was that sarcasm/ you trying to flame me? don't all your paramounts have chromed rear stays and fork ends? you even have a bike that's entirely chrome.
Uhh, excuse me, but Rabid Koala doesn't have the capacity to be sarcastic; he's about as straight arrow as they come and was trying to be helpful. BTW, Voyageur SPs also had chrome fork tips and chain/seat stays.

Uhh, excuse me, but Rabid Koala doesn't have the capacity to be sarcastic; he's about as straight arrow as they come and was trying to be helpful.
+1 If anything, he was being funny. Everyone knows red is faster, and chrome even more so. It's been a running joke in the cycling community for years. Lighten up.

So what's the story on a voyager 11.8? is it a great bike? worth a 40 mile car ride and dealing with this dude?

You have not stated the asking price. Seller sounds like a bit of jack*ss though. So it is hard to say. Usually if I make that type of round trip I am 99% sure of what I am going for.

I could probably give him $80 for it.

So what's the story on a voyager 11.8? is it a great bike? worth a 40 mile car ride and dealing with this dude?

It's your call. I just drove 1,200 miles to pick up a bike I wanted.

If it is a Voyageur than it is worth $80 IMHO. But are you even sure its a Schwinn? The guy may not be able to send pics but he should be willing to give you other info if he really wants to sell it. What price is he asking for it?

With a 4130 frame and double butted top and down tubes, the Voyageur 11.8 is a really nice bike, IMHO. If it's really a Voyageur 11.8, is in decent shape and your size, I wouldn't hesitate to pay $80 or $100 for it if I were you.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/1981Voyageur.jpg

With a 4130 frame and double butted top and down tubes, the Voyageur 11.8 is a really nice bike, IMHO. If it's really a Voyageur 11.8, is in decent shape and your size, I wouldn't hesitate to pay $80 or $100 for it if I were you.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/1981Voyageur.jpg


This is my bike exactly. It is the first bike I ever bought off of ebay. FWIW, I paid $450 to win it against about six other bidders. You can find them cheaper, but not in better "used" condition. It is in near new condition and one of my favorite bikes.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s33/orangeokie/DSC00089-1.jpg

Volare? (lugs would be chrome as well)

Don't you love a lazy seller ... :rolleyes:

Bob


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s33/orangeokie/19.jpg

Man, I really like that Volare! Fwiw, I saw a black 11.8 at an estate sale about two weeks ago for $125.

I was lucky enough to score a Volare last year - 1977 model
http://naturepixels.com/volare/_MG_3491.jpg[/URL]

It's a fixed gear at the moment and rides swimmingly.

With component detail goodness (http://velospace.org/node/1318)