Classic & Vintage - Toe clips for Le Tour?

I'm using my 30 year-old Schwinn Le Tour for my daily commute. Replacing bearing in wheels and bottom bracket has it rolling smoothly and quietly. I was told by the tech at the shop that did the work that's it's not possible to put toe clips on this bike. Is this correct? Will I need to upgrade the pedals to do this and how much might I expect to spend?

I'm using my 30 year-old Schwinn Le Tour for my daily commute. Replacing bearing in wheels and bottom bracket has it rolling smoothly and quietly. I was told by the tech at the shop that did the work that's it's not possible to put toe clips on this bike. Is this correct? Will I need to upgrade the pedals to do this and how much might I expect to spend?

Some pedals will not accept the leather strap that needs to thread between the top and bottom of the pedal. If this is why you were told this, you should be able to get some more pedals that would accomodate the straps. Most any bike shop would have some used ones lying around. I'm surprised the bike shop didn't have any to offer you. Ebay is another source for these. You shouldn't need to pay more than $5 for a set.

Your Letour doesn't happen to have that funky bent seat tube does it?

It's not the bike that won't accept the toe straps, but the pedals that won't accept the toe straps. If you have 9/16s pedal spindles, you could even use clipless.

For commuting use, may I suggest some MKS GR-9 platform pedals? These require toe clips and straps but have a nice flat platform. If you are wearing sneakers, or similar shoe with deep tread, you will probably appreciate these pedals. The typical cage pedals don't I use them on my commuter with deep tread shoes and couldn't be happier.

Harris Cyclery and Rivendell both sell these. $39.99 at Harris. You'll need toe clips and straps as well.

Some pedals will not accept the leather strap that needs to thread between the top and bottom of the pedal. If this is why you were told this, you should be able to get some more pedals that would accomodate the straps. Most any bike shop would have some used ones lying around. I'm surprised the bike shop didn't have any to offer you. Ebay is another source for these. You shouldn't need to pay more than $5 for a set.

Your Letour doesn't happen to have that funky bent seat tube does it?

Nope, it's a straight tube. The bike is pretty much as purchased. I still have the bill of sale and owner's manual and realize I actually bought it 23 years ago. I also picked up a garage sale Peugeot of about the same vintage and would like to convert it to a fixed gear . . .

Nope, it's a straight tube. The bike is pretty much as purchased. I still have the bill of sale and owner's manual and realize I actually bought it 23 years ago. I also picked up a garage sale Peugeot of about the same vintage and would like to convert it to a fixed gear . . .

Sounds like a nice bike, Bob. Congrats on hanging onto it. I still have an early 70s Motobecane that I got when I was 14 years old.

I recall a Schwinn LeTour when I was a teenager or so that had a bent seat tube. I'd guess it was to help with wheel clearance because of a short wheelbase. Back then I just thought it looked cool. I've never seen another since then that had that though.

MKS make the best value trad pedals you can get. I prefer their Sylvian touring model to the GR-9, it just feels more positive, and even with tennis shoes, I dont have any problems.
Christophe metal clips and leather straps still work well.

I second the recommendation for the MKS Sylvan track pedals, I have a set on my Motobecane Grand Jubile with Campagnolo alloy toe clips & Christophe leather straps. Best set of pedals for the price.