Classic & Vintage - Schwinn Racer 3 speed - anyone have one?

Just curious, my girlfriend has a black one. Looks pretty cool; needs a resto, and some cleaning, but looks like a cool cruiser.

I had one when I was a kid, back in the 60's. It was black also. I would like to find another one like it, but the ones that I've seen were priced ridiculously high. I got mine as a hand-me-down from my uncle, and it was eventually sold in a yard sale. It was probably a 62 or 63 vintage.

The Racer was the men's model, and the Breeze was the women's model. Durable, nice riding bikes. The Messenger saddles, if that's what's now on hers now, can be very uncomfortable. Came with either painted fenders, or the more deluxe chromed fenders.

I had one when I was a kid, back in the 60's. It was black also. I would like to find another one like it, but the ones that I've seen were priced ridiculously high. I got mine as a hand-me-down from my uncle, and it was eventually sold in a yard sale. It was probably a 62 or 63 vintage.

Great signature!

I have a 60's era coppertone racer 3 frame/fork and misc parts up in my attic. The Brooks saddle off that bike was the first ever bike part that I flipped.

I had a 1970 Racer 3 speed in the Schwinn metallic green and my sister had the Breeze. I rode the snot out of it from the time it was new until I graduated college in '82. Loaned it to a friend, forgot about it for a few years and have been trying to get it back ever since....

I too would like to restore one someday.

55/Rad

As a kid, I had a blue one with the 2-speed kick-back hub and coaster brake. About 62 or 63 vintage IIRC. I'd love to find another one like it.

I like my Raleigh Sport a lot. Can't see much difference between the two.

not mine but pretty cool anyway;
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll299/sailorbenjamin/traveller2.jpg

I like my Raleigh Sport a lot. Can't see much difference between the two.

Lugged frame on the sport, welded on the racer. 590 rims on the sport, 597 rims on the racer. Made in Engand on the sport, made in the USA on the racer. But they both are utilitarian get around town with a minimum of maintenance rides. The best kind in my admittedly biased opinion.

Oh yeh, the racer is even harder to find in an adult size than the sport.

I had a '66 coppertone one that I loved. I, too, would love to find another. The morning after my Super Le Tour 12.2 was stolen in Berkeley I went up to my brother's house on College Ave. to get my Racer and son of a ***** if it hadn't been stolen the very same night! Still a painful memory.

Here's one in Portland, ME;
http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/992733571.html
Oh yeah, and I have a nice ladie's Breeze in the basement.

I have a 57(?) Racer. a very nice bike. not much different from the Traveler except the racer has painted fenders and the traveler has the SS ones. As for schwinn vs raleigh we did have a thread about this a while ago. the raleigh has a more sportier ride and the schwinns have cooler design/graphics, and a cadillac ride.

It was Schwinn's answer to the Raleigh Sports. Suitable upgrades would be alloy 650b or 700c wheels and a Brooks B-66 saddle. It would also benefit from a modern Shimano Nexus or Sturmey Archer wide range IGH. They would make it into very nice around town commuter.

I have a 1970 Racer in metallic green. I purchased it about eight years ago for $5 at a garage sale down the block. I know this sounds pathetic, but all I've ever done for maintenance was oil the rear hub, fill the tires, and wash the dust/road grime off occasionally. Last year I added Wald grocery baskets to the rear and front for grocery store runs. It also makes a great coffee shop bike in the summer. I also threw on some cork grips and a nice older Brooks B-72. Here's the interesting part: I get more comments on this green tank, than I get on both of my De Rosas' put together!

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/ticwanos/Racer04.jpg
This is not a three speed but a single speed coaster brake I modified to have hand brakes. I decided to do the mod after I found myself squeezing the dickens out of the handlebars and not stopping! :eek: I think its a '71. For a single speed tank, this old warrior can be quite zippy and is a hoot to ride while soaking in the scenery. Garage sale of course. It was the chrome fenders that sucked me in like an electromagnet. And yes, I have corrected the angle on the seat since the picture was taken.

Hi Ticwanos,

That's a beaut! Tell me please, does the generator and the headlight still function? I found a generator and a headlight just this week, and I can't wait till it warms up to do an install. Also, is the rear rack a Pletscher model?

Again, very cool bike.

I have a '67.

I had a 1970s red one, and two breezes from the same era. Heavy as hell, and way too small for me, but super fun to kick around town on. I sold them all before moving from Ohio to Portland. :(

My Breeze...I'm guessing it's an early 70s model, but the serial number has a dash instead of a number, so it's difficult to date.

I bought it for my wife, but she doesn't like it, so now it's on CL....the nicest little bike though...I wish I could keep it!

Gomango

At the moment the headlight and generator don't work. There are some problems with the wiring I haven't sorted out, so they are on the bike for the sparkle factor only. The rack is Schwinn badged, but I think it is a Pletscher. I do have a couple in my parts boxes and except for the names, look the same. The down side to the Pletscher racks is how they clamp on to the frame. It is easy to scratch the paint, so be careful! There are some cool old Schwinns here. Thanks to all for showing them.:thumb:

I've taken to cutting up some old inner tube and wrapping it around where the rack (or kickstand or baby trailer) would scratch the paint.

Well SHE seems to like her's just fine;
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll299/sailorbenjamin/racer.jpg
Funny, this was posted at the CABE just now.

We got one for my oldest son in 1971: Candy red with chrome fenders and it was equipped with a speedometer and generator light set. He had a paper route and put thousands of miles on before passing it on to his younger brother who proceeded to crash, thrash & trash it into oblivion. Don

I have a green one for sale - $100 takes it away. Call 562 400 4268.

not mine but pretty cool anyway;
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll299/sailorbenjamin/traveller2.jpg

Now that is one simple, bulletproof ride! :thumb:
Cloverleaf chainring, no shifters, deraillers, or cables, electrowelded steel frame, spring steel fork, "deep" chromed steel rims - what's not to like?

- what's not to like?

Marginal braking?

I have a 1955 Schwinn deluxe Racer. It is all original and in good condition. Some of the paint is missing. I ride it to work one day a week. Thinking about selling it, thinking about keeping it.

A 71 Racer here, Green with the rear rack option. My Grandfather bought it new in 1971 and only rode it a year before passing. Every year I take it for its annual ride on his Birthday. I sure wish he had been born in July rather than January!

http://www.thechainlink.org/photo/gpsm1-1?context=user http://www.thechainlink.org/photo/gpsm1-1/prev?context=user

Do you want to purchase my Schwinn 3 speed?

Do you want to purchase my Schwinn 3 speed?

Send a PM or use the for sale area-- the main C+V isn't for sales.

I saw an add on craigslist in Hales Corners WI (Green Bay) for a red 24" racer 1 speed-all orig. "like it was in a time capsule" condition, for $250. You might want to look it up and give them a call if you are serious. If you really want it to be a 3-speed, we all know that would be an easy modification. It looks great-red in color. Hope this helps. -John

Just found one of these in an old barn.

Edited by Moderators

Marginal braking?

Just pedal backward. If you're going to fast, start skidding, and you'll make it around the turn...I've found that on my Sachs kickback hub (in a '54 Schwinn...traveler, racer, world?), 2nd gear doesn't like to brake as easily as 1st...

Figured I'd share mine as well for reference... although this thread is ancient.

Just waiting for my single/coaster rear wheel:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5634409355_5c2edb5ffb.jpg

although this thread is ancient.

Yeah... and I just reported a post for possible SPAM! :D When a first post is an offer to sell a bike.....

Yeah... and I just reported a post for possible SPAM! :D When a first post is an offer to sell a bike.....

Aw.. look at you.

On topic:

Has anyone fitted a 700C to a Racer and kept the stock brake?

Sweet looking bike, very retro looking, like a forties New World.

As for the wheels, I fitted 27" wheels to '65 Schwinn Collegiate(originally came with 26").
The rear caliper fit just fine, but I couldn't make the front work. Tried a front from a Varsity of the same year and that didn't work either. I ended up installing the front fork from the Varsity(27" wheels) with it's correct caliper.

I read later on another forum that someone there had figured out a caliper combination that worked so that the fork didn't need to be changed.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/amliee/My%20Bikes/DSCN0083.jpg

Here is my first year(1956) Racer. I need to shoot a new pic. I've since replaced the chainguard with one with the correct screenings.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/amliee/My%20Bikes/DSCN0063.jpg

Sweet looking bike, very retro looking, like a forties New World.

As for the wheels, I fitted 27" wheels to '65 Schwinn Collegiate(originally came with 26").
The rear caliper fit just fine, but I couldn't make the front work. Tried a front from a Varsity of the same year and that didn't work either. I ended up installing the front fork from the Varsity(27" wheels) with it's correct caliper.

I read later on another forum that someone there had figured out a caliper combination that worked so that the fork didn't need to be changed.


Good info! I haven't taken the time to check but would you assume a 700c wheel/tire won't fit the stock Racer front fork? (even without brakes)

And note that I'm extremely jealous of your '56! I had been searching for that color before running across mine.. Lucky!

It's been awhile since I worked on that bike, but IIRC, the 27" wheel fit in the fork ok, but the brake caliper had too much reach for the 27" wheel.

BTW, I forgot to compliment you on your photography. Very nice! Minimalist composure, like the bike.

I have absolutely no skills in photography or composing shots, but I can appreciate yours!

Cool deal. I'm going to fit some 27" wheels with a 'high' flange from a Varsity this weekend to see if they fit. **crosses fingers**

Thanks for the compliment! I actually have been just recently getting into photography (still learning the do's & don'ts)

Just like anything else.. practice makes perfect (or close..)

It also helps to have a good artistic sense. I have none.

My mother and maternal grandfather were both passable artists but I got none of it. Fortunately I got a fair amount of my father's mechanical aptitude.

Update to the Racer:

- 27" Normandy/Rigida wheelset
- CST Tires
- Fixed 18t
- Gran Compe Stem
- Maillard QR's

Not to mention I've stripped the rest of the extra rubbish off 'er. Please pay no attention to the ugly kicker as it's been thrown in a box as well. Still sorting out some clipped pedals as the axles are 1/2" thread (kick me).

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5673300140_d97b0d3b30_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5673299368_14ac67cd20_z.jpg

Nice!

Here are some 1/2" pedals that look like they'll take clips & straps.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200517231692&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Good looking out.. although I purchased a NOS set of Berthet Lyotard No. 23 Pedals semi-locally this morning!

When I noticed they were 1/2" I spit up a bit of coffee and soon after ordered.

If you are interested I'll post a picture of my Racer, located in Richmond, VA

It needs cosmetic work only. The Sturmey Acher 3-speed works well. I have rebuilt the front axle and all cables and cable housing, pads, tires.

I've seen them go for up to $325 mint. Mine is in ok contion.

This will be the last snap for a while. Finally finished, although I've been searching high and low for a 'Swallow' type saddle, and will be ridden until the wheels fall off.

Latest additions: Nitto 123's, Lyotard No. 23 Pedals and Christophe clips/straps.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5726534951_6fdc866433_z.jpg

Nice, you must be young though.

That riding position, especially in the drops, would kill my soon to be 59 year old back in short order! :(

Haha!

The drop isn't as extreme as it appears. And I must say that these nitto bars have improved the comfort level while riding 10-fold. And I no longer worry about catching car mirrors while slipping through traffic on my commute.

I lied..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/5762146771_911ecf922c_z.jpg


New (to me) 52t chain ring. Came off something very old and cleaned up well. Hopefully this will give me the gearing I'm in search of. :thumb: