Classic & Vintage - Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 '75? - Confused with the model and it's serial number

Hi bike community,


I recently bought this Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2. Rides great, has all the stickers, Japan approved and everything.

The serial number is L525635, it was at the bottom of the bottom bracket. Through research, I'm concluding that it was made in the month of November in either 1975 or 1985.

But I don't think they made SLT 12.2 in '75 and it doesn't look like the catalog '85 bike

Here's a pic http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222965_713402084449_10805387_37451057_1356754_n.jpg

Just want to know more about my bike, but this is a little confusing.

Anyone who can help solve this little mystery?

Thanks!

It appears you have a Flamboyant Red 1976 SLT 12.2 that was made in November of 1975.

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1976/Catalog/FULL/1976_08.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222965_713402084449_10805387_37451057_1356754_n.jpg

It appears you have a Flamboyant Red 1976 SLT 12.2 that was made in November of 1975.

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1976/Catalog/FULL/1976_08.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222965_713402084449_10805387_37451057_1356754_n.jpg


Thanks! That's what I figured, but wouldn't the serial something like X600000? since it's an 1976 model? but then again, it was probably manufactured in '75. stupid question... ?

There is a different manufacturing philosophy today from when your Super LeTour was built almost 40 years ago. Today items are manufactured and the day they are complete they are usually shipped directly to the market. This minimizes the cost of handling and warehousing. An item manufactured in Asia probably reaches the American retail market place in under a month.

In the mid '70s the process was significantly slower and included multiple warehouse stops. I have a Panasonic built 1980 model Schwinn Traveler which dates to early October 1979. I bought it in April 1980. The LBS told me at the time it had just arrived from warehouse and had not been on the showroom floor more than 2 days.

Great find. The Super LeTour was a very worthy bike in its day.

There is a different manufacturing philosophy today from when your Super LeTour was built almost 40 years ago. Today items are manufactured and the day they are complete they are usually shipped directly to the market. This minimizes the cost of handling and warehousing. An item manufactured in Asia probably reaches the American retail market place in under a month.

In the mid '70s the process was significantly slower and included multiple warehouse stops. I have a Panasonic built 1980 model Schwinn Traveler which dates to early October 1979. I bought it in April 1980. The LBS told me at the time it had just arrived from warehouse and had not been on the showroom floor more than 2 days.

Great find. The Super LeTour was a very worthy bike in its day.

makes sense, thanks so much! I do love this bike, it needs a tune up but was still able to pull through a 30 mile ride the other day no problem!

There is a different manufacturing philosophy today from when your Super LeTour was built almost 40 years ago. Today items are manufactured and the day they are complete they are usually shipped directly to the market. This minimizes the cost of handling and warehousing. An item manufactured in Asia probably reaches the American retail market place in under a month.

In the mid '70s the process was significantly slower and included multiple warehouse stops. I have a Panasonic built 1980 model Schwinn Traveler which dates to early October 1979. I bought it in April 1980. The LBS told me at the time it had just arrived from warehouse and had not been on the showroom floor more than 2 days.

Great find. The Super LeTour was a very worthy bike in its day.
+1. For further reading on push/pull production, check out this book. http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Way-Jeffrey-Liker/dp/0071392319