The Hansenator

Hi everyone,

I have an old (1980s?) Schwinn Le Tour which I kind of like. It's not pristine by any means and I was wondering what would be the availability of parts if I need them. Can you still get a replacement 6-speed cassette for example? If the rims need replacing, I'm assuming it's easiest to switch to 700s from the stock 27s but would it be the right size for the frame and will the available gear work with the derailleur or will a bunch of other stuff have to be swapped out as well?

The fit could be tweaked a bit and I like riding it but I just want to get a sense of how long I can keep it maintained before I put too much into it.

Thanks.

FBinNY 

Yes, most of the parts needed are still available. Given the age of your bike, I'm pretty sure your 6s system is a freewheel, not a cassette, and 6s freewheels are still made.

As for the wheels, going to 700c is an option, but may require new brake calipers. The radius at the rim for 700c is 4mm smaller than 27" so look at the brakes and see if there's room to lower the shoes by the 4mm required.

Otherwise, though original replacements may no longer exist, there are still replacement parts for just about 100% of your bike.

bikeman715

+1

The Hansenator

Awesome, thanks!

There's plenty of adjusting room on the brakes if it comes to that so it shouldn't be a problem.

Jeff Wills

I have a Le Tour that year, size, and color: All My Bikes
It's gone through several iterations of parts (I'm a serial swapper. Currently it's a single-speed with flat handlebars and 700C wheels.

As above, parts are available that will fit it. They may not be as easy to find as "current" parts, but they can be found.

The Hansenator

Hey Jeff,

Nice looking bike. It looks like you have the same fender setup I do with the zip ties in the rear.

TallRider

Nice big bike.

6-speed freewheels are readily available (as FBinNY notes, there's very little chance it is a cassette).

I run a number of bikes with 27" wheels and it's easy enough to find tires for them, so you don't need to switch to 700c wheels unless you have particular taste in tires.

Tim_Iowa

This bike has some old technology on it that the market has upgraded since. Btw, I think it's a 1986. You can probably look up the serial numbers.

However, you can find new replacement parts made to these old standards. Or, go to your local bike co-op (if there is one) and dig through the parts bins. Most of the stuff they have is probably from this era.

Gears: Your axle will fit any 6 speed freewheel. However, your rear derailer may have a max size cog it can handle. It might not be able to shift to a 34 tooth, for example. But a 14-28 freewheel should work perfectly. The chain is standard 6/7/8 speed chain.

Wheels: You're ok with what you have; there is a fair selection of 27" tires. The Panaracer Pasela is the classic choice, and a good tire.
You may be able to easily swap-in 700c wheels; if you can lower the brake pads 4mm in their holders, then you're golden. 700c will give you wider selection, and 4mm of extra clearance for a fatter tire.

Handlebars/stem: Use the adjustable stem you already have to tweak the fit. Then, if you want to, you can find a fixed 1" stem in that shape. Or just keep the adjustable one; you're not entering this bike into a concours any time soon.

Brake pads, cables, cranks, seat post, etc. are all standard items that can still be found in these sizes.