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My first road bike: 1987 Schwinn Voyageur

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My first road bike: 1987 Schwinn Voyageur

Old 07-01-16, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by oddjob2
I can't tell from the photos, but the Schwinn Catalogs 1981-1987 spec pages show 27" tires for all the Voyageurs. I've only had a problem with tire dimension changes between a 1987 Prelude and a 1985 Prelude.
I looked here Schwinn catalogs, 1981 - 1990 (326 of 456)

If you scroll down, on the left, it says 700c.

BUT, it's listing the specs for the Madison on the Voyageur page. It does say Madison though.

So I get the Bone Head Award for causing undue anxiety.

Apologies.
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Old 07-01-16, 11:10 AM
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Don't worry, there was no anxiety.

Looks like 27 x 1 1/4 would be the right size (pics w/ assistant).
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Old 07-01-16, 11:20 AM
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This may be a dumb question but does anyone know how I would figure out which chain to buy?

Btw as far as cable housing I have some new Shimano housing left over from a different bike project I worked on so I'll just go with that for now I think.

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Old 07-01-16, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by missmixte
This may be a dumb question but does anyone know how I would figure out which chain to buy?

Btw as far as cable housing I have some new Shimano housing left over from a different bike project I worked on so I'll just go with that for now I think.

I refuse to answer on the grounds that I may provide further proof of my ignorance.
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Old 07-01-16, 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by missmixte
This may be a dumb question but does anyone know how I would figure out which chain to buy?

Btw as far as cable housing I have some new Shimano housing left over from a different bike project I worked on so I'll just go with that for now I think.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/speeds.html

I usually use this chain
https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Bicycle-C.../dp/B000AOA3PS
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Old 07-01-16, 11:33 AM
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Awesome, thank you for the advice!!
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Old 07-01-16, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by rccardr
Huh. My '87 Voyageur has 27" rims and I use those same Panaracers in that size. Pretty sure the OP's is an 87 based on color and equipment; I specifically searched for that model year due to my preference for late 80's Deore.

Open invitation to the OP: e-mail or text any time, happy to help out with advice, small parts, etc. I have a box of quality cables and housing (including some in a killer dark red semi-opaque) and all the tools to adjust, upgrade & repair. Even though I'm in Burke, my daughter lives in Petworth & we go there quite often, would make it easier for you than a trek out to the NoVA burbs. E-mail is rccardr@cox.net, cell/text is 7039873346.
That's so nice, thank you for the offer of help. :-)
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Old 07-01-16, 01:09 PM
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Sweet score! I usually recable a bike and put new tires on... my partner experienced a vintage tire blowout (thankfully while we were stopped) and I don't think I will ever use "vintage" tires on a bike again.

For 27" tires I think the nicest riding one would be the black sand canyon tire and it seems like a heck of a deal at that price. If I were stateside I'd buy 3 to have a spare on hand. The only thing to check would be to make sure you have enough clearance if you wanna run fenders at some point, these tires are 1/8" wider than most 27"
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Old 07-01-16, 01:52 PM
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I searched on craigslist for many many months for Voyageur, and sadly only a few showed up in that time and they were too big for me. And much more expensive than yours. Ended up finally getting one ('88, almost identical except it's emerald green, even same size) and love it. Enjoy yours! They are great bikes and capable of hauling some heavy loads and doing touring.

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Old 07-01-16, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by clasher
For 27" tires I think the nicest riding one would be the black sand canyon tire and it seems like a heck of a deal at that price. If I were stateside I'd buy 3 to have a spare on hand. The only thing to check would be to make sure you have enough clearance if you wanna run fenders at some point, these tires are 1/8" wider than most 27"
It would be a tight fit I think, probably wouldn't be able to get fenders too, at least easily. I've toyed with getting the Sand Canyons recently, but figured since I stick to roads and nicely paved rail trails the aggressive tread would be wasted, and mabe even a drag.
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Old 07-01-16, 02:24 PM
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Congratulations!

IMO- $220 for a bike of that caliber in that condition... I think you totally won.

I don't know if you've noticed how many people are mentioning this year of the Voyageur being a "lifetime" bike- The frame on this bike is a great geometry- great for being on it all day as well as 'upright' enough to ride in the city comfortably. It also has bosses for front and rear racks, as well as 3 bottles. Every component on this bike is really good as is- and it's all upgrade-able to more modern-y components if you so choose to.

Keep in mind, that's a tour-y wheelset with a 40 spoke rear. Those rims are among the best ever made- so if you do choose to upgrade wheels/more than 7 speeds, the existing wheels are really good. While I think most people have swapped out their 27" wheels for 700C, I've kept them on my tourers- first because the brake bosses were placed with that size rim in mind, and second- I'm aware I've gotten some really nice wheels for these bikes. Some people talk about the lack of 27" tires... I'm pretty happy between the Panaracer Pasela PT and the Sand Canyons. Maybe someday I'll make the switch...

Congratulations and enjoy your bike!
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Old 07-05-16, 09:40 AM
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I agree you did well at the price you paid missmixte. I have a 23" version of the same year Voyageur and although I got F/R racks and barcons with mine I paid about $100 more than you did.

As other's have noted you'll have a lifelong friend in that bike. I took mine on a 2 week tour in Europe this summer with two loaded rear panniers and barely knew they were on the bike. At some point if you intend to do some touring with the bike I might suggest something with a little stronger sidewall than the Panaracer. I've used Schwalbe Marathons and Continental Gatorskins on mine. For general riding however the Panaracer PT is a good choice.

Congrats on you purchase and have fun outfitting it to your needs!
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Old 07-05-16, 05:00 PM
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Forget the price when looking for a touring bike. Frame size, quality and condition are critical. That's a very decent bike. If it's in reasonably good shape, that's a decent price. In this game, +/- $20 is not a deal breaker for something special that you want to have. Get into specialty cars and you start talking thousands of dollars
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Old 07-05-16, 05:27 PM
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Thanks for the encouragement, you guys!! Appreciate all the wisdom and knowledge and positivity in this forum. :-):-):-)
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Old 07-05-16, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by missmixte
...maybe I overpaid because upon closer inspection I see I'll need new tires, cables, bar tape...Seller told me that a bike shop had serviced the bike sometime recently and repacked the hubs but seeing how old the cables look I'm not sure I believe it.
I would never lose sleep over such issues that are easily remedied, when such a good and practical bike is the subject. May you long enjoy it!
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Old 07-06-16, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by oddjob2
Double checking is always prudent, but what is the issue you are alluding about? We have a noob OP, don't cause unnecessary anxiety.

As far as the Bell naysayers, sure there are better and more expensive cables and housing available, but anything is better than 30 year old cables in 30 year old vinyl housing. You actually may want to do that at a coop, as you will need cutters and if your hands are small, a "third hand" cable tool. Even before you change cables, you might to make sure you can grab the brake levers. Just this week, 5'6" woman looking at a road bike I had for sale had fingers about 1 segment shorter than mine, making the grasp of standard Dia Compe levers tenuous. I recommended short reach Tektro RL341s.
You're right, I can't squeeze these brake levers very well, I've realized. Short reach Tektro RL341s, here I come.
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Old 07-08-16, 12:58 PM
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Progress updates:
Thanks to the magic of YouTube tutorials and some cone wrenches I was able to take the front hub apart. Grease was sparse and yellow. So, nope!--it hadn't been overhauled anytime recently.

An REI gift card came to the rescue and now this beauty has a Brooks saddle.

I changed all the cables and housing and then discovered I can't really squeeze the grips. Why didn't I listen to advice and test that first? Lesson learned!

The work continues...
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Old 07-08-16, 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by jjames1452
If the bike fits properly, awesome!
get rid of the turkey levers,
Agreed. My recollection from that era is that most bikes with stem shifters typically had the turkey levers and bikes with downtube shifters did not.
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Old 07-19-16, 11:31 AM
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I've changed the brake levers, saddle, and will change the pedals if I can get them off (they're stuck). Is it better to keep this stuff in case I ever sell the bike, or does it not matter? Is it committing a bike crime to sell off its unused original parts? I feel kinda bad doing that. At the same, would be nice to offset some costs, ya know?
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Old 07-19-16, 11:42 AM
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It's fine to sell the components!

The left pedal (for your left foot) is reverse threaded. Turn clockwise to remove.
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Old 07-19-16, 11:58 AM
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There's a few of those on my local CL from $200-300 in various shapes, so I wouldn't worry about the price too much. What is really $30 or $40 at the end of the day for something you wanted (my logic, anyhow!).

Second the vote for Pasela 27x1-1/4 (assuming there are still 27" tires on the bike). Got them on three bikes I take care of, wonderful tires that will go through anything a touring bike would want to. If you are patient, you can often find them under $20, too.
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Old 07-19-16, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
If you've got un-scratched Gran Compe slotted brake levers with the countersunk GC logo- I'm interested in them!
I'll look at them and see if they fit your description. Remember, they have the so-called turkey levers on them.
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Old 07-19-16, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by missmixte
I'll look at them and see if they fit your description. Remember, they have the so-called turkey levers on them.
Yeah, I saw that in your first post- I was hoping I deleted the post before you saw it! The mid 80s Voyageur came with a couple of different sets of brake levers- the 87 didn't feature the Gran Compes.

You're going to have to post more pix of your Voyageur build.
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Old 07-24-16, 07:39 AM
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I'm waiting to post a pic when I have a chance to take some decent ones.

I've been riding it and tbh it might be a size small for me, since I have long legs for someone of my height. I keep moving the seat up. But I'm not sure yet. Since this is my first experience with drop handlebars, it's been an adjustment. I'm learning how to ride a road bike and it's been fun.

I have Nitto noodle handlebars and technomic stem on it, and panaracer paselas, recommended by many of you. Also,Tektro aero brakes, much easier for me to squeeze.

I decided to hold on to original stuff so I can put it back on the bike if I sell it eventually. The new owner will get new cables, housing, bar tape, tires, and the original stem and handlebars, saddle, etc.

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Old 09-23-16, 05:31 PM
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Well the ending to this story is that the bike was too small for me. I could never make it comfortable for more than a few miles no matter what saddle or stem or handlebars I tried. I guess because I have really long legs for my height, I need the next size up. Not sure why but it was too small, which is unfortunate because I know there are others that are 5'6" can ride 53 cm bikes. Oh well. Now I know!

I put the original stuff back on it, and put new kenda tires and new tubes (kept the panaracer paselas for my next bike), bar tape, cables, and housings on it. I took the rack off of it to keep for myself, and sold the bike for $320.

Too bad I had to let it go--it was a beautiful bike. I learned a lot from it and hopefully the next owner will enjoy it.
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