1977 Schwinn Suburban
03-28-17, 03:50 PM
#1
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Bikes: '73 Mondia Special, '73 Frejus TDF, '84 Gitane Rallye Tandem, '85 Trek (Custom) 660, 85/86 Gitane Professional, and a few more!
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1977 Schwinn Suburban
I realize I might have posted this in the wrong spot, but I don't know how to move it. Sorry. Never the less .....
So one day I'm outdoors working on a vintage bike when I look up and a truck stops. The man gets out and says here. Would you like this? So tell me what would you guys have done. This wasn't exactly what I expected and not exactly what I wanted. Like many of us here I have other projects that I am working on or plan on working on. I keep looking at this bike and I realize it doesn't need too much to bring it back. If it did, it would have to wait as I'm also preserving a 1973 Mondia Special.
You will be able to see from the photo's that the bike actually is in good shape - missing a few parts. The man who dropped the bike off had cut (yes - cut) the stem to grab the handlebars. He removed the seatpost and seat. I suspect when he put the bike in his truck he scratched the Schwinn head tube plate. Minor rust on the fender. Cleanup and lube and this bike is ready to go. So I'm looking for any of the missing items that this bike needs.
So here is what it looks like as is:
From Schwinn's 1977 brochure
The 10-speed version of this bike had the new Shimano FF System (front free-wheeling system) - claimed to be a revolutionary gearing innovation that utilizes a free wheel mechanism combined with the front chainwheel. This allows the chain to continue to revolve even after pedaling has stopped. Shifting can be done smoothly and effortlessly anytime the bike is in motion, whether coasting, back-pedaling-or without pedaling at all.
Finally this is from the Schwinn catalog
So one day I'm outdoors working on a vintage bike when I look up and a truck stops. The man gets out and says here. Would you like this? So tell me what would you guys have done. This wasn't exactly what I expected and not exactly what I wanted. Like many of us here I have other projects that I am working on or plan on working on. I keep looking at this bike and I realize it doesn't need too much to bring it back. If it did, it would have to wait as I'm also preserving a 1973 Mondia Special.
You will be able to see from the photo's that the bike actually is in good shape - missing a few parts. The man who dropped the bike off had cut (yes - cut) the stem to grab the handlebars. He removed the seatpost and seat. I suspect when he put the bike in his truck he scratched the Schwinn head tube plate. Minor rust on the fender. Cleanup and lube and this bike is ready to go. So I'm looking for any of the missing items that this bike needs.
So here is what it looks like as is:
From Schwinn's 1977 brochure
The 10-speed version of this bike had the new Shimano FF System (front free-wheeling system) - claimed to be a revolutionary gearing innovation that utilizes a free wheel mechanism combined with the front chainwheel. This allows the chain to continue to revolve even after pedaling has stopped. Shifting can be done smoothly and effortlessly anytime the bike is in motion, whether coasting, back-pedaling-or without pedaling at all.
Finally this is from the Schwinn catalog
Last edited by Sprocket Turner; 03-28-17 at 04:44 PM.
03-28-17, 04:52 PM
#2
feros ferio
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Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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Yours is the 5-speed version. The frame is very similar to that of the more familiar Varsity or Continental. These are heavy bikes, but kind of fun to ride, and they do have a following. I think it's worth putting a little money and effort into.
If you find that the rims are at all difficult to true, I strongly recommend scrounging a used 5- or 6-speed wheelset with aluminum rims, which would be a huge improvement. That, in turn, would also let you substitute a regular crank and get rid of the front freewheel system, which no one likes (for good reason).
If you find that the rims are at all difficult to true, I strongly recommend scrounging a used 5- or 6-speed wheelset with aluminum rims, which would be a huge improvement. That, in turn, would also let you substitute a regular crank and get rid of the front freewheel system, which no one likes (for good reason).
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
03-28-17, 05:08 PM
#3
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Looks like the fork is bent and no one seems to be a fan of the FF system. If it was mine I'd probably scavenge the pedals and brakes and toss the rest.
If you really want to resurrect this bike I've got a parts Suburban that should have everything the bike needs expect possibly the fork. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
If you really want to resurrect this bike I've got a parts Suburban that should have everything the bike needs expect possibly the fork. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
03-28-17, 05:21 PM
#4
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I have a Schwinn alloy stem and steel handlebars that I suspect came from something like this. (Someone had used them on a Peugeot I rescued a couple of years ago.)
You can have them for free + shipping if you want them. The bars are rusty in the interior, but nothing some Evaporust can't fix. PM if you're interested, and I can send pics.
You can have them for free + shipping if you want them. The bars are rusty in the interior, but nothing some Evaporust can't fix. PM if you're interested, and I can send pics.
03-28-17, 05:26 PM
#5
Senior Member
If you find that the rims are at all difficult to true, I strongly recommend scrounging a used 5- or 6-speed wheelset with aluminum rims, which would be a huge improvement. That, in turn, would also let you substitute a regular crank and get rid of the front freewheel system, which no one likes (for good reason).
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03-30-17, 07:48 PM
#7
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Looks like the fork is bent and no one seems to be a fan of the FF system. If it was mine I'd probably scavenge the pedals and brakes and toss the rest.
If you really want to resurrect this bike I've got a parts Suburban that should have everything the bike needs expect possibly the fork. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
If you really want to resurrect this bike I've got a parts Suburban that should have everything the bike needs expect possibly the fork. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
Anyway ..... I do not have enough posts to do a pm so would you mind shooting me an email to chainolakescyclist@gmail.com
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