monkistan

I started biking again last spring. I had an old bike that was a little too small, and the more I rode it the more I realized that. I ended up buying a larger bike frame, and learning how to build up a bike myself.

The frame I got was a 1987 Schwinn Tempo (the teal and white one). I built it up and rode it for a few months. I love how it rode. The problem was, it was a little too big for me. Well, it was like an inch or so too big and I started having pain in places like my back, and also my rear. So I bought a 1996 Bianchi San Remo touring frame. It's 19", the schwinn was 21". The san remo is much more comfortable to ride and feels great. It's just not as fun a ride as the schwinn was. The shwinn felt a bit lighter, and seemed to be more responsive.

I don't do any touring, or crazy riding or anything. I just use the bike as my primary mode of transportation. I love the new one, but it just has always felt a little less good/fun than the old one.

I just saw a 1988 Schwinn Tempo on ebay that's 19" and I'm wondering whether it's worth buying. I know that the Bianchi was a more expensive bike (when it was originally built), and mightb e made out of better steel, but I kinda just liked the schwinn. I'm wondering whether I should sell the Bianchi, and buy the schwinn knowing that I don't need such an expensive frame and I liked how it rode. Also I'm wondering if the schwinn rode and handled better b/c it had a longer wheelbase, and if the ebay schwinn won't ride as well.

and to the people who think I should have both, sadly I don't have that kind of money, or space.

Thanks for all of your help.

treebound 

Ride what makes you smile, you already know the answer.

King of Kadence

Get the Schwinn from ebay and see if you like it, then sell the one you like less. You would be sacrificing the space and money until you make your decision on which one to cut loose.

kpug505

The Tempo is an excellent bike. I'd like one myself.
Have you thought about upgrading your Bianchi at all to try and make it a bit more zippy? I've found a wheel upgrade can make a huge differance in how a bike feels....If the frame fits and is comfortable I'd try and work with it (even though I'd REALLY like a Tempo).

miamijim

Dont get blinded by the word 'Bianchi'.

Late 80's Schwinns are very nice ridding bikes. You already like your '87 so imagine how much you'll like the '88 in the proper size!!!

monkistan

The wheels on the bianchi are actually the same wheels I had on the Schwinn. I know new wheels would make the bike zippier, but turning was snappier with the Schwinn. Could that be helped with different wheels? Also, new wheels would cost more than the schwinn would in toto.

rotharpunc

buy the schwinn, tempos are awesome bikes.

kpug505

The Schwinn is a full blown racing bike while the Bianchi is a touring bike. The Schwinn will be more responsive cornering wise....If you decide to get the Schwinn and you have you Bianchi dialed in for fit I would suggest measuring your seat height and set back, stem height and length (with a c-c measurement of the toptube) along with crank length and pedals used to ensure you can fit the Schwinn right from the get go. You might need to do some parts swapping to dial it in.

monkistan

Thank you all. I bought the Schwinn. I'm not too worried about part swapping b/c I'm going to do that anyway if I decide to keep the Schwinn. Gonna ride it for a bit and see how I feel. The crank length on the Schwinn is the same as on the Bianchi.

Anyway, if my wife throws me out of the house, can I point her to this forum, and show her that all the bike people said to buy it, so I had to.

Thanks again for all your help.

monkistan

Update: My wife is very happy for me. Phew!!!

kpug505

Dodged that bullet eh? Quick! Get another bike while the gettin' is good!

monkistan

Sadly, it's hard to find a decent frame in my size. Or at least one I like.

23skidoo

yep

miamijim

+1