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Schwinn Suburban with no brazeons?

Today I picked up a schwinn suburban that has been converted to a single speed. It was done real well and looked classy. Then I. noticed the frame was totally bare no braze on,cable routing or anything. The seller said the previous owner ordered it custom from schwinn. Has schwinn ever made bare frames, or do you think this is really a custom frame?

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...schwinn007.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...schwinn006.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...schwinn005.jpg

A custom Suburban? Impossible. Post pictures.

99.99999% has it that the seller is telling you tall tales. The braze-ons were typically riveted on these machines - they were probably yanked off by force.

-Kurt

That was my guess as well. I'll post some pics soon.
It's too dang cold outside now.

What braze-ons do you think it would it be lacking?

That was one of the least expensive models available. Any cables could have been simply clamped on to suit either a 3-speed hub... a 5-speed rear derailleur alone... or an additional front derailleur.

Here is some info on the models of the first year it was offered (1970) from Bob Huffords website:

"10, 5, 3 speed. This is the first year for this model. Basically it replaced the Varsity tourist but has painted fenders and a painted tubular fork. The 10 speed has 38 to 100 gear range, stem shifters and a chain wheel guard. The five speed has 39 to 89 gear range, a stem shifter and chain guard. Three speed (internal hub) has 52 to 92 gear range. Shifter is on the handlebars. 5 & 3 speeds have 4 circle chain wheels. All have oval head badges, side pull brakes, and 27 x1¼ tires. Name looks to be on down tube. Colors were Sky Blue, Campus Green, Sierra Brown, Black and White (women’s only). Frame sizes; men’s 19", 21", 23", women’s (curved bar) 19", 21". 3 sp. $77.95. 5 sp. $79.95. 10 sp. $84.95. Optional thorn-resistant tubes, $4.50."

Photo here: http://www.geocities.com/sldbconsume.../70ccpg10b.jpg

Unless it was offered in coaster form, I would expect to see rear brake cable stops at the bottom of the frame. 5 and 10-speed versions would have downtube cable braze-ons, but the 3's would simply have the Sturmey clamp-on hardware.

Still doesn't explain the lack of the brake mounts - the 3-speed version would still be in need of the brakeset.

-Kurt

Here's another possibility and my theory: A Schwinn frame is a Schwinn frame is a Schwinn Frame.

What I mean by this is that the standard EF double triangle frame was basically the same on many models. Continental, Suburban, Varsity, Collegiate, 3 speed Traveler, Racer, etc., all basically the same frame, configured for different set-ups.

Take a SS Racer frame, add a tubular Continental or Suburban fork, add Suburban decals, 27" wheels, and 1-2-3, SS Suburban. I'd think that a high volume dealer with a good relationship with the regional sales rep and possibly a manager at the factory could make this happen.

Stan Cooper might be able to shed some light on this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastorbobnlnh (Post 8330068)

I think your theory has merit, but, based on the Breeze and the two Collegiates that I have, the EF frames were the only same until they had the gear cable stops brazed on.

That's how Schwinn cut production costs by making a lot of cookie cutter line models with some minor frame changes. Chicago Schwinns were built bomb-proof and even 40 year old models are still as good as on the day they were made!

Quote:

Originally Posted by King of Kadence (Post 8329750)

3 speed coaster.

...with rear brake cable still present, with tacked-on cable stops.

-Kurt