Schwinn Sprint - where does it rank?
 

I'm doing a bit of research on a Schwinn Sprint i picked it. It's a teal colored, 10-speed. From what I've read, it wasn't real high-end. I plan on replacing most of the worn out parts and making it ridable. The paint is in real nice shape.

So here's the question. Is the frame worth the effort? It's a solid, lugged frame. I haven't checked what grade of steel it is, and i don't think it's butted. It seems nice to me, i just didn't know what i should expect out of the bike. Thanks!

And yes, hopefully i'll get some pictures here at some point.

It is pretty much the bottom of the lugged steel imported Schwinn models. Think Varsity with an an oriental accent.

If I recall correctly it is a variation of the World Sport (also low end); in some Schwinn catalogs it doesn't even show it as a different bike but portrays it as a variation of the World Sport.

I got one for $10 at a thrift store (ladies model) and I think I might just use it for parts (the rims were pretty good).

The 1988 Sprint came in Teal, and was at the bottom of the road bike model line-up along with the Caliente. Schwinn didn't even include it in the 1988 specifications, but the description says it has steel rims. Without the specs, it's hard to tell what tubing was used, but I suspect it's straight gauge 1020. Still, if you're looking for a decent daily rider, it's not a bad bike.

1988 Schwinn Road Bike Specifications

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1988Sprint.jpg

That's what i was afraid of, that it is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. I figured it would have been a little higher than the Caliente.

Okay, here's another question for the masses. I'm rebuilding it and plan on replacing/upgrading most of the parts. We know the build quality isn't real high, but with some good wheels and a well working drive train, what would the ride quality be? Would it be something you could take on longer rides, or would it just ride like an uncomfortable tank?

I didn't pay much for it, and got it mainly for the frame (good paint, sized about right).

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. A little bit of a bummer, but i appreciate everyone's help.

All Schwinns ride OK in my opinion.

It may not be a lively ride, but if you are looking for a comfortable ride, and not concerned with speed or climbing ability, the heavy Schwinn frame should do you well.

If you are looking for a great investment, it won't make you rich, but if you are looking for fun, you will probably find it.

It should ride fine, but a little sluggish. Around town you won't notice it at all. On a longish ride of say 20-30 miles you might notice a little. I think the fit is more important than the weight of the frame. If it is the right size it should bring you miles of smiles.

If you keep your cost to around $100-125 you should be able to re-coup your costs if you decide to get rid of it and it has been all nice and re-conditioned.

I spent way too much rebuilding my '82 Traveler, and it's made out of straight gauge hi-ten steel, so it probably wasn't worth the effort from an economic viewpoint.

But the ride is awesome. It may not be as lively as a handmade Italian frame of that vintage, but compared to the overbuilt brand-new chromoly frame I'd been riding, it's a lot smoother and more lively than that, and it's tremendous fun.

It depends on what you want it for. It would make a great townie or fixie conversion, but depending on how much work it needs, for a road bike for longer rides it might be better and more cost effective to just buy a newer/better bike.

Also, is it one of the older Sprints with the curved seat tube? That might be pretty cool to keep around.

I think all of the older short-coupled Sprints with the curved seat tube had electro-forged frames, and the OP said his is lugged.

I had one of those lugged Sprints that I really liked. I put way too much money into it, replacing the wheels, freewheel, chain, pedals, tires and cables. It was a bit too big for me, or I'd probably still have it. Sold it to a college student to use for a campus bike. Surprisingly, I got my money back out of it, although the time spent on it was lost.

I dont see why its a bit of a bummer. Looks like a nice bike to me. So what if it dont have cro-moly double butted tubing with campagnolo dropouts. The straught guage tubing makes it more durable anyway. My wife had an old Schwinn with straight guage bottom of the barrel tubing, and it rode like a cadillac. Easily the most comfortable bike I ever rode.

It ranks pretty high with me...:D

I was hoping the bike was better than what it is, as far as the model line up. I bought it because it looked like a nice project and the paint was in pretty good shape, so i'm not really disappointed.

As long as the ride is nice, its comfortable, and it gets ridden, i don't really care what the bike is made of. I've been riding an 80's Schwinn Traveler for years. I've recently added an Trek mountain bike for utility. There's also a Schwinn Varsity and a Collegiate waiting to be rebuilt.

Back to the thread, it is a lugged frame, not the cool curved seat tube version. I'm sorry if i came off as a bike snob earlier, i didn't mean to. As penance, I did pick up a Huffy road bike last weekend. I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but it's waiting it's turn.

solid Bike
 

Hey gang,

I have some news it's a schwinn, the bike we grew up on Chicago or Taiwan. I have a 1988 teal Sprint and it rides strong , suicide shifters fall through the gears like dominos. The bike is built like a brick you know what house!

I picked it up for a few bucks, replaced some cables, tuned it and it's been a runner. The bike is heavy, has a unique color and is a schwinn. Love it or leave it , the bike is fine.........

I had a Schwinn Sprint a couple years ago. I didn't expect it to be much, but man it had a nice ride. Even with the steel rims it rode really well. It was solid, rode quiet, shifted well, everything you want out of a bike. Not worth a lot of investment but I could see having fun with it and building it up in an interesting way.

Schwinn Sprints and World Sports are worth bupkis as flippers. Just like a Varsity or Continental, it will get you where you need or want to go, but the frame and key components (wheels, handlebars, chainrings) are heavy steel and the ride is smooth but dull.

I have to agree with Oddjob . You may liven up the ride with better components for now, and shift them to a better frame when you find one . Look for a Schwinn Prelude , Premiss , Passage , or Peloton frame from that period and you'll get both the Schwinn, and the Italian steel . Prelude is probably the most prevalent , and most likely to be undervalued .

Yes indeed I have the exact same one I received from a local radio station disc jockey months ago. It rides smooth, and shifts like a dream. It's my favorite 10 speed in my possession so far!

I'd agree with that. I had Sprint and was surprised at how nice it rode. I have a Raleigh Grand Prix that I really enjoy riding, steel rims and all. Most bikes if they are mechanically sound are gonna be nice riders.