87 Schwinn Prologue info
#1
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87 Schwinn Prologue info
Another bike followed me home last night. I was volunteering at the local bike co-op when something caught my eye. Hiding under a thick layer of cobwebs sat a decent looking older Schwinn Prologue. I inquired about it and the guy running the place said someone had just donated it to the co-op so I decided to put this one up on the stand to do an evaluation. As I was cleaning off the dust and garage scum I realized that this bike had barely been ridden, only one tiny scratch on the fork. Even the anodize on the rims was barely scuffed. The frame is DB Tange Prestige, Suntour Superbe shifting, Nitto post/stem/bars, Dia-Compe drilled levers, Sugino crank-now I am interested. I asked about the price and when he said $75 it didn't take long to get my wallet out.
Now I know this story is worthless without pictures and I will try to post some tonight. I rode to the co-op so I had to push the Schwinn beside me as I rode home for 10 miles in the pouring 37° rain so when I got home I just stuck it in the garage and went in.
I will admit that I know very little about steel bikes, I am an aluminum guy, but this bike was very appealing to me and the price seemed ok. If you guys have any opinions about Prologues, I would love to hear them, thanks.
Now I know this story is worthless without pictures and I will try to post some tonight. I rode to the co-op so I had to push the Schwinn beside me as I rode home for 10 miles in the pouring 37° rain so when I got home I just stuck it in the garage and went in.
I will admit that I know very little about steel bikes, I am an aluminum guy, but this bike was very appealing to me and the price seemed ok. If you guys have any opinions about Prologues, I would love to hear them, thanks.
#2
Thrifty Bill
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We have discussed Prologues hundreds of times. Google will get you endless threads on this bike. I had two, I'm down to one. IMHO, it was the best imported Schwinn ever made (made by Panasonic).
Sold as a frame set, so I've seen them with endless drivetrain variations. Bike deserves Dura Ace 7400 or Superbe Pro, the two best Japanese component groups from that era. Mine currently has nine speed DA but will likely be rebuilt with 8 speed DA 7400. I never leave a keeper bike alone for long....
Sold as a frame set, so I've seen them with endless drivetrain variations. Bike deserves Dura Ace 7400 or Superbe Pro, the two best Japanese component groups from that era. Mine currently has nine speed DA but will likely be rebuilt with 8 speed DA 7400. I never leave a keeper bike alone for long....
Last edited by wrk101; 02-04-14 at 02:03 PM.
#3
Decrepit Member
What Bill says!
Here is the Prologue geometry ifyou don't have it.
Here is the Prologue geometry ifyou don't have it.
#4
Hogosha Sekai
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Wonderful bikes, one of the few production Schwinns I consider a step up from the American made tenax ones.
#5
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Thanks for the information. As I said before, I am not a steel guy but I am pretty excited about getting this thing tuned up and putting a few miles on it.
#6
Senior Member
That is a steal at $75. You can get $400 to $500 for it in Chicago.
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My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#7
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Here are the pictures, pardon the quality as I am no photographer. This bike definitely needs a thorough cleaning and a healthy dose of bearing grease but under all that crud is a pretty nice bike. I lubed the cables and rear derailleur and it is shifting like new.
#8
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Good eye, and very nice Trailmix. If it fits you, and with a good cleaning, fresh lube, cables, and bar wrap you will have a fantastic ride.
One followed me home back in November. Shimano Tri-color throughout, Cinelli bars and stem. And the TT version intrigues me...
One followed me home back in November. Shimano Tri-color throughout, Cinelli bars and stem. And the TT version intrigues me...
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#9
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Sven, I hope mine turns out as well as your bike. Very nice. What rims are on your bike, I think they would look good with my silver/black paint. I am not too wild about gold anodized wheels.
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#11
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The TT Prologues look like back breakers to me.
#12
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#13
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That`s a sweet looking bike. One day I will get lucky and have a kick ass bike fall into my lap for $75. Be careful. Once you ride that bike you may never touch Aluminum again. Fair warning.
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My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#14
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That's a keeper at any price.
Is that a six-speed freewheel?
Is that a six-speed freewheel?
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#16
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#17
aka Tom Reingold
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The hubs and rims are not considered top-end, but they have a good chance of lasting a lifetime.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#19
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i am the another lucky guy who Bill passed one of his on to.
the frameset only yet + few bits yet waiting for full-Japanese build. good mixture of DA + Superbe + 600 in the plan.
hoping to have a privilege of riding it soooon.
one of the best framesets i've encountered in terms of craftsmanship.
absolutely flawless finish quality.
congrats on your 'steal'
the frameset only yet + few bits yet waiting for full-Japanese build. good mixture of DA + Superbe + 600 in the plan.
hoping to have a privilege of riding it soooon.
one of the best framesets i've encountered in terms of craftsmanship.
absolutely flawless finish quality.
congrats on your 'steal'
#21
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