Voere

Were all the 11.8 Voyageurs frames built in Japan? Later today I am going to look what appears to be a 1982 model One thing has me curious the rims on the Schwinn are arraya but 700c in size could this be correct? Plenty of things to check out this 11.8 has me curious. If everything checks out ok I may be the new owner of 11.8

rancho66 

I would say yes they all were made in Japan from 1980-82 (I could be wrong of course). All were built with 27" wheels according to Schwinn Catalogs. Here is a link to the 1982 Voyageur Catalog:
Schwinn catalogs, 1981 - 1990 (73 of 456)
Nice bikes.

Voere

Thanks for the reply!
If the 11.8 does not check out to be all correct I will pass on the deal. Recently I picked up a 1983 Super Letour that is Chicago built with 4130 tubes and all correct. The SLT and Voyaguer are fairly close bikes the Voyaguer has better conponets.

rhenning

I doubt the Super Le Tour was Chicago built. More likely Greenville MS. The Chicago on the badge only means that is where the corporate offices were. The only lugged frame lightweights built in Chicago were Paramounts and those stopped in 1979 and LeTours in about 1980/1. By 1983 the Chicago plant was being closed. Roger

Chris_in_Miami

The 11.8 is a great bike, I wouldn't pass one up simply because it has replacement wheels (unless there are other problems.) My 11.8 has 700c tubular wheels.

mstateglfr 

I have a 1980 11.8 and love it. From what I have read, the late '83-86 models are well improved, but the 11.8s are nothing to complain about.
Its an excellent around town bike and the black w/red housing look looks sharp even 30+ years after assembly.

As for the rims, if you are looking for everything to be original, sure I can see you passing. But otherwise, why not consider the bike if the rims are in good shape and quality? A quality wheelset that is period correct will only improve the ride.

The Golden Boy 

I don't know- having 700C wheels on there would open a whole 'nother world of tires available, rather than the 6 that are out there for 27"

I guess if you're a "collector" and the bike was otherwise mint- sure, I can see you passing. But if it's a bike to ride- it would be silly if that's your only reason to pass on it.