SyntaxPC

After building up my shiny new IRO Mark V, it pains me to ride her in the rain, or any other circumstance that might damage my investment in her. Therefore, I've recently be toying with the idea of fixing up an old lugged road bike to ride in such conditions.

It was to my great surprise yesterday that I saw such a bike. "Stop the car," I yelled to my girlfriend (my human girlfriend, that is, not my Mark V)! Sitting in the trash on the side of the road of the 'burbs of Philadelphia was the following Schwinn Sprint:



The lady whose trash the bike was in was mowing her lawn, so I asked her if I could take it and she gave me her blessings. It's fairly rusted, but it is perfect for my purpose, it's exactly what I was looking for, and the price was right. A few more pictures can be found here.

But now I need some info/advice:

1. Just out of curiosity, anybody know what year this bike might be from? There's no date on it, but it does say that it was made in Taiwan (if that helps date it).
2. I'm thinking about putting bullhorns on. Do you think that will look too awkward with the tall head tube, or should I stick with drops? (I don't mean to start a whole debate here; I just want people's aesthetic opinions)
3. Everything is in working order, but everything is also rusted. I realize it's hard to judge from the pictures, but what do you think I should replace first? Keep in mind I intend this to be a beater. I'm going to try and get a cheap wheelset and possibly a new saddle, but I'm not sure about the rest.
4. The frame is badly rusted in spots, however there's no structural damage. Should I re-paint the bike (i.e. rustoleum), or should I leave it as-is?
5. Anything I missed?

stevo

1. no idea
2. dont care about aesthetics (no being evasive, but it IS my opinion)
3. whats wrong with the wheelset on it? this is a beater, right?
4. either sand off and repaint those spots, or leave as is.
5. Why do you feel the rain will 'damage' the IRO?

HereNT

I have no idea. But the classic and vintage forum may be able to help you.

If it's going to be your rusty beater, throw aesthetics to the wind. Ride what's comfortable on it. Do the conversion, then try both types (if you have a spare set of bullhorns that is) - whichever one feels better is the one it should be.

I'd probably try to clean up or replace the rusty parts... Say for instance the seatpost bolt I'd change out. I'd also clean up the cranks/chainring and replace the chain. You should probably also take some care to clean up the seatpost if it's got rust on the tube. Nothing is worse than a seat that you can't move.

I think, since the bike is already rust colored, it's not too big of an issue. It doesn't appear to have any really major rust. If you live somewhere where they have to salt the roads and you ride in winter, you may want to re-paint it to keep further deterioration from happening.

SyntaxPC

It's not really apparent from the picture, but the spokes are pretty well rusted, and I'd rather just replace the wheels for safety's sake. Also, I'd rather have a rear wheel with a track (fixed) hub.


Heh, well it won't damage it. I'm just neurotic and I hate to see something I've invested into and care for get dirty and possibly rusty. In addition, I live in West Philadelphia and I don't really feel comfortable leaving the bike parked on the street when I decide to meet up with friends at like 3:00AM, hence the need for a beater.

stevo

Ok; i'll buy not wanting to donate your bike to Romana A's ilk. The rain bit i dont buy though.

pitboss

nothing is permanent

jimv

The stem shifters say late 70's to me.

I know that many of the Schwinns from the 70's and 80's used a smaller steerer tube and stem too. I would check out the condition of the headset first and tackle that problem (if there is one). My friend just refurbed an old Schwinn and his headset was fine but his stem was not.... he had a hard time finding a replacement. Others here, that know much more about Schwinns, may be able able to help you find replacement parts.

Jim

supcom

Here's a site that will help you date the bike.

https://www.oldschwinn.com/how_old_is_my_schwinn/

legalize_it

we're neighbors! get a cheapo suzue basic and ill lace up that rear wheel for you.

Michel Gagnon

It's a beater, so:

1. Handlebars: leave them as is if they are in good shape or at the proper height. Otherwise, turn them around, cut the end and make your homemade bullhorn bars.

2. Wheels. I don't see any safety concern with rusted spokes. Rusted spokes may break a bit sooner, but that's not the problem unless you plan to tour with that bike. The only real problem is that you won't be able to true the wheels. So don't change them until they are broken/problematic/whatever. The bike probably has steel rims, however. In that case, I would replace the front rim with an aluminium one... or check around for a used wheel.

3. Paint. Or what about spot-painting where rust is more prevalent? Or spraypainting in fluorescent green?

Serbaside

Do the standard strip down of useless stuff
Replace the rear wheelset, and start riding

Mr. Shadow

I totally agree. I have a Schwinn Le Tour running 42x16t that is my commuter.
I put on a rear rack and a Transit Pro bag on top of that. It works great and cost
next to nothing.

schwinnbikelove

Usually with Schwinns, you can date them just by looking at the style of the decals. These look mid to later 80's to me.

skeleteeth

keep picking that dumpster and sell your finds on ebay like that yutz that sells touring frames as track

Paul And Pista

Who's that? Applecart2?

Some of them don't look bad for the money. Until they get bid up to close to $200 (not including the shipping and $35 "professional boxing").

ryan_c

Yo.
Recently built up a 79 Schwinn Contintental (Chicago-made) w/ electro-forged frame. If yours is made in Taiwan, it is 80's, and you should go to that web site posted above and look up your serial number. Your decals are very 80's though, just for what its worth here's a pic of mine before I lowered the stem more (something which helps a lot with bullhorns - just drop the stem all the way, it looks fine on my 24" frame). Mine was originally in worse shape than yours, garunteed. Flipped and chopped radonneur bars, a rear wheel from Harris and a front wheel borrowed from my other bike are getting me by.

Im getting to know a bit about the old Schwinns, so feel free to drop me a PM anytime.

The plan now is either lime green, black, or flat black, but waiting until winter when I might be able to go a week or so without the bike to paint it.