driftwoodtx

Hi, all. I recently bought a "new" vintage 1971 Schwinn Super Sport in mint condition from someone on the east coast. It was shipped UPS, with insurance. Unfortunately, they did an awful job packing it and it suffered substantial damage. The claim process includes me taking it to a bike shop for an estimate of what it will take to restore it to the condition in which it was shipped. Presumably they will issue me a check to repair it, up to the maximum insurance amount. Being a very new biking enthusiast and not too educated in all-things-bike, I'm not familiar with many shops around Redondo/Torrance etc. Any recommendations?

To give you an idea of the damage, it includes: 1) large scrapes and paint chipping on fork, tubes, etc (including right smack in the middle of what were pristine decals), bent seat frame and puncture holes in the top of the seat, bent fenders, and a big dent in the chainguard. I'm not even sure if they damaged the derailleur or chainrings yet as I haven't been able to put it together to test it (pending UPS inspection).

I'd post pics, but it is too depressing. I'll wait until I get it fixed up again.

Thanks for any input, advice, or help you can provide.

old and new

Just keeping your post alive here. I had a bike , two at least actually that were really packed wrong, thrown in a box like junk. The one was so bad, I've yet to start assembling it. You pursued the Ins. route, a good thing. Your bike is a good one, worth the aggravation for what that's worth. I don't focus on my regional area forum here. You may want to post yet another in your region, after all it's a mega-center in cycling. To use a catchy phrase like help with Super Sport (Schwinn sounds bland) or whatever. The key IS to find a competent , willing shop. I've one or two nearby that're great. My brother lives in Venice, his dudes good too .. yeah, like that's relavent to your area. I've happened upon not so good ones too.

driftwoodtx

Thanks for giving the thread a bump. I was real excited about the bike up until the point I opened it. Kinda like rain on a parade. I'm really glad I opted for insurance as my instinct is usually to forgo the expense. The bike-fairy must have been looking out for me.

Well, Venice is certainly in my region. What was the name of the shop? What kind of work did your brother have done? I'm in the South Bay/Beach Cities area where most of the shops seem focused on Cruisers or new road bikes and picking any one of them would be a crapshoot.

headlight

Here's a recommendation for you. It's not that far from the South Bay. Lakewood Cyclery on 4313 E. Carson st. in Long Beach (near LBCC). This is a 1 man used bike shop. I've been dealing with Ben(?) for a few years now as I have been restoring/refurbishing bikes like yours. He has been very reasonable with prices and has even let me use some of his tools! He has TONS of used parts (especially small parts) for old bikes. Give him a try.

Drew

headlight

Well, just check this out!

sale-ghkjn-1386820416@craigslist.org

Or just type in the search "22.5 inch Schwinn Super Sport 1970's vintage frame"

Drew

driftwoodtx

Thanks for the suggestion headlight. I may just look up Ben when I get around to having the work done. Yesterday I found a shop that will give me the estimate I need for the insurance company. I'm undecided as to how much work I will have done in the near future (other than the absolutely necessary repairs). Cosmetic stuff can wait.

I saw that Schwinn SS on craigslist earlier, LOL. I'll let you go for it. Mine is a woman's bike -- made for a shrimp (19").

JTGraphics

Just were in south bay are you?

driftwoodtx

I'm in Manhattan Beach.

hemprider

Helens cycles, triathlon zombies both in manhattan beach.

JTGraphics

For old vintage bike parts you will need an old Mom & Pop type shop.

Try:
Dad's Bike Barn
2425 190th St, Redondo Beach, CA
(310) 376-6502

Gilbert's Bicycle
4011 W 182nd St, Torrance, CA (310) 214-6756

Corbins Redondo Bicycle
607 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-3226

driftwoodtx

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I'm checking out Mom & Pops.

Nessism

I recommend Bill Ron's...https://billronbikes.com/ Good guy from what I've heard and active in the South Bay bicycle community.

hemprider

Make sure you make an appointment if you go to billrons, i have never seen his shop open