Ahhh screw it, I'm just gonna piggy back on your thread.
Exact same bike from the
thread bent mentions. Same color, which is interesting. It seems that Schwinn must've had some Passage frames left over in 1987, and just sprayed them with the Voyager Imperial Rose color. Seems the serial on the frame indicates it was built in 1986, but assembled in 87.
I got mine from a guy on CL who had it hanging in his garage and just wanted rid of it. For $90 I was gonna flip it, but after riding it.....well I just had to keep it. Seems all original as well, just a lot of dust, cobwebs and some old road grime in the usual hard to reach places. Not a speck of rust, a few minor scratches from bike racks, but overall a real gem.
I gave it good cleaning, adjusted the shifters and brakes and gave the chain some much needed lube. The bolts on the rear blackburn rack were completely stripped, so I removed them and got some new ones from the local Ace. Pics don't show the rack, but it's the same as bent's above. The brake pads were also pretty hard from just sitting for years, so I took a file and gave them some work. They seem better, but I feel like I'll need to replace them.
I road it down to the local LBS and got a spare tube and they had some $10 toe clips and straps, so I had to get those as well. After installing the clips, I took it out for my first real ride. I was completely surprised at how much different having my feet tied in really makes. Just having my feet secure on the pedals feels real good, and the extra power is great. Having the typical getting in the clips troubles after stopping, but some repetition will alleviate that I'm sure.
18 miles later and I'm completely happy I kept the bike. My old bike was a cheap MTB with road tires, so this thing is miles better. My legs are again hurting...after 2+ months on the MTB, the new riding position is working some new muscles. Hills are much easier, I feel like I'm flying on the straight and level...I hope nobody saw me because I was probably grinning like an idiot.
Planned upgrades? Some new tires, something with some better tread for wet roads when winter comes. A set of panniers for utility work and maybe a weekend camping tour? And maybe a new seat...maybe.
Some cell phone pics:
