Originally Posted by
HOOTs1980
So now I start over from scratch with the only knowledge of bikes I retained and that is start with a Chicago Schwinn.
As I see right now all it needs is new tires. I hate anything old rubber so the tubes ,rim protectors, brake pads and all old grease has to go.
I'll need a hand pump.. Any suggestions there?
I would like to keep this bike with all original or close to original as possible. Performance upgrades are not frowned on but this bike will probably never see more than 10 miles an hour and most of it will just be flat level city cruising within a few miles of home. I do live on a small hillside but that is only a block long.
So by all means keep any and all suggestions coming. I really do appreciate it.
Well, I think you're starting off pretty well:
#1 : A Chicago Schwinn is about as rock-solid a bike as you'll find anywhere. Aside from the "consumables" (tires, tubes, cables, brake shoes) it should last another 100 years easily. Use it to teach your great-grandchildren how bikes used tobe!
#2 : Keep it stock. Bikes have evolved since your Suburban was built and very few new parts are built to the same standards. The function is the same but details differ. Periodically there are questions about "I'd like to upgrade my bike with a modern gruppo". It can be done, but only if you are familiar with new and old parts and skilled in fabricating adaptors between somewhat incompatible systems.