Cuddles

Hi all. I've got 2 bikes here in need of some repair, but don't want to put the time into fixing both of them up right now (let along having the cash to do so)...

First bike: OLD (1970's?) Schwinn World Traveller, needs a new chain, new tires/tubes, new rims, new seat. Not sure what size it is (possibly a 26 or 27 inch?). Frame is in excellent shape, shifters/derailleurs look good, etc.

Second bike: 2000 Mongoose Cambridge, needs new shifters and derailleurs, as well as new tires/tubes (700x35c?). Sadly, this bike has one of those sucky "grip shifters" that seem so popular nowadays. This bike served me quite well for about 3 years as a daily commuter.

Whichever one I end up fixing up will be my "new" daily commuter bike. About 15 miles round-trip daily, along well-kept roads and bike paths.

Sudden thought: Would it be possible to take the shifters off the "old" bike, and put them on my "newer" bike instead of those stupid "grip shifters"?

So... Which one would you suggest I fix up? And no, I'm not interested in all the "get a real bike" replies, since there's no way I can afford shelling out $500+ for a bike in the near future. Besides, I'd rather not run the risk of getting something that expensive stolen.

Thanks in advance!

Sydney_A_Muppet

Do the Schwinn World traveler. It's got german history and american class. That chinese mongoose is a fraud. Muppets respect lineage of quality and class. That particular mongoose with gripshift is not up to snuff.

The traveler is likely a 27".

Don't shell out 500 bucks for a "real bike" , the Schwinn IS a real bike. keep it alive and treat it well, it will treat you well in return.

Cuddles

Okay... The only problem I have with fixing up the Schwinn is the fact that BOTH rims are BADLY bent (we're talking major bends, the front wheel won't even turn completely, and the back wheel rubs terribly). So where could I get a new set of rims for it?

Note: I live in a VERY rural area (there's cows in my backyard!), and the nearest LBS is about 150 miles away.

schang

eBay? Or another online vendor... nashbar has good sales and you might coax a cheap wheelset out of them.

cuda2k

Got new wheels for my 80 Traveler (pics in sig) from BikePartsUSA.com. Picked up two wheels and a new 6speed freewheel for around $70.

froze

2 new wheels for $70 is cheap. You may want to head to BikePartsUSA.com and check that out. But I agree with everyone else, fix the Traveller. I had a Traveller and it was a nice comfortable bike although some of the parts that came on it where cheap so I had to replace those over time, and some where good parts, but the frame was well made. Also the Traveller won't lose anymore of its value and could actually increase whereas the Mongoose will never do that...if that means anything. I guess what I'm trying to say is that on classic value of the Traveller with it's steel frame and lug construction, the Traveller is the one I would fix.

Cuddles

Okay... Would it be possible to use the wheels off the Mongoose on the Schwinn? They're in great shape (other than needing new tubes/tires). I need the bike shortly (like NOW), and really can't afford the $50-70 for new wheels at the moment.

HillRider

If you can't afford $50 for new wheels, you can't afford to fix either bike, based on what you said they need. The parts list for either will way exceed $50. New tubes and tires for the Mongoose will cost at least that much.

schang

Well, can't hurt to try... take the front wheel off the Mongoose, put it in the front fork of the Schwinn, and see if the brakes reach (or can be made to reach by moving the pads). Maybe you're lucky enough to have some long-reach brakes that will accomodate your 700c wheels.

froze

Most 80's bikes came with medium to long reach calipers; you will of course have to move the pads to their max position to get them to work. If by some chance you don't have medium to long reach calipers there is a extension bracket available at LBS's that can make it work.

Cuddles

Success!!! The wheels from the Mongoose fit the Schwinn like a glove!

Pics of the Schwinn (pre-teardown for cleaning/repainting) available here.

So... All I need now are tubes/tires, chain, and cables. Thanks again for all the help folks!

(Crudpuppies! Filter got me on the url... It's https://www.flowerseat s * * t.com/bike/before)

Cuddles

Okay, new problem...

I can't get the seatpost or the handlebars off the frame! Took the bolts loose, used a LOT of oil, but they won't budge! Any suggestions?