Schwinn Traveler
 

I picked this up from a dude for $20. Needs a lot of work and my main concern is that the frame is going to need a little rust restoration. I have never really done any rust restoration on a frame. I know everyone says to use naval jelly or deck cleaner. Anyhow I honestly don't know what year is is but my guess would be a mid eighties bicycle. The stem is freaking ridiculous and I do not think I have any extras. I will have to figure something out for that. It's got 700c's however which s a plus. Can that saddle be restored? Nearly certain it's index which is nice but the negative is that there are actually braze on's for the shifters so single speeding it would be kind of wierd. It wouldnt look very clean. Let me know any thoughts. Thanks.

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122009.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122010.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122011.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122012.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122014.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/a...6SLT122015.jpg

That's an 1987 traveler. 4130 double-butted steel. 26 lbs spec weight. The Exage bits and the steps are not original to the bike (as is the saddle), and there were probably later upgrades. Clean it up and ride it. These are great all purpose bikes. If you want to know the original spec's look at this: http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...0/1987_17.html

It has DT shifter bosses, br.ons with the color, crank etc. seems like like an '89. the stem's been changed. It's a decent bike; chromoly, good group, 700 wheels as you've noted...etc. It's a worthy bike. I like naval jelly, some don't agree, I don't know why. It just works. There are other substances; AL. Jelly, others too. Stems are easy to find. Are you joking about the saddle ? Seriously, it should get the boot. Saddles can be had for a few bucks on e-bay. Twenty bucks is a steal for that bike. You'll need to check the spokes, a quick tightening and don't over do it, just a slight once over here and there.

Rust.
Try fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt.
We actually used this process to prep rusted samples for examination in a scanning electron microscope with amazing results.
HTH

+1 on the 89. I had the exact same bike. Only bigger.

IMO, I thought the Exage components were junky and could stand an upgrade. The frame was nice. I'd create an oxalic bath for the frame, put better components on it, and ride it if I were you.

Well, my concern is to make a little bit of money on this piece. I am 6'2, so probably not a goof fit for me lol. It's probably like a 50cm or so. Any thoughts on leaving the shifter bosses on after single speeding? I personally don't like it, but what else would I do? I am not too great with adjusting components.

I don't see a problem with leaving the bosses be if you decide to " fix it". You are too tall for it. It appears to be a 21", a size fora 5'8",9 or 10" at the most. You would need at least a 23"(57-9cm). As I'd stated, $20 ... zero risk. Leave the bike whole; clean it up and sell it in the spring if not sooner, spring's best. Exage was plain jane stuff but it worked OK. It's index which along with all else makes it a potentially hundredfifty dollar bike, easy. I suppose I should think that it depends on how hot your fixie market is. Or overall bike market.

If you are just looking to make a little coin, just clean it up and sell it complete in ready to ride condition. Or you could probably sell it as is for around $50.

I am not sure what I will do. I guess I will have to figure it out. I really enjoy single speeding bikes. But I also know that the market in Portland greatly likes them. I think it goes both ways for the most part though. This bike all cleaned up (depending on how well it cleans up, would bring $250 in Spring and Summer quite easily).

Sell it as is for 50.00. Put that towards another flip bike that needs nothing and make the money off it. Dont do any work unless you have to.

+1 Bike is in pretty rough condition for a rebuild. I normally buy bikes in that condition as donors, and then swap the parts to a frame in better condition. The condition of the frame and paint to me determine whether I rehab a bike. For the $20 price you paid, I see some nice reusable parts if you go that direction.

I actually think the frame is going to clean up quite nicely by quickly looking it over. I may had some 700c tires that will work on this bike. I also have a set of "v" style wheels off of one of those super ridiculous GMC Denali bikes that I have to clean up that would look pretty sweet on this frame. I just wish it didn't have the shifter bosses on the frame. I think I will still SS it. But who knows, I may change my mind.