That's the thing, I can't...it's a nut-squisher. But the TT seems ok, my arms are slightly bent and feels fine.

Maybe you should consider a slightly longer stem and larger barset.

I'm 5'9 as well and I think I have the same size Passage. I also ride a Trek 500 and a Sekai 2400 in similar size and find each is different. I am just touching the top bar on the passage (30" pants inseam) and the seat is just a couple inches over the bar. When riding it is a really nice ride, very stable no hands type touring bike. I would ride it as you can always flip later. It is very hard to find a real touring bike (cantilevers and 3 bottle cages) for reasonable $'s.

I wouldn't ditch the car, cycling all the time to work isn't always feasible depending on weather, after work commitments, bike broken down, etc.

Those Schwinn Passages were fantastic bikes; if it fits and you like it then why flip it? Those bikes are not exactly easy to come by and you got it for great price. The Tennax frame was a great frame, though a tad heavy due to having to support the weight and rigors of touring, but still a great frame at least equal to anything out there today for touring purposes.

Ok, so then say I'm going to keep it...is it possible to get the correct pedal cages/straps for it? After some looking it seems you can only buy new pedals and not just straps...but I'm surely wrong about that.

If you want the original style quill pedals with straps and clips you can still buy those and get then new or NOS. MKS Sylvan makes some really nice ones including a beautiful copper cage and body set that cost only about $45 a pair...not real high end as far as weight and bearing smoothness but plenty adequate. You can even get copper colored bottle cages from Tanaka. It's a great look for those with Brooks B17 seats that have the copper rivets.

Here is a site with a bunch of quill style pedals: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...2&category=113

Otherwise if you want the original specd pedals go to E-bay and you can find them NOS or NIB if you look long enough. The original pedals were SR SP-250 that were alloy semi platform pedals.

Thank you for the info rekeyata.

I'm keeping it. I put my crappy MTB up on CR with a high-ish but fair price, and it sold in an hour(for full price no less), so I'm kinda devoted now.

Besides the pedals, I think I need some new brake pads. Since it was stored for so long w/o being ridden, the rubber is like a rock and stopping power is lacking, at best. The marking on the brakes say "Dia-Compte", any idea where I can find some new ones to replace them?

And a big thanks to all in the C&V...I've learned a lot and have somewhat converted from a person who thought I needed to get a carbon fiber superbike to an appreciation of the older, yet still worthwhile bikes.

Oh...and another question. These are 27" tires, what kind of tubes do I need? I know....27" tubes is the answer, but are they readily available at my LBS or Walmart, or do I need to head to Amazon or somewhere and order some now before I need one?

First on the brake pad issue, try rubbing the braking surface with an emery pad first and get the top micro layer off and see how they work. If that fails then go to your LBS and see if they have pads or know where to get them, I would have to see the pads to know what your's are. I think Kool Stop makes the Salmon pad that will fit those brakes.

The cool thing about 27" tires is that 700c tubes fit as long as they have schrader valves. Again your LBS will know that and steer you to the right size. You can use a presta valve tube but you would have to purchase a grommet that fits into the schrader valve hole opening in the rim to convert it to presta; not a big deal since the grommets only cost about a $1 or so for a pair; see: http://www.amazon.com/Schrader-Prest.../dp/B000XNZU1S

And 27" inch tires are not an issue but there are more cheap quality tires then good ones in that size. The best quality tire for the money is the Pararacer Pasela TG, this is a very nice tire designed for commuting and light to medium touring with excellent flat protection and cost about $30; see: http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Pase...acer+pasela+tg I use those on my 85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe. You can get even nicer touring tires made for heavy touring but their more expensive and weigh at least twice as much but will last a long time with superior flat protection, these are called Schwalbe Marathon.

This might be a good time to move the conversation over to the main C&V forum, where it will get more attention. Oh, they will expect new photos :)

Nice score Bahnzo!