fury413rb

Hey everyone - I haven't posted much.

My dad working at Hobart Cycles in Indiana back in late 70s thru the early 80s while in college.

Ordered this brand new and swapped parts out as they failed and whatever came in the shop for free. I got it and rode it all through college and its been sitting in my attic for about the last 7 years.

I finally got it out last weekend as he just had double hip surgery and made me nostalgic talking to him and and I want to get it on the road again. While he is recovering I picked up two large frame Superiors for him. One a chrome stripped frame and another somewhat complete bike. I mainly want to get this back together for me to ride for fun.



Here it is in its current state.

So far I can tell the following has been swapped or replaced.

• Crank is rx100
• FD is deore XT
• RD is GT300 Long Cage LeTour (return spring is broken)
• Cassette is stock uni-glide
• Rear wheel is stock
• Front wheel is a belgian replacement
• Clear is flaking

I know this thing was ridden an a lot by my dad until he replaced it in 1999 with a couple Cannondales.



Not too worried about cost - bike is more sentimental to me than anything.

I am thinking about replacing the RD with a 7400 Dura-Ace thats on ebay right now. Any reason why I shouldn't? I should be able to adjust the limits for the 6 speed cassette and with a 7400 I then get wrap adjustment.

fury413rb

Here are some pics after pulling her down out of the attic

TenGrainBread 

If it were me I would try to rehab those components before purchasing replacements. It's mostly good stuff. That Tange aero headset and the Altus downtubers are pretty dang cool!

Replace the consumables and rusted/worn parts (rear cogs, cables, bar tape, tires, saddle, etc...), clean and repack bearing interfaces, and shine her up!

bikemig 

I'd overhaul the bike, replace the consumables, and try to reuse as many of the parts as possible. You can find a much replacement than that dura ace for that bike that will do the job just fine.

fury413rb

thanks guys - The only reason I was going to replace the RD is the main return spring is broken. It broke in 2008 when I last rode the bike. I was bidding on a couple for parts but I impulse bought a 7400 Dura-Ace RD for $26 shipped off ebay this morning. I dont have to use it but it seemed so cheap. Pretty sure 7400 spanned 6,7 and 8 speed?

Is there anywhere to source springs for old shimano derailleurs? lol My original plan was to cannibalize another GT300/400. I dont think the cassette warrants a long cage but that's whats on it now.

ColonelJLloyd 

Stem, (assume bar), calipers, seatpost, shifters and rear wheel are original. Front hub and brake levers could be original, but I can't tell from the pic. The rest of the components are not original. Original freewheel was probably a 13-28t 6s SunTour.

Not a single solitary component on my '81 11.8 is original at this point.

You can build it up any number of ways. Mine has seen fixed duty to 10s Campy (briefly) and lots in between. I still consider a Rival or Force 22 build on it from time to time.

Lascauxcaveman 

If the RD, is busted, the DA one you bought should be a fine replacement. Although putting up a for trade or WTB listing in the forums might net you an original in working condition for a decent price. Don't throw away the broken unit, offer it up for parts on the Pay it Forward thread

If you want to make you rims match, the original Araya one you have on the rear is super common and you should be able to find one cheap at your local bike co-op.

fury413rb

That would be a fun modern build-up. I have been considering doing something similar on the stripped Superior frame I just picked up for my dad.

I do believe the cassette is original. Its called a uniglide, right? Here is the original spec sheet from the advert. Also, the gold color matches in the picture although mine is fairly dirty/dark. Its called out here in the freewheel section as a "shimano freehub" and also in the hub section as a "freehub" in the rear. Somewhat redundant but I dont believe a freewheel would have been original. My dad worked in a bikeshop in college and thats where the majority of the parts swapping occurred back in the early-mid 80s.

ColonelJLloyd 

You (with Schwinn's help) are confusing/misusing the terms cassette, freewheel and freehub. That said, yes, it's likely that your 6 speed freewheel is original.

fury413rb

This is what I thought

freewheel = "ratchet" inside the sprocket cluster
freehub = "ratchet" inside the hub and a cassette on the splined hub body

I know ratchet isn't the right word but I'm just trying to make my thoughts clear.

I thought this bike had uniglide on it? I will check when I get home.

Iowegian

I have a chrome 11.8 that I think was mostly original when I bought it. I've stripped the parts so if you're looking to return it to original spec let me know and I'll see what I have.

fury413rb

Thank you. I will let you know if I need anything!

rekmeyata

You have a very nice bike that when restored would look fantastic. Go on line and you can read about how to restore the chrome finish on the bike.

I definitely would not modernize it, that would ruin the beauty, simplicity, and the originality of the bike.

I had a friend who bought one of those way back in 80 brand new and he only rode it maybe a dozen times, I often wonder whatever happened to that bike. I love the look of those all chrome bikes, they're so cool looking.

mstateglfr 

The 11.8 bikes came with a Shimano freehub. It was basically their first version of a freehub and wasnt interchangable with any later freehubs. Dead technology.
For sure cassette and freehub technology on the 11.8s. If an 11.8 has a freewheel, it isnt the original hubs.

fury413rb

Ah ok. Thanks!

ColonelJLloyd 

I've encountered that early freehub, but didn't remember it being on the 11.8. I suppose that makes sense considering I replaced whatever wheelset it came to me with in short order.

fury413rb

Here are some more pictures. You can see the broken/cracked leg on the spring in the derailleur. I believe the brake levers and the bars are original. The marks in the bars are from a sent of aerobars that used to be on the bike.

Fahrenheit531 

I too have a heavily non-original 11.8 that started off exactly as the catalog page above. It seems quite happy with a "Suntour blend"... Cyclone RD, ARX FD, Powershift DT shifters. I found the original Altus stuff distinctly unsatisfying.

Overall a really solid bike. Set it up with components you like and you'll have a fine rider.

fury413rb

are these the correct brake hoods?

https://www.amazon.com/Dia-Compe-Dia.../dp/B003UWCTIG

Pompiere

I have some of the Cane Creek hoods and while the fit is not perfect, it is acceptable and they are inexpensive.

mstateglfr 

Yeah, i have those in black on mine.

fury413rb

Sounds good, thanks. They should be good enough to get it going for now so I will order a set.

I should have it back on the road this weekend!

fury413rb

I thought koolstop made inserts or replacement pads for these but I cant seem to find them online or searching here.

How are the Dia Compe grey matter pads? They have ok reviews on Amazon.

fury413rb

edited: doubletap

fury413rb

I wont do anything drastic. I really am only changing the RD as the spring broke. I am replacing it with a mid 80's DuraAce so it wouldnt be too out of place. If I can get a spring or another parts RD I may put the old one back one.

They were intended for 5 speed I believe and I remember having a hard time getting it to hold in high gear. But it has been a handful of years since I have ridden it.

So far I have bought a red jagwire cable set, black cork bar tape, brown repro brake hoods, dia compe grey matter pads, new chain, a brown charger spoon saddle, and more aluminum and chrome polish!