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Picked up a 1978 Schwwinn Traveler III

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Picked up a 1978 Schwwinn Traveler III

Old 03-22-17, 03:10 PM
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Picked up a 1978 Schwwinn Traveler III

Been having a bug to get a road bike (I have MTB's and a hybrid). I have been looking for several weeks, and anything under $100 (my budget) is usually junk. (I really wanted a Super Le Tour) That being said, I was willing to settle for a somewhat presentable Varsity tank (oh the memberries). Well, I came across this all-Japanese lightweight red tank for $80. Got it home last night and stripped it down to only the headset cups attached. This bike still had appeared to be attached to the original front tire and those "thing-a-ma-jiggers" that clean the tire tread bolted on the to center-pull calipers, and all the original reflectors and saddle (no wear or tears). Bike looked to be tossed around a garage a bit (lots of small paint scratches, but seldom, if ever ridden.) Some surface rust on the chrome bits, but it is cleaning up nicely. All in all, I say 7/10 condition. I want to take the freewheel off for a cleaning of it and the spoke guard, but my Shimano socket doesn't fit.

Anyway, I'll attach a pic or two when I put it back together. I just need to buy some tires and cables. Should have it back in one piece by the end of the weekend.

https://goo.gl/photos/396avYmcB2aJoSn77
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20170324_174749.jpg (96.2 KB, 58 views)

Last edited by restlessswind; 03-27-17 at 01:01 PM. Reason: added pics
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Old 03-22-17, 03:20 PM
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I'm guessing it has a freewheel, if you don't have the specific tool take it to a CV bike shop and they'll do it for you.
Whenever I take on a new project I remove the freewheel as a matter of course but not always necessary.
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Old 03-22-17, 03:21 PM
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If you post a close-up of the freewheel, I'm certain someone will be able to tell you exactly which tool you need. Being in Sacramento, that tool is undoubtedly at your local co-op, so you could just take it there, too. Nice score, and looking forward to pics!
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Old 03-22-17, 03:51 PM
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I was just thinking of running it to the Bicycle kitchen tonight. Thanks,.
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Old 03-22-17, 04:33 PM
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You want to take the freewheel off as it's easier to service the rear hub bearings which almost certainly should be done.
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Old 03-22-17, 04:39 PM
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Congrats! With a little work and time to make this bike your own, you will have a wonderful machine.
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Old 03-22-17, 05:18 PM
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Good luck with your preparations to make it roadworthy. Looking forward to your pics as my first 10-speed was a Traveller III from 78/79.

DD
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Old 03-23-17, 11:04 AM
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The bicycle kitchen had the socket. I easily got it off. They also had a pair of new gum walls for $10ea. I scored.
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Old 03-27-17, 01:04 PM
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got pics here:
https://goo.gl/photos/396avYmcB2aJoSn77
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Old 03-27-17, 01:40 PM
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Nice and complete. Is it a comfortable ride as is ? With some simple switches, you can easily drop a little weight and make the bike good for long rides. I will be spending a lot of time this summer on my 77 Le Tour II, much like your bike.
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Old 03-27-17, 01:52 PM
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Nice! My 78 Le Tour III gets the most riding time of any of my bikes, as far as I have been able to determine the only difference between it and the Traveller are quick release hubs and the Le Tour having two butted tubes. I have lots of fun on mine, you don't need an expensive toy to have a good time!
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Old 03-27-17, 04:09 PM
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I really don't find the weight of the bike an issue. I normally ride a 28lb Specialized Crossroads, but I like the speed better on the schwinn. Today will be my first commute home. I will get more of a sense when I ride home. The bike is a bit tall, but the stance seems comfortable. I don't like to reach down for the bars
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Old 03-27-17, 04:47 PM
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Your traveller looks nice. We have both a Traveller (with some number after it) and a very pretty white super le tour at the coop right now. The SLT undoubtedly rides better. The traveller is a bit heavy, has bolt on wheels, among other things. It's no slouch in the riding department though, and for under $100, you certainly didn't do badly. I think we're selling our fully restored, new wear items (tires, pads, bar tape, chain) traveller for $130 or $150, don't remember exactly. They're solid bikes.
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Old 03-27-17, 05:05 PM
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I always wanted an 80-81 black Super Le Tour. My best friend in Jr. high bought one brand new. I couldn't afford one. I recently came across one on Craigslist, but he wanted $250 for it. Had it been in pristine condition, I may have thought harder about buying it, but it was a campus beater.

Last edited by restlessswind; 03-27-17 at 05:10 PM.
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