Swapping Out Groupset on '73 Schwinn Super Sport
 

I found a nice SS original but missing the Brooks B-15 saddle. The heavy bits have to go. I'm trying to get the weight down to 26 lbs.

Does anyone know if a Shimano 600 EX groupset (with axle) will fit? Any groupset suggestions under $200 that will work?

Thanks!

You could use the Shimano 600 bottom bracket with an adapter or keep the indestructible Schwinn bottom bracket using a conversion spindle.

Yup -- swap out the heavy crankset and install nice Japanese derailleurs and shift levers (barcons, maybe?), and you have a winner.

I like the idea of using a conversion spindle. Never swapped one out before. Is it as simple of pulling the old one and making it to the new Shimano 600 crank. Anything else I should consider?

Yes. The length of that spindle. The spindle in the link looks likemit is for a MMX crank which is single speed so it may not be long enough for the 600EX triple.

Other things to consider....You will very likely need 600EX with a nut type mounting and very long reach.

How will you mount the shifters to the frame?

Does the frame have a derailleur hanger or will you need to find a claw mount alloy derailleur of some type?

Are you changing the wheels? Will the slightly fatter QR axles fit in your frame and fork?

In 2009 I undertook a similar project with a 1973 24" Super Sport frameset, and got the weight down to 26.36 lbs. I used the TruVativ bottom bracket adapter and a Campagnolo Comp Triple group. The goal was having a rugged road bike with very wide range gearing.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...IMG5638med.jpg

Shown in low gear to emphasize the absurdity of the gearing. :twitchy:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...IMG5633med.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...IMG5637med.jpg

Thanks all. I'm not committed to the 600EX. I just happened to find a cheap 600 groupset. I'd like to first get the old Ashtabula crank out and replace and then take it from there.

How does the adapter Scooper used work (BTW, that's a check of a nice SS) Is it Campy specific or would I pull the old spindle, measure it, find another spindle and crank and find the same or similar adapter fitting the stock bottom bracket? I'd like to keep the stock BB if possible

As n mentioned, I'm not committed to the 600EX. If anyone's been down this road before and can offer an alternative, please chime in. Not sure I can swing a nice Campy setup that Scooper has right now.

Thanks again everyone

You would need to figure our what crankset you want to use and then find the bottom bracket that matches it.

Scooper used something like this and just putt he bottom bracket that matched his in it. It bolts to itself through the shell and allows you to thread a regular bottom bracket into it. Euro to American aluminum alloy Bicycle Bottom Bracket Adapter - SILVER ANODIZED | eBay

Got it. Thanks. I found a video online. Looks like I'll need to knock out the old cups and it screws in. Having said that, would this work with the 600EX crankset.

I'm not sure if it would work for a triple but the 128mm conversion spindle I referenced was originally released by Schwinn in 1974 and was specifically designed to support the Le Tour (Takagi built double plateau with ~JIS tapers) crankset on the Super Sport (and Varsity, Continental and World Traveler):

http://i67.tinypic.com/2hdry9z.jpg
https://s26.postimg.org/yc7v1r0d5/Le...rank_Large.jpg

Is that the same spindle they used on the Sport Limited?

It is precisely that.

I did the conversion on 2 Super Sports and found the adapter type Bianchigirll references to be a much better fit(perfect fit) than the Tru Vativ kit which needed modification to work in the Schwinn shell. Believe this is the one I liked....http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBS-Bottom-B...AAAOxyjxlTKjWx

Think I used a 115mm cartridge BB with a Veloce Campagnolo triple crank on my 66 SS. Don't remember what size I used with a Shimano 600 crank on the 71 SS.


Don

I had no problems installing the TruVativ adapter in the Super Sport BB shell, and it works beautifully.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...08/BBShell.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...versionKit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...CIMG5608sm.jpg

Problem I had was a ridge or step on the inside of the 1966 SS BB shell that reduced the diameter below that of the adapter, preventing full insertion. So adapter stuck out about 3/16" on each side. The 71 SS also had the ridge. Found some pics from my overhaul, but only 1 shows the ridge and its not a close up. The kit I ended up using on both bikes, was this one, which has 4 bolts vs 3 on other kits and it was a good fit that cleared the step. Don

Searched further and found this that shows the step.

Hmmm. Interesting. My '73 doesn't have that. Weird.

Great info and pics. Not going with a triple. If anyone has a line on a lighter crankset, let me know. As mentioned, I'm not committed to the 600.

Thanks!

I see a number of reasonably price Campy cranksets on eBay. They're right around 120mm with 170 to 175 arms. Square and tapered spindles. Does anyone know what length fits an SS or will the adapter work regardless of length? Also, I take it I'll need an Italian to US adapter?

The crank arms don't care what threading is on the bottom bracket cups. They DO care what the square taper angle is on the spindle ends, but there are even some examples where those can be interchanged. The only non-tapered square spindle ends I'm aware of were used on the unique Lambert/Viscount bikes.

A couple others mention the step, but just let the adapter stick out. Appears it is a problem on 1965-1971 SS for sure.

I cut the excess off, but scratched up the adapter in the process and didn't like the hacked appearance, so just ordered 2 of the other type when doing my 71.

Once you get into renovating one of these SS, it ends up costing more $$ than you expected, even when you got the bike cheap and have all kinds of used, slightly beat up, quality parts available. The result is still a nice vintage bike with a Cadillac ride though. Don

You're right, although I like those frames and the opaque blue paint. I know the bike won't be worth what I put into it but I'm old and just chase what I like plus, as most can tell by some of the questions I've asked, this be my first attempt at putting a bike together without its original parts. I'm learning from you all. As an added bonus, the weather here in Detroit is still nice so working conditions and my beer supply continue to facilitate my attempts at finding or building the ultimate vintage ride!

If you think I can use a 115mm spindle, I'll start chasing after one. I thought the Campy bits would be high cost but it looks prices are reasonable. I certainly wouldn't mind having a Veloce set on the bike. I'm not sure of what a cartridge-type spindle is, however.

Also, If I use a 115mm spindle, am I committed to triple chainrings because of the length?

The current conversion spindle listed now on ebay is for a 137mm spindle. Will this one still work on the Super Sport? The conversion spindle was referenced above as being 128mm, but maybe this was for an older/expired ebay listing.