1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, Full Chrome
11-03-17, 08:12 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,127
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3359 Post(s)
Liked 3,638 Times
in
1,244 Posts
1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, Full Chrome
Good morning, C&V!
Last weekend my lovely partner and I took a wonderful trip up to the UP of Michigan. The main event was staying in a cute little cabin, and hiking to some gorgeous waterfalls in the snowy woods, but on the way back I stopped in a little town on the shore of Portage Lake to pick up something a little special.
The item in question, if you can guess from the thread title, was a 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, in full chrome!
The seller was a really nice man who's brother passed a few years ago; this bike belonged to that brother, and I am under the assumption that he was the original owner.
The bike appears to be almost bone-stock, with the exception of an Ideale 80 leather saddle.
Last night, I finally got a chance to take a good look at it and do a bit of cleaning up, seeing what exactly I had in my possession.
It turns out that what I have is an incredible example of a bike, I'm honestly quite shocked at how great of shape it is in after 40 years. The drivetrain, in particular, is incredibly dirty in places, but even the worst offending parts start to shine with a bit of effort and a lot of mineral spirits.
The rear rim is a bit too far gone for me to consider the effort it would take to save it. I am really trying to get away from 27" wheels anyways, so I'm not too heartbroken. Assuming that the hubs are in good shape, I will salvage those, and possibly lace them to some nice shiny 700c rims in the future.
The only thing that I found that was discouraging is a very stuck stem. I really hope I don't have to cut this out, as 21mm stems aren't exactly plentiful, and I would like to keep it.
So! Here are my plans for this bike:
- 700c conversion
- Fenders (VO Hammered, 45mm)
- Nitto B132 bars
- Wide range double crank (extended future plan)
But, enough talk! Pictures!
Last weekend my lovely partner and I took a wonderful trip up to the UP of Michigan. The main event was staying in a cute little cabin, and hiking to some gorgeous waterfalls in the snowy woods, but on the way back I stopped in a little town on the shore of Portage Lake to pick up something a little special.
The item in question, if you can guess from the thread title, was a 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, in full chrome!
The seller was a really nice man who's brother passed a few years ago; this bike belonged to that brother, and I am under the assumption that he was the original owner.
The bike appears to be almost bone-stock, with the exception of an Ideale 80 leather saddle.
Last night, I finally got a chance to take a good look at it and do a bit of cleaning up, seeing what exactly I had in my possession.
It turns out that what I have is an incredible example of a bike, I'm honestly quite shocked at how great of shape it is in after 40 years. The drivetrain, in particular, is incredibly dirty in places, but even the worst offending parts start to shine with a bit of effort and a lot of mineral spirits.
The rear rim is a bit too far gone for me to consider the effort it would take to save it. I am really trying to get away from 27" wheels anyways, so I'm not too heartbroken. Assuming that the hubs are in good shape, I will salvage those, and possibly lace them to some nice shiny 700c rims in the future.
The only thing that I found that was discouraging is a very stuck stem. I really hope I don't have to cut this out, as 21mm stems aren't exactly plentiful, and I would like to keep it.
So! Here are my plans for this bike:
- 700c conversion
- Fenders (VO Hammered, 45mm)
- Nitto B132 bars
- Wide range double crank (extended future plan)
But, enough talk! Pictures!
Last edited by abshipp; 11-03-17 at 09:59 AM.
11-03-17, 08:12 AM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,127
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3359 Post(s)
Liked 3,638 Times
in
1,244 Posts
More pictures!
11-03-17, 08:37 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,337
Bikes: 1962 Carlton Franco-Suisse Custom,1968 Raleigh DL-1/Tourist, 1971 Holdsworth Professional, 1973 Holdsworth Mistral,1973 Raleigh Gran Sport,1974 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1993 Trek 2200 Composite, 2011 Trek 7.3FX
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
i've owned two of these bikes, one black, one blue. The black one I traded and the blue one I sold. LOVED them both. Great riding bikes. They are highly underrated in my mind.
11-03-17, 09:14 AM
#4
Senior Member
Good for you! Pics don't show for me though.
Hope too the stem comes out. They are 21. Not the common 22.2
I am still on the hunt for an 80 Voyageur 11.8 if you have center pull brakes the conversion will not be a problem.
Hope too the stem comes out. They are 21. Not the common 22.2
I am still on the hunt for an 80 Voyageur 11.8 if you have center pull brakes the conversion will not be a problem.
11-03-17, 09:43 AM
#5
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
165 Posts
That's probably the nicest LeTour I've ever seen. Great score!
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
11-03-17, 10:33 AM
#6
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,015
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 802 Times
in
391 Posts
Very nice! And the "afters" will be epic! 
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
11-03-17, 10:50 AM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,127
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3359 Post(s)
Liked 3,638 Times
in
1,244 Posts
For whatever reason, picture hosting services seem to be a bit of a crap shoot on here. Here is a link to an album:
https://imgur.com/a/ABeOK
Side pulls on this one, although I need longer reach for the 700c conversion, so maybe this will get a set of centerpulls. Any recommendations for decent affordable centerpulls? Mafac Racer R3 look like a good candidate. Although if the stem doesn't come out, I won't be able to get a cable hanger on there anyways
Thank you! It is really cleaning up well. I'll try to be quick with the cleanup
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I said above, I need a long-reach brake in the back in order for the 700c conversion to work. Does anyone have a suggestion for what to do about this? Replace rear only? Replace both?
11-03-17, 04:27 PM
#8
Senior Member
Very nice bike. very well taken care of. I like the adjusters on the brake levers. I personally like 27 1/4 wheels over presta 700c. Could be bc of the rural roads in my Neck of the woods.
11-03-17, 04:41 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Earlville, IL
Posts: 660
Bikes: Some Schwinns, Raleighs, Centurions, Crescent, Bianchi
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
125 Posts
Beautiful bike! I have a blue one that I just restored. It's my favorite bike. I was just in Rockford yesterday. I'm about 45 miles from you.
11-03-17, 06:48 PM
#11
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,525
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
Actually vintage stems that size are relatively available. There are many on eBay right now, many at reasonable prices. I’ve sold several myself over the years.
11-03-17, 09:43 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
I've never had a 'bad' pair of center pulls, MAFAC, Weinmann, DiaCompe; all have worked great. Some of the DiaCompes are prettier than others, though. New Koolstop pads willow course be an upgrade over whatever old dried, cracking blocks are on there now.
I've got a pair of those LeTour high flange hubs I haven't gotten around to building on yet. They seem to be a lot better quality than the steel rims they came laced to!
The chrome on that bike is in pretty remarkable condition. I thought the UP was know for its harsh and damp climate? Maybe the bike was stored properly. I'm pretty jealous here@abshipp; you've got one of the bikes on "my list" and in my size, too.
I've got a pair of those LeTour high flange hubs I haven't gotten around to building on yet. They seem to be a lot better quality than the steel rims they came laced to!
The chrome on that bike is in pretty remarkable condition. I thought the UP was know for its harsh and damp climate? Maybe the bike was stored properly. I'm pretty jealous here@abshipp; you've got one of the bikes on "my list" and in my size, too.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 11-03-17 at 09:47 PM.
11-04-17, 04:26 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Bush, Louisiana
Posts: 568
Bikes: 1984 Centurion Elite GT 15, 1985 Centurion Ironman Dave Scott, 1983 Diamond Back Ridge Runner, 1985 Mongoose ATB, 1987 Ross Centaur, 1986 Raleigh Marathon
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 190 Post(s)
Liked 76 Times
in
39 Posts
Beautiful find!!! That bike looks to be too well preserved for the stem to be stuck though. Did you try giving the bolt a sharp whack with a small wooden mallet, or something similar after loosening it? Most times that's what it takes to break the wedge inside the steerer tube free.
11-04-17, 08:42 AM
#15
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,700 Times
in
936 Posts
Beautiful bike!!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
11-04-17, 09:51 AM
#16
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,403
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
Lovely example of a well-preserved chrome Super Le Tour! 25" too. Glad you were able to pick it up! A bit of spray detailer or chrome cleaner should have that thing sparkling!
11-04-17, 06:26 PM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,127
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3359 Post(s)
Liked 3,638 Times
in
1,244 Posts
Thanks for the picture, those do look nice!
Beautiful find!!! That bike looks to be too well preserved for the stem to be stuck though. Did you try giving the bolt a sharp whack with a small wooden mallet, or something similar after loosening it? Most times that's what it takes to break the wedge inside the steerer tube free.
I've never had a 'bad' pair of center pulls, MAFAC, Weinmann, DiaCompe; all have worked great. Some of the DiaCompes are prettier than others, though. New Koolstop pads willow course be an upgrade over whatever old dried, cracking blocks are on there now.
I've got a pair of those LeTour high flange hubs I haven't gotten around to building on yet. They seem to be a lot better quality than the steel rims they came laced to!
The chrome on that bike is in pretty remarkable condition. I thought the UP was know for its harsh and damp climate? Maybe the bike was stored properly. I'm pretty jealous here@abshipp; you've got one of the bikes on "my list" and in my size, too.
I've got a pair of those LeTour high flange hubs I haven't gotten around to building on yet. They seem to be a lot better quality than the steel rims they came laced to!
The chrome on that bike is in pretty remarkable condition. I thought the UP was know for its harsh and damp climate? Maybe the bike was stored properly. I'm pretty jealous here@abshipp; you've got one of the bikes on "my list" and in my size, too.
Good to hear about the hubs, I will probably only be using the rear as I would like a dynamo on the front, but I will keep it around. I love the look of high flange hubs, though, so I would hate to not use it on the front.
I was quite shocked at how good of shape it is in as well. I don't know how long it had been in the UP, but I was told that it sat for a number of years inside a storage shed.
I bought some chrome polish, but I was wondering if I should just use rubbing compound instead?
11-04-17, 06:32 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 4,127
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 2020 Holdsworth Competition, 2022 Giant Trance 29 3
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3359 Post(s)
Liked 3,638 Times
in
1,244 Posts
I finally got to clean this up today. Initially, I was planning on just cleaning it up to not be embarrassing to be seen on, but when I discovered that I need new brakes for a 700c conversion, I decided to strip the whole thing down. I then took the opportunity to treat it with some frame saver.
Thankfully, there really were no surprises. A bit of a battle with a stubborn stem and bottom bracket was all that I came across. That and 40 year old grease
An bit of trivia: frame only weighs 5lbs, 6oz.
Here's some pictures of the stuff that got cleaned up:
Thankfully, there really were no surprises. A bit of a battle with a stubborn stem and bottom bracket was all that I came across. That and 40 year old grease
An bit of trivia: frame only weighs 5lbs, 6oz.
Here's some pictures of the stuff that got cleaned up:
11-04-17, 07:45 PM
#20
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,403
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
Thank you! In doing a bit of cleaning, it seems like there is a thin clear coat over the chrome that is flaking off in certain spots. Is that common for chrome to be clear-coated?
I bought some chrome polish, but I was wondering if I should just use rubbing compound instead?
I bought some chrome polish, but I was wondering if I should just use rubbing compound instead?
11-04-17, 09:11 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
I would upgrade your bottom bracket to a nice cartridge bearing Shimano UN55. They are around $30 and last a long time. Just measure your current spindles end to end to get the right length.
11-04-17, 09:42 PM
#23
Senior Member
11-04-17, 11:06 PM
#24
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,403
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
FYI, before you do anything regarding brakes, know that standard reach (47-57mm) calipers--single pivot or dual pivot--will work with 700C!!! I am running this on my clone '77 SLT 12.2. Works really well!
