travelerbike

Hello everyone! I enjoyed reading some of the posts as I was looking for a Schwinn from the past, so I signed up! I bought what appears to be an all original 1975 Traveler from what I've read about online. I've read that 1975 was the first year for this model. The serial number is on the left rear axle hanger and there is no four digit code stamped on the head badge. The serial number is J426977, which would suggest September 1974. I did read somewhere that frames may have been stamped ahead of time. It is made in Japan. I have pics but don't see where to post them yet.

cb400bill

Welcome! You can self host your pics by clicking the Go Advanced button below and then attaching them using the paper clip icon.

52telecaster

you'll need to post 10 times before you can post a pic. i am anxiously waiting. i have a letour iii. made in the same factory i think.

52telecaster

i stand corrected!

travelerbike

Here's some pics of the Traveler. I look forward to everyone's thoughts.

pastorbobnlnh 

Welcome to BF and C&V.

The '70s Traveler was a very basic 10 speed, nothing very special, even all these years later. However, it is a solid and reliable bike which can provide you with great transportation, fine recreation, and even exceptional exercise (the heavier steel frame, cranks and rims help burn more calories).

If you need assistance tuning it up and keeping it running in tip-top shape, ask away and we will answer.

travelerbike

Thanks, I did read that it is considered mid range. I'm confused by the j4 serial number and no 4 digit code on the head badge if it is a 1975 bike.

rhenning

For what is worth the first year of a Schwinn Traveler was 1953. These are pictures of my 1953 and 1962 Travelers. Roger

Hudson308 

My understanding is that Schwinn didn't begin date-stamping the head badge until sometime in 1975.

wrk101

No. It was the entry level imported bike, kind of a Japanese interpretation of a Varsity. In most ways, it was better, but back then, people wanted Chicago Schwinns.

Mid level Schwinns back then had cromoly frame and alloy rims.

Serial numbers of the imported models tended to track the format of the original manufacturer. A lot of Japanese Schwinns were either made by Panasonic or Bridgestone. Who actually made it has no bearing on value.

9volt 

I had a red Traveler like this and liked riding it. It would have been a keeper if there weren't so many bikes here...

travelerbike

I appreciate and enjoy reading and learning what everyone can share. I was aware of the early travelers. I'm thinking that what I read on another site meant that this was the first ten speed traveler? I know it's not a valuable collectible. I haven't seen many 1975 complete models. I'm still not positive if it's a 75 and what the serial number means.

fietsbob

There are conversion kits to go to a 3 piece crank from the forged steel one piece..

9volt 

You're correct, it's Sept 74. Likely made in 74 and sold as a 1975:

https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1975.html

Metacortex

The (World) Traveler was introduced in 1972 and was the very first imported Schwinn. The name was changed from "World Traveler" to just "Traveler" in 1974. Even though the (World) Traveler had been available from 1972 through 1977 virtually unchanged (except for the name), it did not appear in any Schwinn catalogs until 1975. Your frame serial indicates an *October* 1974 stamp date, since unlike the Chicago Schwinn factory, Bridgestone (the builder of your bike) used the letter "I" in the serial number to indicate September.

Schwinn began stamping headbadges with assembly date codes at the start of production in 1976. No such stamp would appear on a 1974 or 1975 bike.

For reference here is the Oct. 1971 Schwinn Reporter (dealer newsletter) cover showing the announcement of the (World) Traveler for '72:



Here is a link to a copy of the 1972 World Traveler owner's manual: SLDB 1972 World Traveler Owners Manual Cover

Here is the first imported Traveler catalog appearance as seen in the 1975 Schwinn catalog:



Hope this helps!

rhenning

Since you brought up the World Traveler here are my 2. These were very nice bikes and came Dura Ace level components. One was saved from a trash day pick up and the other was just saved. Roger

wrk101

Thats a World Voyageur, not the World Traveler. World Traveler was their entry level import, World Voyageur was just the opposite, their upper end import. They were the two extremes.

rhenning

You are correct about the name. I grabbed the pictures from a folder called World and grabbed the wrong pictures. The World Travelers were more like a Japanese Continentals. I do have one of these and if I an find some pictures I will post them. Roger

travelerbike

Thanks for the good information. It helps me figure out what I have.

travelerbike

After removing the seat and handle bars, I found the name "le tour" on them and a couple other parts. I think I read that le tours were coming from Japan in 1974 also, apparently they shared parts. 09-74 is also on the handle bar neck.

Grand Bois

It would cost more than the bike is worth to convert to 3 piece.

travelerbike

Thanks, I'm going to keep it all original. Looks like opaque red touch up paint will be hard to find. Saw what looks like an original can NOS on Ebay for $100! Probably have to find a close match.

Hudson308 

Testor's makes a few different shades of red model paint. I would guess their gloss red is a close match. If not perfect, mixing it with one of their other shades should get you really, really close. Just remember that it will brighten a bit as it dries, so test it on a scrap plastic lid from something.

travelerbike

That's a good idea. I'll do that, thanks

wrk101

If you found the original touchup paint, first, most paints don't last for 40 years. Secondly, your paint has aged, so its not going to match the original anyway. NOS touchup paint that old is best used in a display case.