Improving an old Schwinn
#1
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Improving an old Schwinn
I have a mid 60s gaspipe Schwinn that I think started out as a Speedster. It had been modified before I got it to use three piece cranks and it had aluminum rims. I bought it dirt cheap so I could play around with it. With the alu wheels and low gears it was pretty nice to ride but that *fork*. It had the flattened steel fork and was less than surefooted in turns. So I figured I’d get a different fork and see how it worked.
This morning I hit Recycled Cycles in Seattle and found an old Fuji fork that looked like it would work, for the decent price of $15. It is a little tall, and the Schwinn crown race may not be quite the right size for the Fuji fork. I have to measure it to see if a little reaming will be needed. Other than that, the fork bolted right in place. Can’t wait to test it!
This morning I hit Recycled Cycles in Seattle and found an old Fuji fork that looked like it would work, for the decent price of $15. It is a little tall, and the Schwinn crown race may not be quite the right size for the Fuji fork. I have to measure it to see if a little reaming will be needed. Other than that, the fork bolted right in place. Can’t wait to test it!
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#2
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Interesting project, I just finished building up a Schwinn Traveler III frame-set from the parts bin and a little help from Bike Works, no bites yet but when the sun comes out on a regular basis I think someone will snap it up as a campus bike or a commuter/errand runner. Good luck with your Schwinn - any idea how you'll use it?
IMG_3108 by Ryan Surface, on Flickr
IMG_3108 by Ryan Surface, on Flickr
#4
Thrifty Bill
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You are missing some parts on that headset. As a minimum you need spacers. None of the threads should be showing.
#5
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Nope, not missing parts. But yes, I need to cut the stem so that it fits. It was longer than the stock stem by about 12-15mm. I was simply fitting it all together to see how it would go.
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#6
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#7
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Interesting project, I just finished building up a Schwinn Traveler III frame-set from the parts bin and a little help from Bike Works, no bites yet but when the sun comes out on a regular basis I think someone will snap it up as a campus bike or a commuter/errand runner. Good luck with your Schwinn - any idea how you'll use it?
As for mine, given the upright bars I will be using it mostly for a slow-ride-on-trails bike. I also want to practice brazing on this frame, and add all the mod cons like bottle stops and cable guides. It’s all fun!
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#8
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
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