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Improving an old Schwinn

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Improving an old Schwinn

Old 05-05-18, 04:49 PM
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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!



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Old 05-05-18, 05:03 PM
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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?


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Old 05-05-18, 05:08 PM
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I think that top bearing race needs its own locknut. Then the system might function. Might not too.
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Old 05-05-18, 05:38 PM
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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.
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Old 05-05-18, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
You are missing some parts on that headset. As a minimum you need spacers. None of the threads should be showing.
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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Old 05-05-18, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by seedsbelize
I think that top bearing race needs its own locknut. Then the system might function. Might not too.
The locknut is standing proud at the top of the stem. I’ll cut the stem down so that it all fits, never fear!
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Old 05-05-18, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by ryansu
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?
Nice build! It will be a good choice for a commuter or errand bike.

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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Old 05-06-18, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by n0+4c u3
Put the Ashtabula fork back on and get used to it, they ride very well if a bit on the heavy side.
Nope, no thanks. They ride ok in a straight line but wibble about on turns. Quite unnerving to me. Besides, I like to tinker with old bikes.
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