Just an update. Some one was kind and posted pictures of the bike before I actually bought it. Photos posted by the seller didn't do anything for it. When I got it home I was amazed after an detailed inspection. It's like I stepped back to 1985 and am cleaning up a new bike. Original grease is still fine. Definitely stored indoors since new. I'm basically cleaning it and reassembling it. Zinc spokes are freckled. Don't know what to do about that. Derailleurs could be put back on the shelf. Like a time capsule . 1985 Schwinn Traveler.

Crumple up some aluminum foil, shiny side out, and rub each spoke. You might be surprised at the positive result. Or...

But two sets of stainless steel spokes and nipples and rebuild the wheels.

Yes, I agree with replacing with stainless spokes. I've never replaced more than 1 spoke. I'll have to think on that one. It is the best way to go considering the new like condition of the wheels.

I'm not sure it's worth the cost or effort to replace all of the spokes

I do the aluminum foil rub on oxidized spokes. If theres actual rust, I'll use Bar Keepers Friend (oxalic acid) with the foil. Probably not necessary but afterwards I neutralize the acid with Windex. Then I rub the spokes down with Never Dull wadding. I go back over with Never dull a couple times a year and that seems to keep any further corrosion under control.

I just bought a Fuji Gran Tourer in similar condition. Glad to learn about the spoke cleaning.

My traveler when I found it, pretty much in original condition.



Then I modified it and used it as a commuter bike.



And finally I built it up for a friend who still rides it with pleasure several years later.

I always like the threads that discuss a bike that I have or at least, a very similar one .

I have a 1988 Schwinn Traveler that I picked up in the late 90s. When I got it all it really needed was a "fluff & buff"! The guy I bought it from had taken reasonable good care of when he was riding it but it had suffered some for disuse. New cable sets, new tubes and tires brought it bake to life. for a while it was my go to ride! Sadly, that didn't last forever and eventually other bike were the focus of my attention .
On Friday night, when I was reading this thread, my interest in my Traveler was rekindled and this morning (Saturday), I pulled the Traveler out of the storage shed to see what it would take to be in ride ready condition. I was happy to find that all I really needed to do was wipe it down, air up the tires and mount up a set of pedals.
Anyway, here's a pic .

I did go out for a 22 mile ride on the Traveler. Technically, the frame is a bit large for me but with my calculated saddle height (+/-) my position is quite comfortable. In a perfect world, I'd install a stem with less reach. The shifting is near flawless and the brakes are better than those on most of my bikes. I really don't know why I don't ride this bike more .

P.S. before anyone tries to "shame" me, YES those are Spenco handle bar covers! I know that many will say "totally uncool" but, in reality, they are quite comfortable .

Yeah, I don't why this one was never ridden. No visible wear on chain rings or freewheel. I think the tires are original, maybe. Schwinn record dual hardness gumwalls. Definitely never been outside. I changed the bars to mtb bars and put a black b17 on it and left it at that. Only thing that suffered are the spokes. They're cleaning up okay.