Back In The saddle
 

Started riding several years ago on a Raleigh 3 speed. Bought a 70's Schwinn World Sport 10 speed yesterday. It is in OK shape. Patina and scratches. I will be using it for light exercise and recreation. Looking for a comfortable seat to replace the "Union" brand set it came with. A brooks would be nice but costs more than the bike.

I don't plan to restore it, just keep it in good repair. The Raleigh was nice but too small and low gear was not low enough for our hills. My former bikes were a brand new 1961 Schwinn Continental and then an early 70's Mercier 10 speed I bought I bought new when I was in college. Lost it in a house fire.

The 24" framed World Sport is too tall for me as I have shrunk 1-1/2", so will be looking for a bike with a 21" or 22" frame.

I looked at Sheldon Brown's Bike Glossary. Is there anything has an illustration of a bike and its parts?

Is there a forum more appropriate for vintage 10 speed bikes like the Schwinn and Mercier?

You mean like this ;)

http://i.imgur.com/Xeoqs.jpg

Oh that's where the weed is supposed go...

Lol, dang that's a good rendering.

All kidding aside, Welcome to BF!

Has the Schwinn recently been serviced? If getting it on the road and buying parts necessary to ride it are going to cost much more, then you might want to continue with your search for a frame that fits you better.

Its a good idea to get a basic bike to ride and learn how to take care of.

Let us us know how things progress!

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is/was the Borgward an Isabella?


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I doubt is has been service recently. Looks like it was a daily driver and not used for years or decades. It's in decent shape. Everything works smoothly. No parts needed except handle bar wrap, saddle and a smaller frame that I could put all the gear on.

Considering reselling so I can buy a bike with shorter frame. Size charts indicate I need a 21" frame. I think I could go with a 22" one.

I have been using Raleigh girls 3speed for several years. too short and low is not low enough for hills around here.

Any greasing or oiling I should consider?

After several Schwinn balloon tire bikes and a Schwinn 3 speed I got a brand new 1961 Schwinn Continental 10 speed. I then bought a Mercier 10 Speed from Daniel Boone in Houston when I was in College. The World Sport is the first 10 speed road bike I have had in decades.

Depending where “here” is, I don’t know your market opportunities. Is the Raleigh still rideable? An increase in cog size in the rear will make those hills easier to get up. This would give you a bike to ride while you look for a better sized frame.

Your call but I would sell the 24” before putting money in it and put that towards a better fitting bike.

cheers, 3speedslow

I agree

I found a 22" Peugeot $75. Agreed to meet seller. Took a closer look at the Peugeot on Austin Craig's List. On second look I am thinking no. Simplex derailleur is a no deal. Considering offering $35. 1970's Peugeot barn find. 15 days ago.

I think switching the crankset, bottom brackets from the Schwinn would be iffy. Besides, I hate the idea of parting out the perfectly nice Schwinn.

The Peugeot is really grungy. What would be a decent economical replacement for the Simplex?

I will probably ride the Schwinn until it is sold. I would consider buying a 22" Schwinn frame and swap out the components if the 24" does not sell. Where to look for a frame?

Isabella the most common in the USA. Sedan, Combi, and Coupe. Check out the RS race car. R&T reported 270 HP from 1.5 liter. Quite a lot for in the 50's. Magnesium body.