rchandler

I'm going to look at a Schwinn Sports Tourer. Owner claims it's a 1971. From the pictures, it looks to be in very good original shape except for the saddle (an Avocet rather than original Brooks). The owner describes it as a 53cm which I assume means it's a 21" Schwinn. I have a couple of questions. First, the asking price is $150. Is this reasonable? Second, I'm buying it for my wife as a commuter. Any idea what the standover would be on this size and how tall the rider should be for it to fit comfortably? If I get it, I'll probably put a pair of Albatross or Dove bars, thumb shifters, and a set of fenders on it. Thanks for any info.

fender1

Well just sold a Sports Tourer (1972) frame on e-bay that was in rough shape and poorly repainted for $100+, so $150 would be a good price if the bike is in nice shape. If it has the Campagnolo Gran Turismo rear dérailleur you will probably want to swap something else for it. They have a reputation for poor shifting. As far a fit,that depends a lot on the rider. Good Luck and let us know how it all works out. Also pictures are mandatory if you get the bike!!!!

Mos6502

If it's in good order, then $150 is not a bad asking price (in fact, it's still lower than what the original price would have been, whereas many cheaper bikes from that era fetch far more than their original prices).
As for standover, you'd have to know how long her legs are when you look at it. If it's a 21" inch frame, then standover is probably around 30" or a bit taller.

bigwoo

The hand fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinn's in 1971 were excellent! Bob H. or Scooper should be along soon, but FWIW Schwinn measured from C-Top of the seat post. So the seller may be giving you a C-C measurement because that seems to be more common nowadays.
$150 is a decent price if it has been well-preserved and is in good working order.

Be sure to look for the bullet point seat stays and the "chrome molybdenum" decal on the lower end of the seat post. And do you know what color it is??

Great call on the Dove bars, I am running a pair (purchased from Rivendell) on my traveler and love them!

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big chainring 

Dove bars? this is a new one to me. Who makes them?

bigwoo

Nitto... they are very similar to the more expensive Albatross bars, and maybe even more comfy

Scooper

The '71 Sports Tourer was second only to the Paramount models that year. The chromium-molybdenum frame is fillet brazed by hand. In '71, the Sports Tourer was only available in 22", 24", and 26" frame sizes (c-to-t), so the 53cm number you were given by the seller is probably c-to-c as bigwoo suggests, and it's a 22" frame.

These are very, very nice bikes.

1971 Sports Tourer specifications page.

Rabid Koala

I turned one down this weekend. It had rusty spokes and slight pitting on the chrome. It had the Gran Tourismo derailleur. The guy wanted $75. It was worth it, just more work than I wanted to put into it right now.

maureenkh

I have a 52cm, 21 inch Schwinn Voyageur 1984. It has a standover height of ~30.25 inches with the 27 inch wheels. I am 5' 7.5'' tall and have a 32 inch inseam with no shoes. Shoes add another inch of clearence. If one of the other respondents is correct and it is really a 22 inch bike, then it will probably be more like a 31 inch or so standover. There are different opinions about standover height vs. reach to the handlebars. I can't clear a 23 inch bike so I go with the smaller one. But I have to change the stems and seatposts to get the proper fit. It would be best to take your wife with you and put her on the bike. I have an albatross bar on my Trek 800 mountain bike (20 inch bike) and love it.

Maureen