Rechteck

Just recently I've become very interested in cycling and have the option to purchase one or the other, Le Tour or Continental. The Le Tour is 20 years old and the Continental being 25 years, according to the seller. Both bikes are in great shape and reasonably priced for their age. Currently in my novice state of bike riding, I'm unsure of the quality of one bike over the other? I would greatly appreciate some personal input regarding the better of the two and hopefully I'll be riding soon!

Bikedued

I would take the Le Tour, depending on condition of course. If it is truly 20 years old that would make it an 88 model, which was a very good time for Schwinn road bikes. The Continental is a good bike and bombproof, but a Le Tour of the eighties is much more bike for your money.,,,,BD

Steve.D

Le Tour!

keiththesnake

Le Tour has my vote, too.

Little Darwin

The LeTour was always a higher level bike than the Continental, so if in equal condition, the decision is clear.

There would be a potential difference if the Continental had the advantage of upgrades like alloy wheels etc.

People do tend to underestimate the age on these bikes. Either of these could well be worth considering regardless of age if the price is right.

Scooper

Le Tour.

CACycling

+1 on Le Tour IF it is the right size for you. A good bike in the wrong size isn't going to serve you well.

USAZorro

Le Tour. Heck, even a Traveler is better than a Continental.

Rechteck

A very good point indeed. I've done a little research and come up with a rough idea of how to measure but it still seems unclear. I'm 5' 11'' but would like some information from someone who's close to my height. In readings that I've come across it seems that Schwinn bikes run slightly larger than the standard size so when considering this how would it alter bike sizing?

Thanks to all who have contributed.

Rechteck

The Le Tour is clearly the winner but from a recent email the Continental appears to be the better bike, not by much, but for a few reasons. Nothing major but the Le tour has a slightly used look to it where the Continental is in near mint condition. Not sure what gear but supposedly the Le Tour occasionally doesn't shift at some point. Also are there any common problems that I should look for when selecting? Thanks again.

King of Kadence

Get them both and flip the less desirable one.

mazdaspeed

The letour is almost respectable, I'd go with that. My friend's super letour was nice IMO. My dad's varsity weighs more than I do.

CACycling

I'm just over 6' and ride a 62cm '77 Le Tour II. I could go a bit smaller and be comfortable but I wouldn't want it any larger. You would most likely be looking at a 58 or 60cm but your proportions may be different than mine which impacts fit.