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Originally Posted by redcaymatt
(Post 15970826)
I don't hate any bikes. What I'm saying is they are not classic or vintage. They are old entry level bikes. The reason you guys are finding them in decent shape is because they weren't much fun to ride any distance on so they sat in someones garage or basement when they upgraded to a better bike or when the owner stopped riding.. I get that they were fine at there price point but that hardly qualifies them as a classic bike or a vintage bike. If you like your's thats great, enjoy it. But it is just an old bike, not special on it's own only special to the one who loves it. I have a 47' Schwinn New world. It's a nice old bike Is it a classic? I don't know. Is it vintage, Not really but there are certain stylistic aspects to the bike that transcend it's place in the lineup. The fork for example is really a thing of beauty. Anyway, this is all just my opinion. Enjoy your bikes, but being old doesn't make them any better than when they were new, and they were just OK when they were new.
While there are a lot of bicycles that survived living unused in garages the ones I am talking about aren't them, I am talking about the ones that have been used week in and week out by different generations of a family since they were bought new. Glenn PS, my boss just sold his 1971 Schwinn Varsity with upright touring bars and dynamo front wheel for $300, this is a bike that he used year round to get him back and forth to a lot of places every week in the town where our shop is, the funny thing is it wasn't for sale but someone saw it and had to have it. It was far from being a museum or collector piece with plenty of battle scars & rust. |
To change the subject, the swap meet wasn't a total loss. I sold about $125 in parts, and picked up these little gems for about $25, in a package deal with a $5 Nitto stem. $30 total for the stem and shifters. Can't wait to try them and see what all the fuss is about;).,,,,BD
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...psde9cd22f.jpg |
Originally Posted by Shp4man
(Post 15970566)
Like I said before, I'm not a Schwinn guy, but I did buy an old ugly brown Varsity for $10 at a yard sale several years ago. It was heavy, steel bars, steel one piece crank, kickstand...even the shifters were steel. But the damn thing was built like a tank. It was a low end bike, with cheap steel components. Actually it accomplished what it was designed to do. Here's a quote from Sheldon Brown:
"I think ultimately the Varsity is THE great 1960's American road bike that happened to get produced until the mid-1980s. It's not the first or only classic design that outlived the conditions it was designed for and was produced into obsolescence - the Model T and VW Beetle spring quickly to mind in this catagory. Just like those designs, the Varsity's high build volumes and durable construction mean it is now plentiful and inexpensive. The bikes are still fun to ride, interesting social artifacts and a good way for today's riders to relive "the way it was". My hope is that these bikes will begin to be appreciated for the important role they played in American cycling, and will perhaps be enjoyed once more on the streets and backroads of the country they transformed." http://http://sheldonbrown.com/varsity-shaddox.html Well the model T were not great either, they had a lot of breakdowns, poor metallurgy plagued them mostly. The steel sheet used for the body were quite a bit thicker than today's cars and that's why there's still quite a few of these cars around. Back in those days it wasn't uncommon to climb grades in excess of 20% and when this was done in the Lizzie you had to turn the car around and back up the hill because the gravity feed carbs would starve out. They had no front brakes. But they were voted to be in 2nd place of the worst 50 cars ever built! see: http://www.time.com/time/specials/20...657663,00.html The original Beetle was a bit odd of a car. It was quite dependable as long as it didn't get stuck in stop and go traffic on a hot day, they were gutless unless you upgraded to the aftermarket performance engine with the superblock. It was like the Model T in the fact that it was very cold in the winter to drive in and very hot in the summer to drive in. The average Bug only got 20 mpg on the highway, so it wasn't that great there either which is odd considering how slow it was. High winds made for exciting times driving one, they didn't handle well period, and crash worthiness was all but a dream. Model T's today are better than they were when they came out in the early 1900's, engines have been rebuilt and the quality of the steel used is a lot better now, this true with all remanufactured parts for these cars. So there you have your comparisons; so yes, they were similar to the Varsity! |
Sorry but this is getting VERY old, and quick. Drop it already. This is catch of the day, not gripe of the day.,,,,BD
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Originally Posted by Bikedued
(Post 15972973)
Sorry but this is getting VERY old, and quick. Drop it already. This is catch of the day, not gripe of the day.,,,,BD
I don't have a catch-of the day to share with photos today, but when I found a clean 1976 Varsity (my first electroforged road bike) in a subDUED silver, I had to have it for $20, even though I was attempting to down-size. Now I have 2 Varsities and a Continental, so much for downsizing! And I've since grabbed a couple of Supersports! Back to the Varsity, it was in a trrift-store so in no danger of being "dumped", but I kept it as stock as possible for evaluation purposes then rode the thing like it was a performance model. So, with only a newer saddle, chain and freewheel, the bike took just a couple of days to get used to. It does have a heavy feel initially, due mostly to the super-relaxed frame angles of ~70 degrees all around! I kept the stock, oh-so-heavy wheels since they were in top condition, but added a 6s Suntour freewheel (14-30t, std-spaced) with no need to extend the axle spacers. The Allvit wouldn't thow that far and wouln't run in 2nd gear without the big cog hitting the cage, so out came the Dremel and I was able to correct both issues with some time spent for diagnosis. So, with only a modest drivetrain upgrade including modern 9s chain, the original Allvit and stem shifters allow one to swap gears like a pro, under the stress of pursuing light riders and bikes. Wow, what a feeling, it's a decent bike and the quality is nothing like it's department-store competitors. Just the BB locknut is all you need to compare to know the difference! Finer threads and no crude soft metal here, it's precision-made! The crankset will last a lifetime! Yeah, I encountered the frightening loss-of-braking after traversing wet grass one evening, and steel rims are indeed a curse with the wrong pads, but I've worked on classics with defective Araya, Weinmann, Alesa, Birmalux and other alloy rims that had violent-shudder-inducing rim-joint machining that made them equally trash-worthy, on bikes that cost several times as much. The Varsity was more rugged and weather-resistant than all of it's competitors, and Schwinn did a lot of durability testing, even requiring the re-design of seemingly every "Schwinn-Approved" component sourced from reputable brands like Maillard/Normandy and Huret, who also made their chainwheels and shifters for many years. Schwinn also mandated the addition of cable adjusters to the tops of each brake lever, to assure that cable tension could be easily maintained throughout each service interval. This older (1964) one was more-or-less saved from the dump, but was more of a project/experiment, and so I've shown it in several threads. I should have started with a much-larger frame, since these bikes all have such a short reach to the bars and seem to handle poorly as the stem length exceeds 9cm or so. It cost very little, being built from cast-off parts, but commands a ton of attention on today's rides. Pretty bulletproof in extended use, still with it's super-duty, quality kickstand, but now at 32lbs and with 2X7 speeds and reliable, strong braking. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6...bc5b6e30_z.jpg |
Originally Posted by dddd
(Post 15973741)
[snip]
This older (1964) one was more-or-less saved from the dump, but was more of a project/experiment, and so I've shown it in several threads. I should have started with a much-larger frame, since these bikes all have such a short reach to the bars and seem to handle poorly as the stem length exceeds 9cm or so. It cost very little, being built from cast-off parts, but commands a ton of attention on today's rides. Pretty bulletproof in extended use, still with it's super-duty, quality kickstand, but now at 32lbs and with 2X7 speeds and reliable, strong braking. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6...bc5b6e30_z.jpg Very, very nice looking bike. Did you install one of those TruVative American to Euro conversion kits on there? You can get them here: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/opc.html |
Originally Posted by dddd
(Post 15973741)
+1, agreed.
I don't have a catch-of the day to share with photos today, but when I found a clean 1976 Varsity (my first electroforged road bike) in a subDUED silver, I had to have it for $20, even though I was attempting to down-size. Now I have 2 Varsities and a Continental, so much for downsizing! And I've since grabbed a couple of Supersports! Back to the Varsity, it was in a trrift-store so in no danger of being "dumped", but I kept it as stock as possible for evaluation purposes then rode the thing like it was a performance model. So, with only a newer saddle, chain and freewheel, the bike took just a couple of days to get used to. It does have a heavy feel initially, due mostly to the super-relaxed frame angles of ~70 degrees all around! I kept the stock, oh-so-heavy wheels since they were in top condition, but added a 6s Suntour freewheel (14-30t, std-spaced) with no need to extend the axle spacers. The Allvit wouldn't thow that far and wouln't run in 2nd gear without the big cog hitting the cage, so out came the Dremel and I was able to correct both issues with some time spent for diagnosis. So, with only a modest drivetrain upgrade including modern 9s chain, the original Allvit and stem shifters allow one to swap gears like a pro, under the stress of pursuing light riders and bikes. Wow, what a feeling, it's a decent bike and the quality is nothing like it's department-store competitors. Just the BB locknut is all you need to compare to know the difference! Finer threads and no crude soft metal here, it's precision-made! The crankset will last a lifetime! Yeah, I encountered the frightening loss-of-braking after traversing wet grass one evening, and steel rims are indeed a curse with the wrong pads, but I've worked on classics with defective Araya, Weinmann, Alesa, Birmalux and other alloy rims that had violent-shudder-inducing rim-joint machining that made them equally trash-worthy, on bikes that cost several times as much. The Varsity was more rugged and weather-resistant than all of it's competitors, and Schwinn did a lot of durability testing, even requiring the re-design of seemingly every "Schwinn-Approved" component sourced from reputable brands like Maillard/Normandy and Huret, who also made their chainwheels and shifters for many years. Schwinn also mandated the addition of cable adjusters to the tops of each brake lever, to assure that cable tension could be easily maintained throughout each service interval. This older (1964) one was more-or-less saved from the dump, but was more of a project/experiment, and so I've shown it in several threads. I should have started with a much-larger frame, since these bikes all have such a short reach to the bars and seem to handle poorly as the stem length exceeds 9cm or so. It cost very little, being built from cast-off parts, but commands a ton of attention on today's rides. Pretty bulletproof in extended use, still with it's super-duty, quality kickstand, but now at 32lbs and with 2X7 speeds and reliable, strong braking. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6...bc5b6e30_z.jpg Glenn |
Originally Posted by anixi
(Post 15973785)
I suspect that you are a "lover of green things"! ;)
Very, very nice looking bike. Did you install one of those TruVative American to Euro conversion kits on there? You can get them here: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/opc.html You should see my Campus Green Supersport! I really like and prefer that the Schwinn crankset remain, since the crankset and kickstand are both so unique in today's road bike scene. I often struggle to find extra pairs of 1/2" SPD pedals, but it's a creak-free assembly that is usefully-geared (50-39t) and shifts extremely well with 9sp chain using the original Allvit front derailer. The crank, kickstand and Ashtabula fork really blow people's minds on longer and/or faster rides. Even the handlebar tape gets quite a few mentions, and as light as this one is, most riders comment that it "weighs a ton" even as the wheels often don't come off the ground on their first tug to see how much it weighs. :lol: |
Originally Posted by Bikedued
(Post 15971800)
To change the subject, the swap meet wasn't a total loss. I sold about $125 in parts, and picked up these little gems for about $25, in a package deal with a $5 Nitto stem. $30 total for the stem and shifters. Can't wait to try them and see what all the fuss is about;).,,,,BD
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...psde9cd22f.jpg Cheers, Chris |
Thanks Chris, I was hoping "someone" would notice the reality of the score for $25, hehe. The condition is nearly NOS. They don't even have their first set of road grime on them. My favorite part about them, is that they're the no logo variety. They will go with any group and not scream "Hey look at me, I'm made by Simplex".,,,,BD
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hey Bikedued: I inherited a '84 Dolan Cougar that is fully Campy equipped but has these shifters. With no logos on them I wasn't sure what I had so can you tell me the storey on them? Thanks
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Originally Posted by waveydavey
(Post 15962550)
I'll bet she has never heard the word "swooned" either! :roflmao2:
Even for a BIKE. |
Originally Posted by ricortes
(Post 15978651)
hehe, no love for the Varsity! Before I move on, I did get a Schwinn Paramont for my adult son ~10 years ago. Excellent bike, he still has it, I got it before the vintage fever for ~$40.
*BUT* I did own a Varsity. It was my first 10 speed I bought with money I'd saved from cutting lawns. I think I got it in 7th grade which means 1962-3. Bought it from Reed's Sporting Goods in San Jose. I remember I just about drove them to distraction as I insisted on black walls vs. gum wall tires and a few other features. [snip] |
The no logo Simplex shifters typically came as part of a Mavic groupo, although the shop I was working at would often order individual Mavic components. They also were of the no logo variety.
Originally Posted by Stevensb
(Post 15974628)
hey Bikedued: I inherited a '84 Dolan Cougar that is fully Campy equipped but has these shifters. With no logos on them I wasn't sure what I had so can you tell me the storey on them? Thanks
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Thanks BG68. Anything to add Bikedued?
Brad |
Free!
My dad was gonna chuck it. It's my brother's bike http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1987-cent...lx-13126_8.jpg He threw it in the shed in 1992 and left it there until the beginning of the month. Is it free if my parent's paid for it in 1987? I paid $0 :D My progress: http://www.pedalroom.com/bike/1987-c...port-dlx-13126 and locally here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-glorious-teal Where I'm at as of today: http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1987-cent...lx-13126_5.jpg This is my first road bike. |
There is a bike at a local pawn shop. Not a well known brand, actually the brand of a local importer, named Roland. Roland bikes have been around a LONG time in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Anywaaaaays. There is a ladies Roland road bike at said pawn shop for $60. Fairly nice frame with striped lugs, but cheap components. The kicker? Condition!?! Literally, it looks like someone went back to 1981 in a time machine, bought this bike, and then brought it in to sell at the pawn shop. Like it was kept inside a plastic bag in a dark, windowless, air conditioned room. I am thinking of buying it to flip, as classes will be starting up soon(makes bikes sell well, at least around here). Throw on a nice set of upright bars and some thumb shifters, and sell it for $150. Somebody stop me please? This bike is the first time I've ever seen an SR stem with it's factory shine still intact.,,,,BD
The stem is this type, but looks like it was made last week, hehe. http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6137/6...060aecc5_z.jpg |
Originally Posted by Bikedued
(Post 15987326)
There is a bike at a local pawn shop. Not a well known brand, actually the brand of a local importer, named Roland. Roland bikes have been around a LONG time in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Anywaaaaays. There is a ladies Roland road bike at said pawn shop for $60. Fairly nice frame with striped lugs, but cheap components. The kicker? Condition!?! Literally, it looks like someone went back to 1981 in a time machine, bought this bike, and then brought it in to sell at the pawn shop. Like it was kept inside a plastic bag in a dark, windowless, air conditioned room. I am thinking of buying it to flip, as classes will be starting up soon(makes bikes sell well, at least around here). Throw on a nice set of upright bars and some thumb shifters, and sell it for $150. Somebody stop me please? This bike is the first time I've ever seen an SR stem with it's factory shine still intact.,,,,BD
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I should huh, just for the sake of showing what a brand spanking new 30 year old bike looks like?,,,,BD
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Originally Posted by Bikedued
(Post 15987398)
I should huh, just for the sake of showing what a brand spanking new 30 year old bike looks like?,,,,BD
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1 Attachment(s)
Bought His’n’Hers 1972 Raleigh Superbes from their original owners yesterday.
Including paperwork and the-always-missing original fork lock keys! http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=336399 |
This is why you shouldn't give up on Craigs List - and why you should have cash on hand. I ran out over a long lunch hour to pick the TREK in my size up. Cost less than I'd pay for the wheels. She needs some TLC, seen a hard life, but she'll shine up fine.
http://imageshack.us/a/img809/8828/f8wp.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img16/6479/4pv5.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img20/7456/o808.jpg |
Moved...
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So, my turn now :)
Honestly, I would extremely happy to find out, what i got few days ago for 100 bucks. http://s7.postimg.org/b1y0rzgxn/WP_20130823_019.jpg This nice ride has: Tange chromed fork, full Shimano 105 Golden Arrow group (shifters, cranks, hubs, derailleurs), rigida rims, SR pedals, SR laprade seatpost, SR stem, ATAX dropbar, Weinmann brakes+levers, Also I got it with Selle Royal S17 seat, noname bottom bracket and noname headset - changed to Brooks saddle, Campagnolo alu headset and new shimano bb. And main question - frame???? It has nice lugs, gipiemme drop-outs, 26.2 seatpost clamp, english thread.. Should be something nice, but it also came with noname headset, and bb, so... Any ideas? |
2 Attachment(s)
Picked up this Fuji Sandblaster last weekend at Goodwill. Had a total of $20 into it before I sold it today. I spent a bit of time tuning, lubing and truing the wheels. Not exactly a classic but it is a vintage mountain bike.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=336691http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=336692 |
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