Originally Posted by PilotFishBob (Post 19957819)

58cm, as low as I'll go. Any less and I'd be looking to find it a new home. :). A light wash to get the dust off and it gleams, even the freewheel and chain are spotless.

I'm consistently amazed that so many of the bikes I've found - nice ones too - were apparently purchased, taken out a few times, and then put aside never to be ridden again. This one exemplifies that category.

Originally Posted by bikemig (Post 19957831)

58 C to T then, right? Very sweet. Agreed that there are these terrific bikes out there that have had very little use. My latest catch of the day is a Sekine SHS 271 which is a pretty decent quality made in Japan Canadian brand with a full tange frame set, nice chrome, forged drop outs, and pretty decent shimano running gear. I've overhauled the bike and all the bearing surfaces were in good shape. This bike just didn't have a lot of miles:

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19962946)

I have a set of 27 alloy wheels ,not original would that help value or?

Originally Posted by due ruote (Post 19963368)

27" alloy is better than 27" steel, so yes. Are you looking to flip the bike? Looks like pretty low end, so you will have to get it pretty darn cheap to make a go of it.

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19962942)

No decal's Schwinn badge, Serial on rear drop-out SG 803923 27" steel wheels. Suntour group with triple Sugino group ID and value would be appreciated

Originally Posted by bikemig (Post 19957831)

58 C to T then, right? Very sweet. Agreed that there are these terrific bikes out there that have had very little use. My latest catch of the day is a Sekine SHS 271 which is a pretty decent quality made in Japan Canadian brand with a full tange frame set, nice chrome, forged drop outs, and pretty decent shimano running gear. I've overhauled the bike and all the bearing surfaces were in good shape. This bike just didn't have a lot of miles:

Originally Posted by Hummer (Post 19966980)

See Schwinn Information Bulletin Number 23: Schwinn Bicycle Identification Numbers

From the serial number: "S" is Schwinn built. The first digit "8" is 1978 when the frame was built.

Bicycles with these serial numbers are usually Le Tour models of one sort.

Originally Posted by Scottybigs (Post 19967168)

That's my daily rider :) - although mine is the Canadian made version. Same lugs, same Tange, same dropouts and chrome, same headbadge, but green paint. Converted it to a 2-speed 700c commuter and it clears 35c Pasela's with full fenders. It's such a great commuter because it's a thoroughbred in disguise that owes me nothing. The thinwalled tubing has a great ring to it, too (no cable guides to dull the sound).

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19967263)

Good info I had gotten that far just today BUT I can't seem to find any Le Tour's with Suntour equipment AND 15 speed triple gear train. The rest seems true as for now. I have a pair of new Mavic MA-40 36 hole rims to lace onto these high flange hubs and get rid of the steel rims, (Which I don't understand either) and it will be a keeper. Not bad for a $10 thrift store throw away. Thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by Pompiere (Post 19957689)

C. Itoh was a marketing company that had their bikes made by Bridgestone. Bridgestone bikes had the same "Tested Finest Bicycle..." decal. It is very similar to the BS Kabuki Super Speed that I have.

Here is some info from Sheldon Brown:
"The Kabuki line used some unusual construction techniques, specifically, a system of sticking the frame tubes into a special mold and forming cast aluminum "lugs" in place around the ends of the tubes. The most notable of this line was the "Submariner" which used un-painted stainless steel tubing, and was marketed in seacoast areas for its rust-resistance. Because the cast aluminum lugs were not flexible like steel lugs, these bikes didn't use a conventional seat-post binder. Instead, they used a seat post with an expander wedge like that of a handlebar stem...you had to remove the saddle from the seatpost to adjust the height, then re-install the saddle! Even sillier, many of these frames had what looked like a conventional seatpost bolt mounted in a projection of the rigid lug, simply to provide a place to mount a cable stop for the center-pull caliper brake!"

Originally Posted by Hummer (Post 19969321)

Schwinn Bicycles from 1978 were equiped with components branded Schwinn or Schwinn Approved. Suntour and Sugino brands would not be found as original components on this Schwinn.

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19972170)

Now that makes sense, BUT the cranks are Sugino GT triple chain-ring The rest of the Groupo is Suntour including the stem mounted shifters AND a long cage rear deraileur by Suntour ,all a matching set. Every-thing else is as specked including the original tires on original steel rims. Why would any-one go to all that trouble and expense and not change out the wheel-set. There are NO decals or identification any where except the round Schwinn /Chicago badge.

Originally Posted by Murray Missile (Post 19972739)

I switch components between bikes like some people change their socks so that doesn't seem odd at all to me. If you got hold of some of my "creations" you'd REALLY be confused. :lol: I'm pretty sure you have Frankenbike kludged together from at least 2 or 3 different bikes but it's a decent enough frame and drivetrain that should work nicely together so make the best of it and enjoy the ride. :thumb:

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19973661)

I just don't think so. The groupo is complete and original and who in their right mind would use these shifters ? I have to believe it is all all factory piece lacking all the decal's. The drop-out # is SG 803923 and there has to be a member here who can solve this with data.

Originally Posted by Hummer (Post 19966980)

See Schwinn Information Bulletin Number 23: Schwinn Bicycle Identification Numbers

From the serial number: "S" is Schwinn built. The first digit "8" is 1978 when the frame was built.

Bicycles with these serial numbers are usually Le Tour models of one sort.

Originally Posted by Murray Missile (Post 19973803)

The '78 frame date code, color, stamped dropouts, high flange hubs in steel rims, bolt on rear wheel, chrome cap and socks on the fork and the braze on cable stop on the down tube for the derailleur cables with stem shifters are consistent with a very early 1979 LeTour IV. The '78 LeTour III and '79 Super LeTour II had clamp on stops for the derailleur cables. That said the crankset and derailleurs would NOT be correct for any LeTour of that vintage. My money says it's an early '79 LeTour IV with a different drivetrain.

Some good info and pics of a '79 here....

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/843579-letour-iv-schwinn.html

Originally Posted by Folsomjack (Post 19974170)

Since the Suntour Mountec group came out in 1983, I believe you are right!!!! Thanks.

Originally Posted by Hummer (Post 19976269)

@Murray_Missle, nice detective work on the Le Tour.