MikesChevelle

Pick up this with an extra 7spd wheelset with tires and one more extra set of tires. Altus drive train, 10 spd, randonneur bars

Will be a good winter bike.

Are there any cheap wheelset upgrade options for this without changing the brakes?

(Sorry bout the non drive side pic, wasnt payin attention)

wrk101

Cheapest option as always is a donor bike. Next is either the garage sale route, or post a WTB in your local Craigs List. The next cheapest are the ones sold by Niagara. Be sure to get the stainless spokes and QR hubs if you go that way.

But there really is no reason to buy new when you can get a used set pretty cheap.

As far as going to 700c wheels, you are only talking the need to drop the brake pads 4mm, that's less than 1/4 inch. A lot of bikes have that much drop available if not more, but not every bike.

MikesChevelle

Thanks for the advice, just want something lighter, maybe ill check into 700c

buldogge

Hey Mike... I've got a few 27" alloy wheels...one needs a couple spokes, or a set of 700c alloy wheels with Miche comp hubs and specialized tires...rear has a ding but functions fine...both have been trued...cheapish either way.

Shoot me a PM or email.

mickey85

You can get a set of single-walled rims in 27" for $35/wheel if you ask around at better-stocked LBS's. Look for privately owned ones, not chains.

EDIT: Don't know if I'd go single walled for a winter bike though - there's a lot of grit on the roads in the winter.

MikesChevelle

btw I am trying to decipher the serial number, its on the left drop out and reads SG222258, ofr the life of me I cannot find a chart with that supports that.
Supposedly the serial on the drop means 52-69, but it runs out before it ever gets to an SG**********

mainstreetexile 

I didn't see you mention the model and there isn't a shot of the top tube, but it looks and sounds like its a japanese Le Tour, probably from 1982.

The 1978-1983 Le Tour and Super Le Tour models had their serial numbers on the left rear axle hanger and many began with an 'S', followed by the Japan Made numbering system.

SJ306418 = September 1983

G would be the month and the 2 would put it in 82. It looks like there's something stamped into the head badge too, is it a 4 digit code?

Lots of good info here: https://www.re-cycle.com/History/Schw...nB_Serial.aspx

How do you like the randonneur bars?

Michael Angelo 

On the head badge there are four numbers stamped on the left side. What are they?
That looks like a Le tour, they have large flange Nomandy Hubs . If it does why not take the wheels and get new rims and S/S spokes, polish & rebuild the hubs. Sure it's a bit more money but the results will look fantastic. There are lots of 27" or 700C rim choices. I just rebuilt a similar Le tour, but mine was in sad shape. Yours looks great.

MIke

MikesChevelle

I like the bars, but it has a big ole Chicago badge on the bike, so Japan is out?

MikesChevelle

2152

mickey85

I've got a set of (steel) Schwinn Rando bars sitting on the shelf. I really like the bend, and find them comfy, but they're REALLY narrow. It's given me enough of a kick though to think about buying a set of alloy rando bars for another steed of mine though...

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Nice for $40 i'd love to find something like that for the winter, especially in such clean and complete condition.

I did exactly that with on my super course with the Large Flange Normandy hubs. Built em with Sun CR18 700c rims and Wheelsmith double butted spokes. I've been very happy with those wheels. I converted the rear to Q/R recently too, the front is up next.

MikesChevelle

There are a few sets at the local Bike Work (inner city bike program/shop) for cheap I thought about picking up since I like them, heck I may throw them on my Kestrel

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I'm using a pair of schwinn racer bars right now on my commuter, the 22.2 bar size fits my IGH shifter I'd like to get a hold of a set of Schwinn Rando bars.

MikesChevelle

So any clue on the serial?

Captain Blight

You know about the worst thing you can say about the Normandy hubs is that they came standard on a lot of bikes, no matter the price point. They do a fine job keeping things turning, the bearing races are of good quality, they run true and do it quietly, all at a budget price. Nothing wrong with that at all.

I'm still not entirely convinced Campy's worth the hype. There are an awful lot of manufacturers who tried very hard to compete with Tullio, and the only reason their market share doesn't reflect this is marketing.

Michael Angelo 

2152= 215th day of 1982

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I've certainly heard more about broken campy hub flanges than I have Normandy. I'd love a Normandy hub with cartridge bearings.

MikesChevelle

I didnt think they were still making them in CHi town in '82?

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I dont think they were. It says Chicago on the badge, the frame wasn't necessarily built there.

MikesChevelle

There is a Chicago decal on the seat tube, and the serial is on the non drive drop out, which I thought was a Chicago thing too