Rebuilding a 1970 Schwinn Super Sport
 

This is kind of a first for me, so I'm going to have a lot of questions

I was given an old 1970 Schwinn Super Sport (w/ 27" tires) that needs rebuilding... a lot of parts were missing or non-func. My friend Frankensteined it out of a couple of other vintage bikes to make it mostly operational, and one day I'll worry about the non-original parts, but "today" I'm trying to source brakes... I have a damaged front brake and no rear. Searching ebay I see a couple of different size brakes (610,730,750). How do I determine the correct "size" brakes for my bike?

edit... further re"searching" here yielded a link to a website with details on how to measure brake reach on the caliper and the body of the bike, so I do have something to go by. But I'm still wondering if maybe there is a resource that would say specifically what the original part was.

On my 1970 Super Sport, I have Weinmann 750 centerpull brakes and 27" wheels. Those brakes give me a maximum of 75mm of reach (which is a lot). I've actually seen some variation on other SS framesets, so you really do need to measure.

Here's a pic of mine--powdercoated candy blue w/ replacement decals:

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bi...erSport5_4.jpg

Neal

wow sweet bike!

now I see everything I have to look forward to in rebuilding it :o I really need to take pics of mine

thanks for the info, wouldn't have guessed that they may vary from one to another. I would suspect that front vs rear they are likely different as well.

Welcome to C&V.

The question to ask yourself is how original do you want to rebuild your SS? There are other options. I managed to squeeze a pair of Campy Valentino calipers on my customized '71.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ersCaliper.jpg

nice, love that red!

My first priority is to get is getting the bike ridable, if it is with original schwinn parts then "Great!" otherwise, I can live with anything that works and at least "looks" like it could be period correct. Over time I'll look into true Schwinn parts to replace the Frankenstein parts currently on the bike.

to the few people that have PM'd me so far about the project... I can't send PM's back until my post count hits 50!?! :(

bringing back from the dead... I've been slowly working on the bike, been motivated by a possible bike endurance race (to train for) in either 2012 or 2013.

two questions:

re-painting... have an automotive shop paint it, or is it best to powder coat?

tires... 27", and I can't decide on what type/kind. I will mostly ride for pleasure, on roads/city trails, but I do have an interest in long distance biking (the "race" is 152 miles in two days) with an emphasis on endurance/distance, not speed. I'd like them to be affordable but not "cheap".

Powder coating is a more durable, less expensive, not always as classy as paint, but there are some very good PCers. Auto paint shops don't always have the skills for painting tubing.

Tires: If you are going for distance and want durability, 27" Continental Gatorskins or Schwabe Marathons are probably the best for flat protection. For classic looks, good price, and durability (although not quite as good), Panaracer Pasela Tour Guard - skin walls play the role perfectly.

http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashba...K-NCL-SIDE.jpg

I like the tire, very similar to the Michelin tires I was looking at. problem I have with Nashbar's website, they never give recommendations on what tube(s) to go with the tires. I believe its the ISO 650-30 tube that will work?

any opinions about the Michelin road tire? I've read a lot of (mostly) good reviews... they can be a little hard to find (most dealers seem to be out of stock right now) http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...r-tire-27-inch

the other thing I am having trouble with is sourcing new replacement brake and shifter cables... "good" ones, not the "universal" ones that even the vendors say to avoid if possible

The Panaracer is a better tire than the Michelin World Tour.

Loose Screws is a great place for quality cables.

Inner tubes are easy, 700c tubes work with 27" tires. 25mm is approximately 1 inch, so a 1 & 1/4 tire would need about a 30mm tube, 1 & 1/8 would need 28mm, etc.

hmmm... I might change up the brand(s) I was looking at. I found a marathon tire in my price range, that has "recycled" content... considering I'm planning on soliciting a sponsorship from a company that is big on producing recycled products, this might be beneficial LOL
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...reenguard-tire