Schwinn Prelude, what year??
11-27-10, 12:28 PM
#1
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Schwinn Prelude, what year??
I just scored on a Schwinn Prelude, which appears to be my size(58 to 62cm) However, I am not sure of the year...The rear wheel is bent, that is what I am getting it for dam near nothing! 
Can anybody ID this Schwinn Prelude??
Can anybody ID this Schwinn Prelude??
11-27-10, 12:42 PM
#3
You gonna eat that?
Look up the color schemes in the Schwinn catalogs. Also, what components? I know in '87 they used Suntour SIS, '88 was I think Suntour Accushift indexed. If it's not indexed, it would be '86 or older (but not much older, judging by the decals.
EDIT: looks like tugrul has it covered
EDIT: looks like tugrul has it covered
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
11-27-10, 12:47 PM
#4
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,858
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2930 Post(s)
Liked 2,923 Times
in
1,491 Posts
better pics would be nice
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
11-27-10, 01:02 PM
#6
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I have been trying to get me a beater or something to swap out the parts off a 1999 Lemond Tourmalet that I purchased which is too small.
11-27-10, 04:43 PM
#8
Muscle bike design spec
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Sterling VA
Posts: 3,688
Bikes: 70 Atala Record Proffesional, 00 Lemond, 08 Kestrel Evoke, 96 Colnago Master Olympic, 01 Colnago Ovalmaster, 76 Raleigh Gran Sport, 03 Fuji World, 86 Paramount, 90 Miyata CF, 09 Ritchey Breakaway CX, Bianchi Trofeo, 12 OutRiderUSA HyperLite
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I owned a Schwinn Premis that I should not have sold. I built a Prelude as a replacement - she was awesome but too small. Great score at $50!
__________________
Korval is Ships
See my Hyperlite 411 it's the photo model on OutRiderUSA web page
See my Hyperlite 411 it's the photo model on OutRiderUSA web page
11-27-10, 05:50 PM
#9
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I picked it up a hour ago. It was a CL score for $50. The seller told me that it the rear wheel is bent, that why he is selling it for $50.. Sheesh, the last couple bikes I purchased had dings in the wheels. At least I see this one! She is a little dirty, but she is my size..
She is a little dirty, but she is my size..
11-27-10, 06:20 PM
#10
Pedal pusher...
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,766
Bikes: I've got a bunch...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looks very nice. I'd like a pink one in my size, please...
__________________
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
11-27-10, 07:09 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,686
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1125 Post(s)
Liked 249 Times
in
200 Posts
It looks to be in really good shape. Nice score. All you need to do is wash it. I like to use the Finish Line Bike Wash on my steel bikes because it has a built in rust inhibitor. Once it's wash and dried and if the paint looks dull then rub in some Meguiar's Cleaner Wax which has a real mild abrasive to help rub out dull paint, but don't go with anything harsher then that because bicycle paint is not anywhere near as thick as car paint. When done using the cleaner wax then use a good quality automotive wax like Meguiar's NXT Generation TechWax to get the shine going. If the after washing the paint does not look dull then DO NOT use the Cleaner Wax, there's no need, just go directly to the NXT stuff.
I own several classic cars and I use only Mequair's, their the best, and I use the same wax on all my bikes as well.
I own several classic cars and I use only Mequair's, their the best, and I use the same wax on all my bikes as well.
11-27-10, 07:38 PM
#13
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
It looks to be in really good shape. Nice score. All you need to do is wash it. I like to use the Finish Line Bike Wash on my steel bikes because it has a built in rust inhibitor. Once it's wash and dried and if the paint looks dull then rub in some Meguiar's Cleaner Wax which has a real mild abrasive to help rub out dull paint, but don't go with anything harsher then that because bicycle paint is not anywhere near as thick as car paint. When done using the cleaner wax then use a good quality automotive wax like Meguiar's NXT Generation TechWax to get the shine going. If the after washing the paint does not look dull then DO NOT use the Cleaner Wax, there's no need, just go directly to the NXT stuff.
I own several classic cars and I use only Mequair's, their the best, and I use the same wax on all my bikes as well.
I own several classic cars and I use only Mequair's, their the best, and I use the same wax on all my bikes as well.
I already got both of them. I got Mother's Cleaner Wax, and Mequiar's wax..After the cleaning, going to figure out how to build and what components to use on this bike. At first, I was thinking this can be my beater bike. But, after looking at some sweet examples of 86 Preludes.. Sheesh, I am going for a set of wheels and tires, new bart tape, kill the kickstand..and maybe another chain and cassette..Dam, I am a full blown C&V Addict now!!
Thanks for the tips,
11-27-10, 07:51 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Washington
Posts: 472
Bikes: Serotta Davis Phinney, 1992 Serotta T Max,1984 Specialized Allez, Olmo, 1974 Strawberry,Redline bmx, ect.,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oldroads.com has the Schwinn serial number chart to find out year built.
11-27-10, 08:53 PM
#15
You gonna eat that?
They came in pink in 1987. Keep your eyes pealed.
That is a great deal for $50. If you have a truing stand, you may try to save that rear wheel. Probably can't be saved, but you never know (I've saved worse). I paid $50 for my Prelude as well. It was one size small for me so I recently traded it for a 1983 Raleigh Super Course in my size.
That is a great deal for $50. If you have a truing stand, you may try to save that rear wheel. Probably can't be saved, but you never know (I've saved worse). I paid $50 for my Prelude as well. It was one size small for me so I recently traded it for a 1983 Raleigh Super Course in my size.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Last edited by Doohickie; 11-27-10 at 08:59 PM.
11-28-10, 11:04 AM
#17
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
They came in pink in 1987. Keep your eyes pealed.
That is a great deal for $50. If you have a truing stand, you may try to save that rear wheel. Probably can't be saved, but you never know (I've saved worse). I paid $50 for my Prelude as well. It was one size small for me so I recently traded it for a 1983 Raleigh Super Course in my size.
That is a great deal for $50. If you have a truing stand, you may try to save that rear wheel. Probably can't be saved, but you never know (I've saved worse). I paid $50 for my Prelude as well. It was one size small for me so I recently traded it for a 1983 Raleigh Super Course in my size.
I am going to gently take it to the LBS, first to put wheels on it..and new bartape. I will get a set of used or inexpensive new wheels. Question, I have been reading the specs on the Prelude from the 1986 Schwinn catalog. The Prelude measures up to the Le tour..Whereas, the Peloton, Supersport and a couple others are listed as Competition models. I said all that to say, the wheels on the Prelude are 27x1..Can I put 700c wheels on it??Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
11-28-10, 04:13 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,686
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1125 Post(s)
Liked 249 Times
in
200 Posts
I can't wrench even in the tinyest way! I am going to gently take it to the LBS, first to put wheels on it..and new bartape. I will get a set of used or inexpensive new wheels. Question, I have been reading the specs on the Prelude from the 1986 Schwinn catalog. The Prelude measures up to the Le tour..Whereas, the Peloton, Supersport and a couple others are listed as Competition models. I said all that to say, the wheels on the Prelude are 27x1..Can I put 700c wheels on it??
Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
I am going to gently take it to the LBS, first to put wheels on it..and new bartape. I will get a set of used or inexpensive new wheels. Question, I have been reading the specs on the Prelude from the 1986 Schwinn catalog. The Prelude measures up to the Le tour..Whereas, the Peloton, Supersport and a couple others are listed as Competition models. I said all that to say, the wheels on the Prelude are 27x1..Can I put 700c wheels on it??Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
11-28-10, 09:05 PM
#19
You gonna eat that?
I can't wrench even in the tinyest way! I am going to gently take it to the LBS, first to put wheels on it..and new bartape. I will get a set of used or inexpensive new wheels. Question, I have been reading the specs on the Prelude from the 1986 Schwinn catalog. The Prelude measures up to the Le tour..Whereas, the Peloton, Supersport and a couple others are listed as Competition models. I said all that to say, the wheels on the Prelude are 27x1..Can I put 700c wheels on it??
Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
I am going to gently take it to the LBS, first to put wheels on it..and new bartape. I will get a set of used or inexpensive new wheels. Question, I have been reading the specs on the Prelude from the 1986 Schwinn catalog. The Prelude measures up to the Le tour..Whereas, the Peloton, Supersport and a couple others are listed as Competition models. I said all that to say, the wheels on the Prelude are 27x1..Can I put 700c wheels on it??Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
The LeTour was a touring bike. The Prelude was in the competition family.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
11-29-10, 02:42 AM
#20
Spin Forest! Spin!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,956
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
I picked up an '86 gray Prelude for $50 too, and it's in a lot worse shape than yours. So, you did well. You can go with a new rim and rebuild the wheel as one option. My Prelude came with 700C wheels. Should be no problem swapping wheels.
The Prelude is best described as a sport tourer, based on the frame angles and wheelbase. It's lighter and livelier than the 'tour' spec bikes. The Columbus tubing is lighter than the LeTour's straight gauge tubing. I don't see why you can't put the Lemond's drivetrain on it for now.
Mine requires major refurbing, but when I get to it, it'll get Superbe Pro gear, lightweight wheels, as an upgrade. I want to see how well this frameset rides with higher quality components. I have an older but similar Japanese-made Champion #2 tubed sport tourer to compare the Prelude with.
The Prelude is best described as a sport tourer, based on the frame angles and wheelbase. It's lighter and livelier than the 'tour' spec bikes. The Columbus tubing is lighter than the LeTour's straight gauge tubing. I don't see why you can't put the Lemond's drivetrain on it for now.
Mine requires major refurbing, but when I get to it, it'll get Superbe Pro gear, lightweight wheels, as an upgrade. I want to see how well this frameset rides with higher quality components. I have an older but similar Japanese-made Champion #2 tubed sport tourer to compare the Prelude with.
11-29-10, 10:56 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Posts: 2,190
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
8 Posts
Another option I have was to swap out the parts on my 1999 Lemond Tourmalet, which is too small for me..I was trying to wait until I landed a frame or a completbike say in the Paramount Class to swap out those parts on the Lemond, I think I already have a sale for the frame of the Lemond. However, I don't think the Prelude rates the parts..
11-29-10, 12:28 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: WA state
Posts: 4,809
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
The early preludes had sport touring geometry whereas the later ones had competition geometry. Not sure which yours is. Also I believe they all had high ten forks except the 89, that and the components differentiated them from the other tenax models, super sport et al...
11-29-10, 12:37 PM
#23
You gonna eat that?
My '87 was a pretty lively (in a good way) ride.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
11-29-10, 03:29 PM
#24
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
https://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1986...1986Ltwt30.JPG
the Prelude is a sport-touring, listed just above the Le Tour. Be that as it may, I am going to build this up. I am going to save the components off Lemond for a Peloton, Raleigh Professional, or heaven forbid, a Paramount..
11-29-10, 03:36 PM
#25
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
The Prelude is best described as a sport tourer, based on the frame angles and wheelbase. It's lighter and livelier than the 'tour' spec bikes. The Columbus tubing is lighter than the LeTour's straight gauge tubing. I don't see why you can't put the Lemond's drivetrain on it for now.
Mine requires major refurbing, but when I get to it, it'll get Superbe Pro gear, lightweight wheels, as an upgrade. I want to see how well this frameset rides with higher quality components. I have an older but similar Japanese-made Champion #2 tubed sport tourer to compare the Prelude with.