I aquired a 1982 Schwinn Contenintal that I'm restoring. I've made pretty good progress on taking it all apart and cleaning it, but have a few questions. This is my first bike project and I took it to a bike shop to get an estimate to get it in working order. They said it would be about $400, so I decided to see what I could do myself before taking it back. I need to replace the Front derailleur and replace the cables and housing for the gears. Any ideas on where I can find a compatible derailleur for a decent price? Also, would it likely be best to let the bike shop do the cables and housing? Other than these two components, I think I can do everything else...

Ebay, or here is your best bet for a Schwinn Approved FD. Make certain you buy one with the 1" tubing clamp. If you don't you will need to shim the FD to make it fit.

https://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

Cables are easy to replace. Ebay has lots to offer. Look for ones which match your originals.

https://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Sch....c0.m270.l1313

https://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Sch....c0.m270.l1313

@bkleck, I have an extra Schwinn approved FD from an 80 Conti, if you're interested in that. It works fine and will match your bike.

I gotta box of Schwinn Approved stuff up for grabs, BTW.

Unless you have a lot of spare cash, best to learn how to maintain your own bike. The internet is a wealth of information on how to do just about any repairs on your bike.

Whatever you do, don't take it back to these guys. $400 is silly, maybe there's a local bike co-op that can help you.

...could I get your email address and we can take our dealing outside the forum? I'd definitely be interested.

@bkleck, send me an e-mail at 143aa1[at]gmail[dot]com

I did a 79 conti as my first bike project. I learned as I went and relied on shops only when I needed something. There's a small bile shop on my way to work that is two guys in a garage that restore bikes. I talked their ears off with questions.

+1

enjoy the process

btw - whats wrong w the derailler? r you sure it needs replacing
btw II - best item (s) to replace imo is tires - especially if the side walls look cracked

also - cables are easiest part imo
if you are doing the rest of the overhauling - cables will be a since

Good question. Seems like one of the last components that would need replacing. Does happen.

BTW, those bikes are probably the easiest bikes in the world to work on. You can probably find "how-to" video clips online to help you over any rough spots. Think "weekend project". Make sure you get tires that will fit those Schwinn rims (personally, however, I have only had experience with Continentals from the '60s and early to mid '70s). If you order online, ask the customer service rep if they will fit, or have them direct you to somebody who can let you know. Some online retailers allow you to e-mail them such questions, and will e-mail you back the answers. For a project like this, try Niagara Cycle Works for parts @ https://www.niagaracycle.com/ . They have a wide selection, probably some of the lowest prices on earth, and should be able to answer any basic questions regarding parts selection that you might have. IMHO, when the bike shop told you it would cost $400 to get it back in shape they were indirectly telling you to buy a new bike. $400 can still get you a decent new bike. Without seeing the bike, or pictures (we like pictures here), I would still say you could replace brake pads, cables, bar tape, tubes and tires, and a few other things (including grease and oil) for about $50 if you catch some good deals online. Because of S&H expenses, try to place everything you can in the same order.

I had two Conti's in my basement recently, a 1973 and a 1980. Both bikes were almost identical, save for the 80 having a few upgraded components like the FD, which was a lot better than the one on the 73. Otherwise, the heavy frame, the steel rims, the crappy stem shifters and suicide brakes, were all the same. The catalog images for the 82 look the same as the 80 I had, so I assume nothing changed then, either. Amazing that Schwinn didn't really care to change anything on that bike in a 10 year span. But I guess that's why they eventually folded, eh?

Thanks for all the help! The FD is shredded in half, literally in two pieces. Not sure how it happened, but it definitely needs replacing. Thanks for the advice on the tubes as well. I was going to try to not have to, but there is some cracking...I'll try to find a good deal. The old ones are 27x1 1/4s...any good sites to get tires from other than the ones already mentioned?

I got some at my flea market for 5 dollars, obv not great, but it just needed round rubber