1978 Schwinn Traveler III
02-17-11, 06:39 PM
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1978 Schwinn Traveler III
Alright, so I'm new to the biking world and I'm excited about diving in. I found a deal ($20) for an old Traveler that needed a little work, but I figured it wasn't a bad deal. Based on this thread, I determined it was a 1978 (the stamp on the front reads "1718"). Here's a few pics:
Had it tuned up at the LBS, picked it up yesterday, and then the front tire blew today.
After some inspection of the tire, I saw a very faint "Made in Japan" stamp on the sidewall and it made me wonder if these were possibly the original tires. They are definitely old looking with signs of cracking, etc. The rims are Araya 27" and I'm pretty sure I need 27x1.25 tires, is that right?
Also, There's a decent amount of scratches and scuffs on the frame so I'm considering repainting. I'm mechanically inclined and I think it would be a good opportunity to learn more about the bike while helping it out. I've heard JRrestore is the guy to contact about decals, but I can't PM him since I don't have 50 posts...
Had it tuned up at the LBS, picked it up yesterday, and then the front tire blew today.
After some inspection of the tire, I saw a very faint "Made in Japan" stamp on the sidewall and it made me wonder if these were possibly the original tires. They are definitely old looking with signs of cracking, etc. The rims are Araya 27" and I'm pretty sure I need 27x1.25 tires, is that right?Also, There's a decent amount of scratches and scuffs on the frame so I'm considering repainting. I'm mechanically inclined and I think it would be a good opportunity to learn more about the bike while helping it out. I've heard JRrestore is the guy to contact about decals, but I can't PM him since I don't have 50 posts...
02-17-11, 06:48 PM
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Think fractional and not decimal with the tire size. 27 x 1 1/4 or 27 x 1 1/8. If they are cracked replace them and for good measure the tubes and rim strip too. There are some good deals on 27" tires on line.
Some possible popular choices include:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=422404
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...3_10000_202472
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=422777
Some possible popular choices include:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=422404
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...3_10000_202472
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=422777
02-17-11, 07:35 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. I'm having some trouble figuring out what tube size I'll need. I assumed I would need 27" tubes, but the largest I can find is 26" -- can someone give me some help with this?
02-17-11, 08:02 PM
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I have the same bike, and love it! I put these tires (cheap) and have been more than happy with them... https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=507633
This tube would work as well: https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=12560
Awesome bike, I put about 1500 miles on mine last summer, hopefully more this year. Going to paint mine soon as it has a bunch of nicks and some rust, and it's really only worth anything to me.. so it might as well look how I want it to
This tube would work as well: https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=12560
Awesome bike, I put about 1500 miles on mine last summer, hopefully more this year. Going to paint mine soon as it has a bunch of nicks and some rust, and it's really only worth anything to me.. so it might as well look how I want it to
02-17-11, 08:14 PM
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02-17-11, 08:14 PM
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I have the same bike, and love it! I put these tires (cheap) and have been more than happy with them... https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=507633
This tube would work as well: https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=12560
Awesome bike, I put about 1500 miles on mine last summer, hopefully more this year. Going to paint mine soon as it has a bunch of nicks and some rust, and it's really only worth anything to me.. so it might as well look how I want it to
This tube would work as well: https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=12560
Awesome bike, I put about 1500 miles on mine last summer, hopefully more this year. Going to paint mine soon as it has a bunch of nicks and some rust, and it's really only worth anything to me.. so it might as well look how I want it to
02-17-11, 08:55 PM
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I'd buy those all day long for $20...you did good!! Unless the paint is absolutely wasted, with lots of rust spots, chips etc...you better just clean, touch up and polish... repainted bikes aren't as collectible... but , it is YOUR bike...so have at it
andy
andy
02-17-11, 09:26 PM
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It's actually a 1983 traveller, so similar I guess but not exact. Figured they'd be basically the same. Am I incorrect? But yes, I have 1 1/8" tires on it. Put 1 1/4 on first, then wanted to try the skinnier tires b/c I thought it would be "faster" (bike newbie here). Only real difference is the
1 1/8" tires can go higher psi, and they come out of the brakes easier. But they mount up and ride perfect.
It's actually a really good looking bike. This is it, but now has different crankset and freewheel, new rear wheel, cartrige BB, the light is off the back for now, and clipless pedals. The tires in this pic may be the 1 1/4 tires, not sure.
1 1/8" tires can go higher psi, and they come out of the brakes easier. But they mount up and ride perfect.
It's actually a really good looking bike. This is it, but now has different crankset and freewheel, new rear wheel, cartrige BB, the light is off the back for now, and clipless pedals. The tires in this pic may be the 1 1/4 tires, not sure.
Last edited by jbrow1; 02-17-11 at 09:32 PM.
02-17-11, 09:34 PM
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There are quite a few chips/scratches on the paint but absolutely no rust that I can find, so I'll probably hold off on the paint for now. Thanks for the input!
02-17-11, 09:42 PM
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It's actually a 1983 traveller, so similar I guess but not exact. Figured they'd be basically the same. Am I incorrect? But yes, I have 1 1/8" tires on it. Put 1 1/4 on first, then wanted to try the skinnier tires b/c I thought it would be "faster" (bike newbie here). Only real difference is the
1 1/8" tires can go higher psi, and they come out of the brakes easier. But they mount up and ride perfect.
It's actually a really good looking bike. This is it, but now has different crankset and freewheel, new rear wheel, cartrige BB, the light is off the back for now, and clipless pedals. The tires in this pic may be the 1 1/4 tires, not sure.
1 1/8" tires can go higher psi, and they come out of the brakes easier. But they mount up and ride perfect.
It's actually a really good looking bike. This is it, but now has different crankset and freewheel, new rear wheel, cartrige BB, the light is off the back for now, and clipless pedals. The tires in this pic may be the 1 1/4 tires, not sure.
02-17-11, 10:49 PM
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Hi Geoff_. Enjoy that bike!
I don't find many people in the late 70's Schwinn Traveller club...
I've got a '77 Traveller III. The blue one. It's a nice riding bike. I put 1700 on it last year and plan to triple that this year.
Picked it up in Portland in 2009 for $75 and it was new. Seriously. Bone stock with the original tires still on it with the little nubbies on them. They were cracked from age/sitting.
I've learned a lot about what I like/dislike about road bike(s)(ing) with this purchase, and have come to realize that the ride quality of this 35 year old bike is pretty dang good.
I ride in all weather and had close calls due to steel rims and braking issues that come with water. I'll be upgrading the wheel set when the tax return comes in.
Also,
The rear tire was about to pop, so I dropped into the local LBS and bought a tire. Installed it in the parking lot and came back in and asked the guy to inflate it for me. He asked me how much pressure, and I responded with "Whatever is says on the side of the tire". I believe it read as 110psi.
He then proceeded to give me a verbal beat down on how one is not to over fill tires mounted on non-clincher rims. So if your bike has the original wheels (which it looks like it does), don't pump them up too high. I weigh 250 and run 50psi/75psi front/rear. 1 1/4" tires are fairly big, and this gives a good ride. Last I heard- the recommended pressure limit was ~75psi.
I have run them at ~90psi in the past, without issue. YMMV.
The bike is heavier than others, but I think the ride quality is excellent. I can see the fork moving while riding. Providing a smooth ride.
Ride that thing into the ground... if you can. It's a pretty tough bike.
Is that some kind of special bottle cage designed for frames lacking the mounts? I ended up pop-riveting one to mine. Works good so far.
I don't find many people in the late 70's Schwinn Traveller club...
I've got a '77 Traveller III. The blue one. It's a nice riding bike. I put 1700 on it last year and plan to triple that this year.
Picked it up in Portland in 2009 for $75 and it was new. Seriously. Bone stock with the original tires still on it with the little nubbies on them. They were cracked from age/sitting.
I've learned a lot about what I like/dislike about road bike(s)(ing) with this purchase, and have come to realize that the ride quality of this 35 year old bike is pretty dang good.
I ride in all weather and had close calls due to steel rims and braking issues that come with water. I'll be upgrading the wheel set when the tax return comes in.
Also,
The rear tire was about to pop, so I dropped into the local LBS and bought a tire. Installed it in the parking lot and came back in and asked the guy to inflate it for me. He asked me how much pressure, and I responded with "Whatever is says on the side of the tire". I believe it read as 110psi.
He then proceeded to give me a verbal beat down on how one is not to over fill tires mounted on non-clincher rims. So if your bike has the original wheels (which it looks like it does), don't pump them up too high. I weigh 250 and run 50psi/75psi front/rear. 1 1/4" tires are fairly big, and this gives a good ride. Last I heard- the recommended pressure limit was ~75psi.
I have run them at ~90psi in the past, without issue. YMMV.
The bike is heavier than others, but I think the ride quality is excellent. I can see the fork moving while riding. Providing a smooth ride.
Ride that thing into the ground... if you can. It's a pretty tough bike.
Is that some kind of special bottle cage designed for frames lacking the mounts? I ended up pop-riveting one to mine. Works good so far.
02-17-11, 11:20 PM
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02-18-11, 08:29 AM
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That's a mighty spiffy lookin' bike- my favorite Schwinn decals and favorite color. Don't paint it!!!
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02-18-11, 09:48 AM
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Hi Geoff_. Enjoy that bike!
I don't find many people in the late 70's Schwinn Traveller club...
I've got a '77 Traveller III. The blue one. It's a nice riding bike. I put 1700 on it last year and plan to triple that this year.
Picked it up in Portland in 2009 for $75 and it was new. Seriously. Bone stock with the original tires still on it with the little nubbies on them. They were cracked from age/sitting.
I've learned a lot about what I like/dislike about road bike(s)(ing) with this purchase, and have come to realize that the ride quality of this 35 year old bike is pretty dang good.
I ride in all weather and had close calls due to steel rims and braking issues that come with water. I'll be upgrading the wheel set when the tax return comes in.
Also,
The rear tire was about to pop, so I dropped into the local LBS and bought a tire. Installed it in the parking lot and came back in and asked the guy to inflate it for me. He asked me how much pressure, and I responded with "Whatever is says on the side of the tire". I believe it read as 110psi.
He then proceeded to give me a verbal beat down on how one is not to over fill tires mounted on non-clincher rims. So if your bike has the original wheels (which it looks like it does), don't pump them up too high. I weigh 250 and run 50psi/75psi front/rear. 1 1/4" tires are fairly big, and this gives a good ride. Last I heard- the recommended pressure limit was ~75psi.
I have run them at ~90psi in the past, without issue. YMMV.
The bike is heavier than others, but I think the ride quality is excellent. I can see the fork moving while riding. Providing a smooth ride.
Ride that thing into the ground... if you can. It's a pretty tough bike.
Is that some kind of special bottle cage designed for frames lacking the mounts? I ended up pop-riveting one to mine. Works good so far.
I don't find many people in the late 70's Schwinn Traveller club...
I've got a '77 Traveller III. The blue one. It's a nice riding bike. I put 1700 on it last year and plan to triple that this year.
Picked it up in Portland in 2009 for $75 and it was new. Seriously. Bone stock with the original tires still on it with the little nubbies on them. They were cracked from age/sitting.
I've learned a lot about what I like/dislike about road bike(s)(ing) with this purchase, and have come to realize that the ride quality of this 35 year old bike is pretty dang good.
I ride in all weather and had close calls due to steel rims and braking issues that come with water. I'll be upgrading the wheel set when the tax return comes in.
Also,
The rear tire was about to pop, so I dropped into the local LBS and bought a tire. Installed it in the parking lot and came back in and asked the guy to inflate it for me. He asked me how much pressure, and I responded with "Whatever is says on the side of the tire". I believe it read as 110psi.
He then proceeded to give me a verbal beat down on how one is not to over fill tires mounted on non-clincher rims. So if your bike has the original wheels (which it looks like it does), don't pump them up too high. I weigh 250 and run 50psi/75psi front/rear. 1 1/4" tires are fairly big, and this gives a good ride. Last I heard- the recommended pressure limit was ~75psi.
I have run them at ~90psi in the past, without issue. YMMV.
The bike is heavier than others, but I think the ride quality is excellent. I can see the fork moving while riding. Providing a smooth ride.
Ride that thing into the ground... if you can. It's a pretty tough bike.
Is that some kind of special bottle cage designed for frames lacking the mounts? I ended up pop-riveting one to mine. Works good so far.
cb400bill - Thanks for the specs!
02-22-11, 08:39 PM
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So I finally got around to snapping a few pics of her. I swapped the tires out, retaped the bars, and popped on a computer last weekend. You guys still advise against painting?
02-22-11, 08:44 PM
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dont paint her - let her show her age - just makes it that much sweeter of a ride
btw - just traded my big traveler for another mixte
it was a great bike - but way too big
btw - just traded my big traveler for another mixte
it was a great bike - but way too big
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