'85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe
11-06-14, 05:37 PM
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'85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe
I've lurked for years, and gained so much much knowledge from all of you that I've then shared with others.
And I've always drawn inspiration from your posts and photos - but never coveted your bikes (they are too small usually)!
So here I am to share!
I picked this bike up for a case of beer, from a guy who bought it but felt like the repairs where way over his head.
I overhauled all the bearings, put in a new sealed bottom bracket, and bought a shiny new seatpost and stem/handlebars from VO.
Polished up the brakes and shifters, and completely overhauled the Mountech derailleur (most difficult component that Ive successfully put back together)
Threw on some fenders, added a rack and dyno lights, and built up a front dyno wheel.
Its a new build that I've only put 50 miles on, but I still havent decided on handlebar tape on the VO Chris's Rando Bars. I figured you guys might have some good suggestions!
And I've always drawn inspiration from your posts and photos - but never coveted your bikes (they are too small usually)!
So here I am to share!
I picked this bike up for a case of beer, from a guy who bought it but felt like the repairs where way over his head.
I overhauled all the bearings, put in a new sealed bottom bracket, and bought a shiny new seatpost and stem/handlebars from VO.
Polished up the brakes and shifters, and completely overhauled the Mountech derailleur (most difficult component that Ive successfully put back together)
Threw on some fenders, added a rack and dyno lights, and built up a front dyno wheel.
Its a new build that I've only put 50 miles on, but I still havent decided on handlebar tape on the VO Chris's Rando Bars. I figured you guys might have some good suggestions!
11-06-14, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by oddjob2
Nice job, enjoy the ride. Light grey tape.
11-06-14, 06:19 PM
#4
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I have an 84 that I recently put s and s couplers on. And I just ordered the same dyno light. Also has the same rack. Nice ride. Do you have Cannondale panniers for it?
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11-06-14, 08:44 PM
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@oddjob2 and @greg3rd48, thanks! Ill look for light grey, I came across some silver (Fi'zik Microfiber) but it seemed a bit off.
@seedsbelize, no cannondale panniers, I was just going to use my ortliebs for the occasional loaded ride. The dyno hub is pretty fantastic, and keeps the Lumotec Cyo headlight lit pretty nicely.
@seedsbelize, no cannondale panniers, I was just going to use my ortliebs for the occasional loaded ride. The dyno hub is pretty fantastic, and keeps the Lumotec Cyo headlight lit pretty nicely.
11-06-14, 09:02 PM
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How about cotton tape? Light grey or the lighter red Newbaums would look great.
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11-06-14, 09:15 PM
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@icepick_trotsky I usually have some hand trouble after long rides, so i really enjoy the thicker padded tape, but I did consider putting light grey newbaums on top of some cork tape.
These are pretty wide bars, would there be enough tape to finish off the bar?
These are pretty wide bars, would there be enough tape to finish off the bar?
11-06-14, 09:18 PM
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Still learning
11-07-14, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by afabed
@icepick_trotsky I usually have some hand trouble after long rides, so i really enjoy the thicker padded tape, but I did consider putting light grey newbaums on top of some cork tape.
These are pretty wide bars, would there be enough tape to finish off the bar?
These are pretty wide bars, would there be enough tape to finish off the bar?
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Last edited by icepick_trotsky; 11-07-14 at 10:52 AM.
11-07-14, 12:57 PM
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I'm a fan! Don't you love having a dynamo hub and modern headlight?
One small suggestion: spread some oil on the very slightly rust crank bolt and any other hardware with superficial rust. It will look better and prevent more rust accumulation.
One small suggestion: spread some oil on the very slightly rust crank bolt and any other hardware with superficial rust. It will look better and prevent more rust accumulation.
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11-07-14, 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by noglider
I'm a fan! Don't you love having a dynamo hub and modern headlight?
One small suggestion: spread some oil on the very slightly rust crank bolt and any other hardware with superficial rust. It will look better and prevent more rust accumulation.
One small suggestion: spread some oil on the very slightly rust crank bolt and any other hardware with superficial rust. It will look better and prevent more rust accumulation.
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11-07-14, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by icepick_trotsky
Oddly enough, my Le Tour (an '86) has the same rusty bolt. Do you just use chain oil, or some other kind?
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11-07-14, 01:30 PM
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Another 'Luxe fan here. This is my '84.
11-07-14, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Kind of funny, but I picked up a 1984 LeTour Luxe for a case of beer as well.
[IMG]
1984 Schwinn Luxe Touring Bike 56cm by Bills Vintage Steel Bikes and Parts, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]
1984 Schwinn Luxe Touring Bike 56cm by Bills Vintage Steel Bikes and Parts, on Flickr[/IMG]
11-07-14, 05:16 PM
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@OTS I'm using a shimano 3N80 dyno hub, with busch&müller lights. Cyo T Plus front, and a rack mounted Toplight Line Plus BrakeTec (it pulses when you slow down!)
im im a big fan of the paint color, even though it's cupped and scratched up, I enjoy the work in look. reminded me of the salsa casseroll I wanted a few years ago.
@noglider thanks for the oil tip, I'll be sure to do that.
im im a big fan of the paint color, even though it's cupped and scratched up, I enjoy the work in look. reminded me of the salsa casseroll I wanted a few years ago.
@noglider thanks for the oil tip, I'll be sure to do that.
11-07-14, 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by cycle_maven
Good job, and nice snag.
I have a case of beer in the pantry all the time, just waiting for a deal like this. So far, no luck.
I have a case of beer in the pantry all the time, just waiting for a deal like this. So far, no luck.
I always read about finding nice bikes in the trash or picking up a few bikes for a case of beer on the forums.
and I thought I was a joke when I saw the craigslist ad, but the guy was serious!
11-13-14, 09:50 PM
#21
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The 1985 model is one of the best with the cantilever brakes - nice grab for a case of suds (I hope it was macro and not a quality craft brew!). Since this seems to have taken a turn to show your champaign Le Tour here is a 1984 that I used to own. Not light by any means but a pleasant and comfortable ride. I liked the Suntour levers. I gave it up after finding a Voyageur for more dedicated touring.
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11-14-14, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by afabed
I've lurked for years, and gained so much much knowledge from all of you that I've then shared with others.
And I've always drawn inspiration from your posts and photos - but never coveted your bikes (they are too small usually)!
So here I am to share!
And I've always drawn inspiration from your posts and photos - but never coveted your bikes (they are too small usually)!
So here I am to share!
What rear rack is that? I like it!
11-14-14, 12:43 PM
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@badger_biker, thats a really cool color. Im a big fan of the earthy tones on steel bikes. And the canti brakes are wonderful,just have to figure out how to get more power from them. Maybe its the brake pads Im using but rain riding wasn't too fun.
@bicyclebradley, its a jim blackburn rack, with non-adjustable arms.
@bicyclebradley, its a jim blackburn rack, with non-adjustable arms.
01-26-20, 12:12 AM
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Great old bikes!
Got fired from my trucking job about 4 yrs ago and needing some retail therapy I found an '85 Luxe 23" in the blue as is yours not nearly as cheap thou. Did a few mods, and a bit of customizing. Changed the crank to an XT M730 175mm, the bars out to an 46cm Nitto Noodle set, the rear mech to a Deore, and had the rear stretched out to 130mm to fit Ultegra 6500 hubs/CR18 700 rims. Used a set of Dura Ace 9spd bar ends for the shifters. A bit heavy compared to my Cannondale T600, but definitely hauls the mail. Great bikes those mid-80's Schwinns!!
