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Some vintage inspiration to anyone interested in being car free or car lite

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Some vintage inspiration to anyone interested in being car free or car lite

Old 09-02-14, 01:49 PM
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Some vintage inspiration to anyone interested in being car free or car lite

This was our 50lb haul today from various places.

Total cost of bikes and trailer from craigslist $220. The one advantage I do have is that I worked as a bike mechanic in college, so I have always maintained my own rides. That being said, the shop I purchased the Planet Bike Fenders from was willing to install them for free onto the "Yellow Cow" as it is named by my daughter.

The point of my post is that with a little bit of planning anyone can live car lite or car free. Even though a Cargo bike of some sort is in our future, these old Chicago Schwinn's are fantastic for any type of commute.

Have an awesome day!


20140902_130648.jpg

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Old 09-02-14, 02:18 PM
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I find bikes from the 1980s to be so much more commute friendly than older bikes. But an old Schwinn is about the most indestructable vehicle in the universe. You often see lighter bike with dented tubes... but seldom happens to these Schwinns.
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Old 09-02-14, 03:23 PM
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Previously I would have agreed, but since I picked these two mid 70's Suburban (women's) and Continental (men's) I have been amazed at how well they ride. Granted I was having a blast, so that could have altered my perception...

I will say you are spot on with regards to how tough they are. Other than squeaky brakes and allowing for extra distance when wet, they are bomb-proof.
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Old 09-03-14, 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by bwoodroaster
This was our 50lb haul today from various places.

Total cost of bikes and trailer from craigslist $220. The one advantage I do have is that I worked as a bike mechanic in college, so I have always maintained my own rides. That being said, the shop I purchased the Planet Bike Fenders from was willing to install them for free onto the "Yellow Cow" as it is named by my daughter.

The point of my post is that with a little bit of planning anyone can live car lite or car free. Even though a Cargo bike of some sort is in our future, these old Chicago Schwinn's are fantastic for any type of commute.

Have an awesome day!

Andy

Installing fenders is something I like to have the LBS do. Sometimes a certain fender won't mate well with a certain bike. It's nice to find that out while you're still in the shop. I once spent a couple hours trying to make a new fende fit better before I finally realized that it wasn't my fault that it wouldn't go on right.
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Old 09-03-14, 12:55 AM
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Yes! It is extremely important to find a good shop you can trust for even small things. It makes a huge difference when they time comes for more expensive purchases where fitment is crucial.
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Old 09-03-14, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by bwoodroaster
Yes! It is extremely important to find a good shop you can trust for even small things. It makes a huge difference when they time comes for more expensive purchases where fitment is crucial.
crucial "fitment"? Sounds like a term probably only used at trendy boutique shops where everything is expensive.
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Old 09-03-14, 12:53 PM
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Only if these guys are running the shop.

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Old 09-14-14, 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by bwoodroaster
This was our 50lb haul today from various places.

Total cost of bikes and trailer from craigslist $220. The one advantage I do have is that I worked as a bike mechanic in college, so I have always maintained my own rides. That being said, the shop I purchased the Planet Bike Fenders from was willing to install them for free onto the "Yellow Cow" as it is named by my daughter.

The point of my post is that with a little bit of planning anyone can live car lite or car free. Even though a Cargo bike of some sort is in our future, these old Chicago Schwinn's are fantastic for any type of commute.

Have an awesome day!

Andy


Nice finds! Those bikes will still be rolling for years to come. My favorite bike is a 1971 Raleigh Sports Standard.

I would suggest swapping the brake pads out for some Kool Stop Continentals.

Aaron
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Old 09-14-14, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by wahoonc
Nice finds! Those bikes will still be rolling for years to come. My favorite bike is a 1971 Raleigh Sports Standard.

I would suggest swapping the brake pads out for some Kool Stop Continentals.

Aaron
I learn something every day. I didn't know Kool Stop made a pad especially for Schwinn Continentals!

Seriously, thanks for the link.
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