Schwinn ~ Sports Tourer ~ 1975
April 7, 2012 after Restoration
Found on Vermont Craig's List, 02-28-2012
Basically the ad read: "Old Schwinn. Needs work. $90."
The ad included this very poor picture. Not much to look at. But what caught my eye was the crank arm, which I was certain was a three piece and not the one piece boat anchor of Varsities and Continentals. When I called the owner, he was in his mid to late 70s and could not answer my questions. The bike was hanging 10 feet off the barn floor. He could not see well enough to even read "Sports Tourer" along the down tube. I decided it was worth the drive and headed to Vermont. I was glad I did. The poor thing had been hanging in the rafters for decades. The slide show on the top shows the condition as found. Basically, crude, rust, dried grease, dust, and animal left behinds covered this bike, which in 1975 was Schwinn's second best American made bike, just behind the Paramount. It deserved to be restored. I started the restoration on March 1, 2012, and the next day left for Florida, so I was not able to complete it right away. I was able to clean, polish, and wax the frame and fork. I managed to make some progress on the crankset. I'm not being completely faithful and will make changes from the original build. For now, enjoy the progress on the bottom slide show. UPDATE: I've been able to take the Sports Tourer out for a few nice rides in April 2012. There's just something about how Schwinn's fillet brazed bikes ride. I like to call it smooth and comfortable. These are not racing bikes. But for an enjoyable, all day ride, just perfect! The recovered Ideale Model 90 saddle was a concern. It has the thickest leather compared to all my Brooks and other Ideale saddles. I was afraid it would be too hard. I had also been warned that the flat aluminum rails for the frame would not "give" over bumps, thus making the ride more harsh. This has not been the case! |
Slide Show as Found on February 28, 2012
Slide Show of Cleaning & Restoration
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At the Edge of a Field of Buttercups! June 10, 2012
Bicycling, has those special moments. Out for a ride, either a leisurely one, fast paced, or something in between, and suddenly, you find yourself in the right place at the right time. It can be magical!
This was the case on Sunday June 10, 2012 at about 4:30 in the afternoon. I was riding the '75 Sports Tourer, taking it easy since I had recently pulled a muscle in my hip and was on the mend. I was drifting along Georges Mill Road in Springfield (a regular bike route) and I was graced with this scene and the perfect backdrop for a picture.
I quickly turned around, stopped, propped up the bike, and switched on the iPhone camera. The green field (which had not been mowed), and the dazzling path of buttercups (capturing and reflecting back the afternoon sun), provided one such special moment in time and place. The yellows and greens could not have combined any better with the colors on the bike. Even the unmatched blue in the water bottle blends well with blue sky between the distant branches.
I especially like the seemingly disappearing path of buttercups, stretching into the distant woods. Very symbolic of a bicycle journey. Also notice the two buttercups shinning through the vintage amber reflector on the front wheel. It shows how brilliantly the buttercups were reflecting the sun.
It was a special moment indeed! The right place at the right time! Enjoy!
Pastor Bob
This was the case on Sunday June 10, 2012 at about 4:30 in the afternoon. I was riding the '75 Sports Tourer, taking it easy since I had recently pulled a muscle in my hip and was on the mend. I was drifting along Georges Mill Road in Springfield (a regular bike route) and I was graced with this scene and the perfect backdrop for a picture.
I quickly turned around, stopped, propped up the bike, and switched on the iPhone camera. The green field (which had not been mowed), and the dazzling path of buttercups (capturing and reflecting back the afternoon sun), provided one such special moment in time and place. The yellows and greens could not have combined any better with the colors on the bike. Even the unmatched blue in the water bottle blends well with blue sky between the distant branches.
I especially like the seemingly disappearing path of buttercups, stretching into the distant woods. Very symbolic of a bicycle journey. Also notice the two buttercups shinning through the vintage amber reflector on the front wheel. It shows how brilliantly the buttercups were reflecting the sun.
It was a special moment indeed! The right place at the right time! Enjoy!
Pastor Bob