1961 Coppertone Schwinn Continental

[Schwinn499]

I picked this up the other day from the original owner. He was sad to let it go but happy to know it was going to a good home. These early 60s bikes are quite uncommon in the 24" frame. It was missing the og bars and levers and the original Ideale saddle, all of which I had in my parts stash so back to og spec. it went. Its gonna clean up great!

 

[Metacortex]

Wow that thing is going to turn out fantastic, can't wait to see it all detailed!

A couple of interesting data points on these: The '60-'62 Varsinentals had super layed-back 69 degree HT/ST angles, you should be able to ride that thing no handed sitting backwards. According to the May '61 Reporter the Continental changed to Huret front and rear derailleurs starting on May 15th production and got a new paint/decal scheme at the same time, so this bike must have been built after that date. Continentals at that time used side-pull brakes (same as the Varsity), the Continental was upgraded to center-pull brakes mid-year 1962, but only on 21" and 23" models (July '62 Reporter). I think all sizes were center-pull for '63 and later.

What does that frame actually measure center to top? We know that the 19" and 21" frames were really 20" and 22" (the size designations were changed in '71), but supposedly at that time the 23" was changed to 24" in actual dimension. It would be interesting to know if that size did actually change or if it was 24" all-along.

 

[Schwinn499]

Wow that thing is going to turn out fantastic, can't wait to see it all detailed!

A couple of interesting data points on these: The '60-'62 Varsinentals had super layed-back 69 degree HT/ST angles, you should be able to ride that thing no handed sitting backwards. According to the May '61 Reporter the Continental changed to Huret front and rear derailleurs starting on May 15th production and got a new paint/decal scheme at the same time, so this bike must have been built after that date. Continentals at that time used side-pull brakes (same as the Varsity), the Continental was upgraded to center-pull brakes mid-year 1962, but only on 21" and 23" models (July '62 Reporter). I think all sizes were center-pull for '63 and later.

What does that frame actually measure center to top? We know that the 19" and 21" frames were really 20" and 22" (the size designations were changed in '71), but supposedly at that time the 23" was changed to 24" in actual dimension. It would be interesting to know if that size did actually change or if it was 24" all-along.

Thanks, ill measure when I get a chance.

 

[momo608]

It could not have ended up in better hands, a real time capsule.

My 60 and 62 Conti both measure in at 23".

 

[Metacortex]

It could not have ended up in better hands, a real time capsule.

I could not agree more.

My 60 and 62 Conti both measure in at 23".

Duly noted, thanks for chiming in!

 

[GTs58]

Awesome acquisition! I have no idea what your serial number is, but looking at that rear derailleur I'll have to say an April or May SN and that is probably one of the very first built mid 61 Continentals. Never have I seen that derailleur on a Conti or a Varsity. Note the four tension prongs and the design/shape of the jockey cage. Also, that cosmetic design with the rounded arrow tip is hardly ever seen. Can't wait to see this one cleaned up!

 

[Metacortex]

...Never have I seen that derailleur on a Conti or a Varsity. Note the four tension prongs and the design/shape of the jockey cage.

That's how the early versions were built:

 

[GTs58]

Yes indeed, the very early versions. My Fall 61 Conti has the newer version Allvit that was used on the 62 and 63 models. .

 

[Metacortex]

Yes indeed, the very early versions. My Fall 61 Conti has the newer version Alvitt that was used on the 62 and 63 models. .

Note that catalog page was dated April '62. You can see the same derailleur on this '62 Varsity: http://budgetbicyclectr.com/1962-schwinn-varsity-road-bicycle.html

 

[GTs58]

Note that catalog page was dated April '62.

Yes I noted that and that old diagram sheet was obviously reused and re-dated. I've been researching these early Allvits for over 6 years now and Cody's example is more than likely one of the first Allvits shipped from France. The Corvette 5 speed also used this Allvit in the beginning, and it was later equipped with the piece were the arrow design changed, but still had the 4 prong jockey cage unlike the late 61 Conti and the 62 and 63 Continental, Varsity, Superior and Sierra. Here's the second 1961 issue for these early lightweights.