1947 Continental Cleanup

[GTs58]

If the stem and bar combo is still too tall after you add the saddle and test fit, another option would be one of the 1990s era AS razor stem reproductions. They have a pretty good range of adjustment and have the basic look of a Schwinn stem. The plating and overall quality is not as good as the original razor stems, but I have been happy enough with the reproductions I've used over the years to help bring the bars up a bit, but not too much.

I'd like to see one of those reproduction AS Razor stems.

 

[Miq]

I have a 70mm reach Nitto Young coming to try too. Opposite end of the spectrum height wise but more options.

 

[GTs58]

View attachment 2248057

I have a 70mm reach Nitto Young coming to try too. Opposite end of the spectrum height wise but more options.

That stem would be what I classify as a 0 rise 0 drop stem. Even though it looks like a drop, the drop compensates for the angle of the head tube so no rise or drop in the stem's bar clamping location. Insertion height is the only variable.
I still want to see a repop razor stem.

 

[Miq]

Right, looks like the angle of the “drop” just cancels out the head tube angle for a straight reach. We’ll see how it looks when it arrives.

I still want to see a repop razor stem.

I’m sure by the end of this I will have tried every stem on earth…. Just give it time.

 

[Miq]

I spent a while with a large adjustable wrench getting the chainring true again. I put on these MKS BM-7 rat trap pedals and they look better than I was expecting. Much shinier than the OG parts but this bike is a blend of old and new.

I got the Nitto Young stem fitted and @SKPC Pete was right. The shorter stem with a straight reach and somewhat rising bars looks a lot more normal. The grips look like they are actually up pretty high.

 

[Eric Amlie]

I hope you don't plan to keep the quick release seat post clamp.
It makes it easy for the thieves to steal your saddle.

 

[Miq]

Thanks Eric. I’m familiar with thieves stealing QR seats. I hardly ever leave my bike unattended and when I do I have a cable I can loop through the saddle to secure it to the lock so it’s not removable. Nothing is foolproof, but we don’t ride many places where we can’t bring our bikes inside and keep our eyes on them.

 

[Miq]

Tires, tubes, seat post, saddle, thumb shifter, chain.

I need to shorten the seat post a little, it is huge. I had to take it for a quick ride even without brakes once the shifter started working. It’s a very light bike and the Marathon City Racer tires roll great. I can’t wait to get it dialed in with brakes. It took a little fiddling but the SA thumb shifter seems to work fine with the F&S 3-speed. Once you get 2nd gear to reliably engage, the other 2 gears are fine. You also need to make sure the cable housing stop and pulley are actually tightened down.

 

[GTs58]

Are you using black brake cable casing? I have a brand new set of cables the owner had a shop install on his Corvette before I bought it. I kept looking at it hoping I'd change my mind and just leave it be. Decide to replace it. If you can use it, it's yours.

 

[Miq]

Got most of the bits on the bike now. Spent the afternoon with my son at the studio working on stuff. Finally got it all assembled and mom called us back home. Went for a quick test ride to the park together. It is amazingly light at 28 lbs. Didn't get to completely dial it in yet or really push it hard. Next ride... love how it’s looking. Front brakes are squeaking.

Check out the difference between a 622 vs 559 rim.