1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer... Just Got It

[HARPO]

I picked this one up this morning off of Facebook, where it had been for well over a month. I made an offer, which I thought would be refused, but obviously was accepted. Easy ride, as it was only about 12 miles from my house.

It turns out that his cousin was the original owner and had passed away a couple of months ago. He was trying to deal with everything that was left to him to take care of, which he said was overwhelming as there was just so many things to have to go through. I promised that I'd send finished phots when I was done, and he was very happy that I had even offered. He said his cousin loved the bike and was the original owner, and rode a lot all over when he got it. Odometer shows 1,355 miles on it! I was told that except for the tires, all was as it came when it was new... nut I think tape would have been brown. I have questions as to if the rear derailleur is original, but I'm hoping someone here can verify if it is or isn't. Serial number dates it to September 1972.

Anyway, enjoy the "As Found" photos. Another project to start playing with!!

 

[PfishB]

Be good to see how this turns out. The Sports Tourists from the early '70s I've seen came with either the horrible Campagnolo Gran Tourismo thing or the Schwinn branded Shimano Crane (No doubt to replace the Campy). The Altus seems to be early 90s.

 

[HARPO]

Be good to see how this turns out. The Sports Tourists from the early '70s I've seen came with either the horrible Campagnolo Gran Tourismo thing or the Schwinn branded Shimano Crane (No doubt to replace the Campy). The Altus seems to be early 90s.

Turns out the derailleur is from Mountain Bikes usage, and yes, the '90's. Curious how it will shift, but I guess the original owner had no trouble until the bike was put away many years ago.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

That seems to be the standard treatment now when you bring an old bike into a modern(90s and up) shop..."the derailleur may need some adjustment," "OK, we'll install a new cable, chain, derailleur, and freewheel(or cassette)." As long as the bike hasn't been wrecked, whatever derailleur is on it should be able to be made workable...the old stuff was made to be serviceable even. That Altus will probably ride fine, but they weren't made to be serviceable besides replacing jockey wheels...as it looks like the pivot points are all riveted on.

Looks like the original 72 ad shows the Campagnolo rear derailleur.

Gear chart shows 14-34 freewheel, if that helps. It does look era appropriate though. I can get into the spec catalog when I get home if needed.

 

[Eric Amlie]

Nice bike!
Looking forward to seeing the pics after you get it all cleaned up.

 

[daverup]

The Sports Tourists from the early '70s I've seen came with either the horrible Campagnolo Gran Tourismo thing or the Schwinn branded Shimano Crane (No doubt to replace the Campy). The Altus seems to be early 90s.

The early 72 ST would have had the Campy Gran Tourismo junk RD. If it is a late 72, it might have come with the Schwinn branded Crane GS, as they were standard for 73+.

I can't tell from the pics if the rims are the original Weinmanns. The hubs do look original.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Thanks for posting pictures of your new find.

To me, these old, neglected hand brazed lugless bicycles have a story to tell and lots of potential miles yet to give. I find it most interesting looking at the way these bikes were "set up" likely by the original selling dealers. If properly set up the rider might have continued to ride his bike for more than only 1300 miles during 55 years of ownership. Just look at the long reach those safety brake levers require. They were not positioned correctly on the handlebar, which would have resulted in a shorter reach making it easier to reach the brakes when "on the tops". Slight differences in adjustment make a big difference in comfort.

Why would anyone want or need to replace the bottom bracket spindle on such a pristine original bike? Why would they choose to use a cartridge bottom bracket? I would want to conform the Nervar crankarms even fit the taper on the replacement cartridge.

How many times have you seen a bicycle assembled "with the toe straps in the wrong direction"? The buckle needs to be on the outside so you can pull the end of the strap UP TO TIGHTEN. That then places the buckle in a position to make it QUICK RELEASE. Just reverse the direction of the straps and they will work 100% better.

The Lucas "clicker" Odometers were a cool period correct accessory for the 1970's. But the way it was mounted on this bike makes it a pain to remove the Quick Release wheel. If the installing mechanic removed the front hub locknut and placed the odometer bracket under the locknut you would not need to spend time readjusting the distance between the axle and the striker every time the wheel is removed.

Its not unusual to find that the Grand Turismo has been replaced. Hopefully it was replaced before it wrapped the chain and went into the rear wheel. We replaced some of these frames that the Huret fork end was bent beyond straightening. The Altus might work OK, but it is a disposable level derailer. A mid level Suntour, Shimano Crane (Le Tour branded) or a Huret Jubilee are good replacements.

John

 

[HARPO]

Thanks for all the help and insights guys. Always appreciated!!!

 

[daverup]

Just look at the long reach those safety brake levers require. They were not positioned correctly on the handlebar, which would have resulted in a shorter reach making it easier to reach the brakes when "on the tops". Slight differences in adjustment make a big difference in comfort.

John,
I think the adjustment of the brake safety levers is a balancing act. If one brings them up too far, making them easy to reach, there is likely to be very little brake force before the safety lever is even with the handlebar top. I see far more complaints about the brakes being ineffective from the tops than the levers being a bit of a reach. Of course, proper caliper setup is critical here too.
I'll continue setting them to the max reach point, that's my favorite setup.
The randonneur bars on the ST make the safety lever adjustment look worse than it is.

My 85 ST was in similar condition to the OP's, I ended up replacing spokes and rims, they were too far gone on mine.

 

[FICHT 150]

Nice bike. Let me know if you want a long cage Crane for it, I have one sitting and looking stupid on my bench. Not Schwinn marked. But, it will work better than what you have, or the Campy that might have been there originally.

Ted