@borgward I have a 10 speed LeTour with upright bars that I like very much. I bought my bike this way at the Royal Oak swap meet several years ago. I’m pretty sure that it was converted by a previous owner and whoever did it did a nice job. It has a 23” frame. I am 6’ tall with a 34” inseam and it fits me well. I rode a friend’s 5 speed Suburban set up in a similar manner on a 50 mile round trip ride and other than being a bit saddle sore it was fine. I’m a big fan of upright tourist style bikes. Of course a Paramount would be the ultimate. But a LeTour or Super Sport would be a good choice too. Or if you ride on a fairly level route and 15 miles or so even a Suburban or Continental could be fine. They are a bit heavier.
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One With Upright Bars
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borgward
Finally riding a big boys bike
Nice What vintage? Equipment? I live in rolling countryside that a lot of serious people train on. The longest route I take has one pretty good hill that my doctor who rides a lot said is a bear. I go in the opposite direction so that I am going down it. Seems like most of the World Sports I see for sale have really tall frames. Do most people that race have long legs?
Mine is a 1974. 10 speed. 27" wheels. Center pull brakes. The LeTour is around 30-32 lbs. Not super light but lighter than a Suburban, Continental, Varsity. The higher end models had lighter components, Chrome Moly frames. You can look at old catalog pictures and specs for any bike that you're considering to see how they were originally equipped.
Mine was converted to a tourist style bike with upright bars, fenders. You could get the bars, stem, fenders, brake levers from a Suburban. You'll need all of that stuff. Or Buy a cheap Suburban and take what you need.
As far as frame size, yeah many of the road bikes were tall. but most had choices in frame size so just find one that fits you well.
There are others on here that are very knowledgeable about Schwinn Lightweights. I think that they are under rated in the collector market and are often a very good value for what you get. Especially when you get into the 70's and 80's models.
I live in an area that has mild grades, so my LeTour is a good bike if I'm going on an extended ride. If I'm riding with friends that have modern bikes I do fine on that bike riding with them. I also have an 80's Schwinn Super Sport and an 80's Trek. Those have tall stems and a raised center section in the handlebar so I'm more upright. I much prefer to ride upright than to ride with drop bars. I want to be upright looking at the scenery, and it's way easier in my neck.
Good luck!
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