Schwinn Collegiate Project

[slebo3213]

Long story short, I have a mid 70’s Schwinn Collegiate that I’m trying to bring back to life. I’m not too knowledgeable on bikes, but aside from some dry rot on the tires everything looks to be in good shape. I plan on taking it to a professional for a good once over, but I was looking for some suggestions on upgrades that might drop weight, make the bike handle better, and maybe enhance the appearance a bit. I’ll likely just be using the bike to go a couple miles to and from the gym, but I’d like to get to the point where I can use it on a 12 mile commute to work from Bethesda to Mcpherson Sq.

I know a lot of people will say the bike is not worth the time/money but it used to be my dad’s bike, so it has some sentimental value. Pic attached.

Topic

[slebo3213]

UPDATE – Resto Completed

Pics attached. Pulled out all the bearings, cleaned and lubed. Replaced all brake and shifter cables, tires/tubes, and bar wrap. New saddle. Polished all of the stainless. Came out pretty good.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6108[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6109[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6110[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6111[/ATTACH]

[KLizotte]

I can only add that I love the color! Do not change it’s color!!

Also, be sure the bike fits you well before going down the path of dropping cash on it then discovering it is too big/small. Not sure the best way to go about that though since you presumably can’t ride it in its present condition. Perhaps take measurements and check fit calculators online?

[cyclingfool]

Nice looking bike and restoration! I, too, love the orange color. I’m quite partial to orange. Hope it’s working well for you so far!

[dkel]

The yellow accents are fab-u-lous!! I used to have an actual odometer on my bike when I was a kid; I had forgotten that till I saw your pics.

[KLizotte]

Did you do all the work yourself?

[slebo3213]

@KLizotte 89275 wrote:

Did you do all the work yourself?

I did not. A friend did the work on the bearings and College Park Bikes did the brake and shifter lines. I did all of the polishing myself.

Unfortunately, I’m now having issues with the brakes, and I think one of the wheels may be out of round – bumpy ride on flat streets. The brakes clench fine, but only one side completely releases. And there’s something going on with the front hub. My friend seemed to think that I should be able to bolt the front wheel in as tight as the bolts will get, but when I tighten them down the front wheel won’t spin.

It’s an old bike. This might take some time.

[KLizotte]

Hopefully these problems will be resolved soon. It’s a fabulous, distinctive looking bike.

[Starduster]

@Steve 76637 wrote:

Just my $.02, if you want to speak to a professional about it, might I recommend The Old Bike Shop in Clarendon. They, as a matter of business, restore old bikes to rideability. From what I have seen there, they do not overbuild the bike back up, moreso just try to put good working used parts back on it and make sure it is good to use. They might have good advice and thoughts for you, as they have a good eye for fixing these things up. I’d think they would help more than a more traditional shop in the area.

I *will* second that recommendation! Just be warned (tee hee) that Larry will be all “Oh wow! Cool!” when he sees it. That should tell you you’re in the right place.

[Starduster]

@slebo3213 76597 wrote:

I’m sure an upgrade to an LED light would be worth, but I think the wiring might be tough. Definitely something I’ll look into.

If you are *serious* about riding at night, a current LED upgrade will be a night&day difference. There are a number of us who are devotees of dynamo powered lighting. An older sidepull generator will have drag, but… no worries about batteries or how much runtime you have left on a charge. They will come up to a usable level of light at *walking speed*, stay lit for a few minutes at stoplights, and no burnt out bulb worries.

Current practice is a two wire setup, rather than one wire, grounded to the frame. If you’re good with electrical wiring, a simple job.

If you want to see what’s possible in present time:

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?6127-quot-Flash-Us-quot-Forum-Contest-Show-us-your-lights!/page3

And my wheels? ’81 Trek with 90’s drivetrain and 2014 Euro lights. Dedicated (crazed) collector Larry @ The Old Bike Shop approved. You’ll be OK.

Love what you’re doing. Looks NICE!

[ShawnoftheDread]

@slebo3213 89303 wrote:

My friend seemed to think that I should be able to bolt the front wheel in as tight as the bolts will get, but when I tighten them down the front wheel won’t spin.

It’s an old bike. This might take some time.

Sounds like the cone nuts are tightening as you tighten the axle nuts. Loosen them up a bit first or hold them in place with a cone wrench as you tighten the lugs.

[83b]

@slebo3213 89303 wrote:

The brakes clench fine, but only one side completely releases.

Old-school brakes can have their calipers recentered with an offset brake tool. It’s a really quick adjustment and your local bike shop should have the tool.

Beautiful restoration!

[slebo3213]

Went to the Old Bike Shop in Clarendon. Cool place. Thanks for the tip.

In my travels it’s become clear that my front axle is bent and that I’m having trouble with tire fitment since the wheels aren’t really 27 x 1 1.25. I’m also slipping out of the easy gears, so I think my gears are worn. I’m getting so much conflicting advice on wheel replacement. Since I need new gears I was thinking about a 700s. Some say by a freewheel and put my gears onto the new wheel, but my gears are no bueno.

[SilverSpring]

This is a variation on the Schwinn Collegiate Project from last year. A friend has a (fairly, kinda, very) old Schwinn that seems to be in good shape (so I’m told) save for a back rim/wheel that’s bent (I know not the degree of bend or tacocity [taconess?]). She’d like to get this up and running for her lad when he heads to college late next month, but has been told at a couple of bike shops that it’s not worth it. So, suggestions on an inexpensive repair or referral to kind souls who tinker and, in so doing, bring happiness to Moms and their boys?

[Raymo853]

@hozn 76538 wrote:

Oh, and probably exchange the horn for a bell.

No way on this. That horn is wonderful and I bet it sounds great.

[Author]

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