I just bought a 1975 Schwinn Continental and Reconditioning it now. I can’t wait to ride it. I rode this bike when I was a teenager. And now at 63 years old it will be fun to ride a bike like my original one. These bikes were American made and indestructible! Your bike is a beautiful bike from that era.
As a kid I had a Schwinn Traveler. Made me feel good, like a man of the world. I'll never forget my tour from Iowa to Minnesota, with a monster tailwind that sent us flying at 30 mph. It had a vinyl saddle bag that I'd fill with snacks and soda to enjoy in some new place. And boy did I shine that baby up. Life was simple and good.
I like this Schwinn, I bought a 1978 Schwinn La Tour III yesterday, and I"'m thrilled. I paid $140, I would have paid more, there is nothing I need to do to my bicycle.
The old Schwinns were straight gauge high carbon steel, drawn tubes. They were fillet brazed together. Probably one of the best made "cheap" bicycles! Good performance for that era.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I had a red 74 Le Tour that I purchased used in 1976 from our local Schwinn dealer. I saved my newspaper delivery money for several weeks to get it! I think I paid $75, but it looked and rode perfect; the dealer did a great job cleaning and setting it up for me. Thanks again!
Me too. That was a lot of newspapers. I remember being mad when subscribers didn't pay because I had to wait longer for the bike. When I finally bought it the old bike shop owner was as happy as I was, since I came in so often to gaze at it, lol.
I still have my beautiful red LeTour, bought new in '74 or '75, always kept in the house. First 10 years in the living room, was single then. New tires couple of times and new brake pads, but that's it. Don't ride much anymore, when I do the bike gets a lot of attention. I have it hanging in my office just to look at and admire. Been to the bike shops couple of times but like mine better than any of the new ones.
Bike looks great, I just restored the exact same bike and also used the white bar tape, gum brake hoods and Brooks brown saddle, I removed the spoke guard and chain guard to give the bike a European inspired look as seen on the early 70's Raleigh, Bianchi and American Schwinn Paramount road bikes.. I also installed new gum-wall high pressure tires for better performance, I will be uploading a video soon featuring the 1974 Schwinn Approved import. Thanks for sharing
Do you still have your Schwinn LeTour? If so, don't let it go! Old road racing touring bikes are a true joy to ride and gives you a feeling that new road bikes don't.
Great bike, I love old road/racing/touring bikes I don't have a LeTour but I do have a vintage old Fuji road racing touring bike which is just as good. Cheers
Nice bike! I have the same model, though some previous owner repainted it (badly) so I'm planning to have it powder coated. Be careful if you try to run higher pressure tires, my rims aren't "hooked" on the inside to hold the beads, if I go more than about 75 psi, the bead comes off the rim and the the tube blows out, sounds like a gunshot! I had it happen about 5 times before I figured out what was going on. Anyway, enjoy the bike!
Got one of these for $25 last year, exact same color and size. It was rather rusty but for $25 I was thrilled. I put a 7 speed Sunrace freewheel on it (lighter than the old 5 speed), some vintage aluminum BMX 2 finger brake levers, and a set of Kenda nobby 27" cross tires. Great bike that was fun on the pavement and our dirt road.
When you upgrade the freewheel, suggest you install one with a 34 tooth cog (will need a rear derailleur which can accommodate that--many available on ebay), and the hills will be much less a "pain in the butt". I also have an older Le Tour in my collection. Comfortable ride.
I just bought one yesterday from a neighbor for $10 right now it's at a bike shop getting fixed and getting a new chain thinking about selling it for a hundred bucks
I just bought a 1975 Schwinn Continental and Reconditioning it now. I can’t wait to ride it. I rode this bike when I was a teenager. And now at 63 years old it will be fun to ride a bike like my original one. These bikes were American made and indestructible! Your bike is a beautiful bike from that era.
These old Schwinns are pleasures to ride. Soo smooth and supple. I've an '88 LeTour and it's a dream boat to ride!
As a kid I had a Schwinn Traveler. Made me feel good, like a man of the world. I'll never forget my tour from Iowa to Minnesota, with a monster tailwind that sent us flying at 30 mph. It had a vinyl saddle bag that I'd fill with snacks and soda to enjoy in some new place. And boy did I shine that baby up. Life was simple and good.
I like this Schwinn, I bought a 1978 Schwinn La Tour III yesterday, and I"'m thrilled. I paid $140, I would have paid more, there is nothing I need to do to my bicycle.
The old Schwinns were straight gauge high carbon steel, drawn tubes. They were fillet brazed together. Probably one of the best made "cheap" bicycles! Good performance for that era.
Love it I'm restoring a 77 le tour III great bike and almost 50 years old 😀
I had the exact same bike which I bought new in 1974 for $149. I wish I still had it.
I still have mine , I bought it in 1974,
I bought one yesterday for $140, Schwinn La Tour 3, its perfect.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I had a red 74 Le Tour that I purchased used in 1976 from our local Schwinn dealer. I saved my newspaper delivery money for several weeks to get it! I think I paid $75, but it looked and rode perfect; the dealer did a great job cleaning and setting it up for me. Thanks again!
Me too. That was a lot of newspapers. I remember being mad when subscribers didn't pay because I had to wait longer for the bike. When I finally bought it the old bike shop owner was as happy as I was, since I came in so often to gaze at it, lol.
I still have my beautiful red LeTour, bought new in '74 or '75, always kept in the house. First 10 years in the living room, was single then. New tires couple of times and new brake pads, but that's it.
Don't ride much anymore, when I do the bike gets a lot of attention. I have it hanging in my office just to look at and admire. Been to the bike shops couple of times but like mine better than any of the new ones.
Bike looks great, I just restored the exact same bike and also used the white bar tape, gum brake hoods and Brooks brown saddle, I removed the spoke guard and chain guard to give the bike a European inspired look as seen on the early 70's Raleigh, Bianchi and American Schwinn Paramount road bikes.. I also installed new gum-wall high pressure tires for better performance, I will be uploading a video soon featuring the 1974 Schwinn Approved import.
Thanks for sharing
GREAT! I'm also removing the spoke guard as soon as I'm replacing to a new cassette. Those gum-wall high pressure tires get my attention.
Cheers!
Definitely that white tape looks amazing. You did a good job!
If you like the Le Tour, you'd LOVE the Schwinn Tempo! ...easily twice the bike!
20alphabet love my Tempo!
I love it! I have a 1974 Panasonic Sport Deluxe that is probably identical! Indeed a solid hi-ten bike with a great ride.
Do you still have your Schwinn LeTour? If so, don't let it go! Old road racing touring bikes are a true joy to ride and gives you a feeling that new road bikes don't.
Yeah still have that badass. I agree, true joy!
@@HenriUnzip I subbed. Can you do more vintage road racing touring bike reviews?
i have on i bought at goodwill for 20 bucks
I still have the one I bought in the early 1970's
Great bike, I love old road/racing/touring bikes I don't have a LeTour but I do have a vintage old Fuji road racing touring bike which is just as good. Cheers
I had one of these in the 80's in a beautiful blue color loved it !
Great looking bike! I have an opportunity to get the yellow 74 in nearly original condition.
I . slipped up and paid way to much but I still like the way it rides it's a 7 speed .
Nice bike! I have the same model, though some previous owner repainted it (badly) so I'm planning to have it powder coated. Be careful if you try to run higher pressure tires, my rims aren't "hooked" on the inside to hold the beads, if I go more than about 75 psi, the bead comes off the rim and the the tube blows out, sounds like a gunshot! I had it happen about 5 times before I figured out what was going on. Anyway, enjoy the bike!
Love the set up!
Got one of these for $25 last year, exact same color and size. It was rather rusty but for $25 I was thrilled. I put a 7 speed Sunrace freewheel on it (lighter than the old 5 speed), some vintage aluminum BMX 2 finger brake levers, and a set of Kenda nobby 27" cross tires. Great bike that was fun on the pavement and our dirt road.
My 1974 Le Tour needs a new freewheel. What does it take to install a 7-speed Sunrace freewheel? Do you use the original derailleur?
Wow, what a gorgeous bike ! Have you loaded it down and spend a couple days on it yet?
Have a '78 Le Tour III that I've had since I was 16. Great bike.
saw it on instagram instantly went to check it out
Thanks mate
Beautiful.
Thanks
Beautiful!
When you upgrade the freewheel, suggest you install one with a 34 tooth cog (will need a rear derailleur which can accommodate that--many available on ebay), and the hills will be much less a "pain in the butt". I also have an older Le Tour in my collection. Comfortable ride.
I have a older bike too a specialized crossroads I like it it rides pretty decent.
I just bought one yesterday from a neighbor for $10 right now it's at a bike shop getting fixed and getting a new chain thinking about selling it for a hundred bucks
Very nice bike
Hey, thanks
25" frame, looks like.
Are your wheels good and resistant for daily urban rides ??
The Beat Definitely!
Do you have bike tape on the bike handles or not? What kind are they if you do?