I spent a lot of time in the '60's as a kid looking through the windows of Sumbaum's when they were on the east side near downtown Joliet. Nice to know that they are still around.
It's hard to find two people who run cables exactly the same way, lol. I've always been a fan of schwinn, especially their higher end stuff, and even the tanker's they built in the 50/60's. Your volare's quite a beauty, very nice... thanx again John.
I’ve always “lost sleep” on whether to run the front brake cable in front or behind the handle bars😂. I finally settled on using the front stem as the decider. Short stems, cable in front (that stem looks like a 90mm), long stems, cable behind, the dilemma… moderate length stems 😮
So nice to get in your Wayback machine and go back in time. Just to see all that hair took me back to the old days when I was a handsome young man with a body of chiseled granite that made the young ladies swoon. Sadly… now I just scare children and small dogs.
“Quickly Elaine, to the archives.” Oh, Mr. Peterman, do we have to?” “Ahh, here it is! The April 1971 issue of Bicycling! Magazine. Just as I thought. “Mad” Max Speedwell runs his cables behind because that is how it was done by Merckx, Bitossi, and Basso.” Actually, either way works just fine. A matter of preference. I just do it because it looks cool. 😎
What is it about orange and chrome? Fantastic video John, really. I’m going to watch it again right now. The effort you’re putting into these isn’t unappreciated.
If you ever want to sell the blue Schwann super sport please contact me. My dad bought me one when I was a kid and it got stolen. That bike is the same type and color. What a memory. Thank you for showing the bike. Thank you for your channel.
I have that old Park 3rd hand. I bought a 1987 Univega Ultra Sport from a friend that was moving last Summer because he didn't want it anymore. It has no-name Shimano components (6sp indexing) and the caliper springs are so strong that the 3rd hand is no help! Need a C-clamp to engage the rim or undo the spring.
The barrel adjuster on those old Dura-Ace brakes still has the vinyl retainer on it. You sold a bunch of your bikes. What are you going to buy to replace them?
Great video and gorgeous bikes. I have an 84 Miyata 610 Touring bike in good shape but am considering rejuvenating it. But perhaps I’d be better off trying to find an already restored bike? Not sure.
Hi, Depends on what shape its in. Depends on how much work you're willing to do. The 610 is very worthy of being restored for sure! Great bikes. Esp if it was your bike to begin with.. If you have more specific questions Email me using the email on the front page of the youtube channel.
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Thanks John. It’s in good shape I would say. Maybe 6-7 out of 10. Minor rust/ scrapes here and there. Don’t believe any serious deterioration. Never been in accident or left outside other than in garage. I was debating whether to adapt it to accept 700c wheels as it is getting hard to find 27” tires these days. It’s a dark green (almost black) and would like to brighten it up with vibrant colours but I guess that would ruin its original look. Not sure if you could still find replica decals for it now. I’m in Canada so don’t have quite the pool of used bikes to look over as you would down in the States. What bike brands would you say would be best to look for as either restored bikes or bikes to restore? Thx.
The first gen Dura-Ace on the Volare is so good looking! Nice to see it gleaming, along with the rest of the bike. As for the weight of Schwinns... I owned a LeTour back in the day.. a 1st gen version, probably. Compared to a Continental, it was a lightweight, but it was still heavier than its Euro contemporaries. Did Schwinn use heavy gauge tubing just to avoid having to warranty a frame, or was there some other reason? I imagine that Richard Schwinn is the only one around who might know the answer, and that might even be before his time. Thanks for the video, and looking forward to whatever is coming next!
I've talked to Richard about this. He wasn't as involved those days. He did share with me as well as the book "No Hands" also agreed that it was because they eliminated all of the distributors in the US so those distributors had to go out and find product to sell. They created their own competition. Then they went to Japan/Panasonic. Now those bikes they purchased from them for the higher end models were pretty much the same frames as Panasonic used. As for the first Letours your guess is as good as mine. Your theory that the lifetime guarantee had something to do with the weight might be valid..
@@davidbrock6263 interesting, every bike I've ever built and that is thousands and every bike I've ever owned the right lever has always controlled the back brake here in the states.
Excellent video John and beautiful bike. I have two Schwinn Tempos from '87 and '88. Any info you could share on Tenax frames? Both bikes are extremely road worthy and comfortable to ride. Any thoughts on 531 vs Tenax frames of this vintage?
AFAIK, Tenax was a seamed tubing whereas the 531 or Champion were seamless. The seamless tubes “might be slightly lighter, if someone has an old Paternak (sp?) manual there are lots of tubing charts available (with weights and ID/OD and tensile strength figures) Either way, those old Tempos were/are nice (I had an 84, it was my first racing bike. IIRC, it set me back 399.00 in the spring of 85).
I have the politically incorrect view of Tenax tubes. First of all they were fine. They were positioned to be cheaper than the 531 frames and they used it on more inexpensive bikes. I distinctly remember having the conversation with the Schwinn rep when he told us about that tube set. It was to "add value" to the bike having a named brand tube set. It was ok stuff. But not up to par with other Columbus tubes or Raynolds tubes. Possibly equal to Reynolds 501... Just my thoughts. Thanks for watching.
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Lots of comments on what is Columbus Tenax online. I now believe my 87/88 Tempos 23" frames are a combination of SL/SP seamless tubes. Columbus sold the tubes to Schwinn with a rebranded name for Schwinn to use. The Circuit of this vintage has an SL decal. Tenax was a combination of SL/SP = "Tenax Seamless double-butted chromoly" (Schwinn 1988catalog) used on the Tempo and other models. 23" and above used SP on the downtube. Anyways, bikes are fantastic to ride.
Please John, don’t ever drop this channel. Maybe rubbing the frost off a small soot-hazed window to the past and giving a little bit of peace, support, and encouragement to some old men is your high calling in life.
i agree with you. i always like my brake cables in front of the handle bars
Ahhh, the great brake cable debate. You do it exactly as I would John!
I like the history on brands and how they made it into this country.
I spent a lot of time in the '60's as a kid looking through the windows of Sumbaum's when they were on the east side near downtown Joliet. Nice to know that they are still around.
I understand they are the longest continuous running bike shop in Illinois
Love the Volare, John. And, it's my size!
Polished aluminum and chrome. Never gets old IMHO.
Well done. Third hand? I would have never thunk it. I'm getting one. Then I'll be cool. Might make my own vid, lol.
Loved this one as always.
Thanks Stan
@@StanEby1 Toe strap works as a 3rd hand
It's hard to find two people who run cables exactly the same way, lol. I've always been a fan of schwinn, especially their higher end stuff, and even the tanker's they built in the 50/60's.
Your volare's quite a beauty, very nice...
thanx again John.
Thanks Robert
Nice photo of Action Cyclery front window.
@@billkallas1762 brings back memories
Beautiful bikes
Thanks
I do love red frames with yellow trim so looks like there’s some great content coming up… plus I’m all for Campy neo-retro !
Great.. two red bikes coming up!
Thanks you! very interesting to hear original bikes and parts prices and catalog position at the time. Thanks
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Cheers John 🇬🇧👍👌 I have a Panasonic DX2000 trying to get a Schwinn as my next project.
I’ve always “lost sleep” on whether to run the front brake cable in front or behind the handle bars😂. I finally settled on using the front stem as the decider. Short stems, cable in front (that stem looks like a 90mm), long stems, cable behind, the dilemma… moderate length stems 😮
Lost sleep!! LOL.... If you look at past videos comments you'll see some can be pretty passionate about that.
I had an 84 Tempo which I sold years ago 🤦♂️. Japanese with Champion No.2 steel, a really nice bike.
Those were fine bikes!
So nice to get in your Wayback machine and go back in time. Just to see all that hair took me back to the old days when I was a handsome young man with a body of chiseled granite that made the young ladies swoon. Sadly… now I just scare children and small dogs.
LOL
“Quickly Elaine, to the archives.”
Oh, Mr. Peterman, do we have to?”
“Ahh, here it is! The April 1971 issue of Bicycling! Magazine. Just as I thought. “Mad” Max Speedwell runs his cables behind because that is how it was done by Merckx, Bitossi, and Basso.”
Actually, either way works just fine. A matter of preference. I just do it because it looks cool. 😎
What is it about orange and chrome? Fantastic video John, really. I’m going to watch it again right now. The effort you’re putting into these isn’t unappreciated.
Thanks for the encouragement Mark. I love Schwinn's orange bikes!
If you ever want to sell the blue Schwann super sport please contact me. My dad bought me one when I was a kid and it got stolen. That bike is the same type and color. What a memory. Thank you for showing the bike. Thank you for your channel.
@@franks8754 keep your eyes open Frank. They are out there. It'll be tough for me to part with this one. Thanks for asking
@ Thank you so much for the reply, and yes I will keep looking. 😊
I have that old Park 3rd hand. I bought a 1987 Univega Ultra Sport from a friend that was moving last Summer because he didn't want it anymore. It has no-name Shimano components (6sp indexing) and the caliper springs are so strong that the 3rd hand is no help! Need a C-clamp to engage the rim or undo the spring.
@@ericsande5345 lol.. I think in1985 I bought my then girlfriend an Ultra Sport...they were nice bikes
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Heavy and sport level (not your GF) but really nice ride and in immaculate condition for $125!
@ericsande5345 lol... They were both good for the money lol
The barrel adjuster on those old Dura-Ace brakes still has the vinyl retainer on it. You sold a bunch of your bikes. What are you going to buy to replace them?
Great video and gorgeous bikes. I have an 84 Miyata 610 Touring bike in good shape but am considering rejuvenating it. But perhaps I’d be better off trying to find an already restored bike? Not sure.
Hi, Depends on what shape its in. Depends on how much work you're willing to do. The 610 is very worthy of being restored for sure! Great bikes. Esp if it was your bike to begin with.. If you have more specific questions Email me using the email on the front page of the youtube channel.
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Thanks John. It’s in good shape I would say. Maybe 6-7 out of 10. Minor rust/ scrapes here and there. Don’t believe any serious deterioration. Never been in accident or left outside other than in garage. I was debating whether to adapt it to accept 700c wheels as it is getting hard to find 27” tires these days. It’s a dark green (almost black) and would like to brighten it up with vibrant colours but I guess that would ruin its original look. Not sure if you could still find replica decals for it now.
I’m in Canada so don’t have quite the pool of used bikes to look over as you would down in the States. What bike brands would you say would be best to look for as either restored bikes or bikes to restore? Thx.
The first gen Dura-Ace on the Volare is so good looking! Nice to see it gleaming, along with the rest of the bike. As for the weight of Schwinns... I owned a LeTour back in the day.. a 1st gen version, probably. Compared to a Continental, it was a lightweight, but it was still heavier than its Euro contemporaries. Did Schwinn use heavy gauge tubing just to avoid having to warranty a frame, or was there some other reason? I imagine that Richard Schwinn is the only one around who might know the answer, and that might even be before his time. Thanks for the video, and looking forward to whatever is coming next!
I've talked to Richard about this. He wasn't as involved those days. He did share with me as well as the book "No Hands" also agreed that it was because they eliminated all of the distributors in the US so those distributors had to go out and find product to sell. They created their own competition. Then they went to Japan/Panasonic. Now those bikes they purchased from them for the higher end models were pretty much the same frames as Panasonic used. As for the first Letours your guess is as good as mine. Your theory that the lifetime guarantee had something to do with the weight might be valid..
John, You really need to grease the cable barrels to avoid unwanted issues in the future.
@@neiljorgensen7660 interesting, I've never done that ever. What kind of issues does it cause?
To be clear, which barrels are you talking about. The adjusting barrels?
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage it can cause galvanic reaction. Between the brake cable and the brake lever.
@neiljorgensen7660 that is so interesting. Never had an issue with that.
Side pull front brake should be run from right lever behind bars so cables don’t cross. Ref Francesco Moser
@@davidbrock6263 interesting, every bike I've ever built and that is thousands and every bike I've ever owned the right lever has always controlled the back brake here in the states.
Excellent video John and beautiful bike. I have two Schwinn Tempos from '87 and '88. Any info you could share on Tenax frames? Both bikes are extremely road worthy and comfortable to ride. Any thoughts on 531 vs Tenax frames of this vintage?
AFAIK, Tenax was a seamed tubing whereas the 531 or Champion were seamless. The seamless tubes “might be slightly lighter, if someone has an old Paternak (sp?) manual there are lots of tubing charts available (with weights and ID/OD and tensile strength figures)
Either way, those old Tempos were/are nice (I had an 84, it was my first racing bike. IIRC, it set me back 399.00 in the spring of 85).
I have the politically incorrect view of Tenax tubes. First of all they were fine. They were positioned to be cheaper than the 531 frames and they used it on more inexpensive bikes. I distinctly remember having the conversation with the Schwinn rep when he told us about that tube set. It was to "add value" to the bike having a named brand tube set. It was ok stuff. But not up to par with other Columbus tubes or Raynolds tubes. Possibly equal to Reynolds 501... Just my thoughts. Thanks for watching.
@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Lots of comments on what is Columbus Tenax online. I now believe my 87/88 Tempos 23" frames are a combination of SL/SP seamless tubes. Columbus sold the tubes to Schwinn with a rebranded name for Schwinn to use. The Circuit of this vintage has an SL decal. Tenax was a combination of SL/SP = "Tenax Seamless double-butted chromoly" (Schwinn 1988catalog) used on the Tempo and other models. 23" and above used SP on the downtube. Anyways, bikes are fantastic to ride.
The cable debate convinced me that there is no "correct" way, your bike, do it your way.
I'd agree.
Did you ever actually have a USCF racing license ?
Bike is what it is. 1st thing I would throw away i(far, far away) s that ugly saddle. Same is on that orange one.
I hear ya. If that bike was my size I would change out the saddle. But I'm not going to ride this one
Do you own a Schwinn Le Tour? I’m looking for pictures of a 84-85 le tour Luxe. I want to say that mine was light brown and $325 with a rear rack.
I don't own one.. You can google the old catalogs.
What would Eddy do?
Please John, don’t ever drop this channel. Maybe rubbing the frost off a small soot-hazed window to the past and giving a little bit of peace, support, and encouragement to some old men is your high calling in life.
John brings a strong link to our past for many of us!
Glad you enjoy the videos! You're many comments lift the algorithm of the channel single handedly!
Does the name Tom Avenia actually mean anything to you ?
@@timlawson151 that is cracking my head open a little bit. Wasn't he an early distributor of European bikes and components?
Stop using the words BOLTS and NUTS as if they are the SAME thing !