I milked goats and raised calves to save enough money to buy my own Schwinn Varsity to ride to Jr High school in the 1960's. Mine had a leather saddle and I "protected" it with a good coat of black shoe polish. Rode to school wearing tan corduroy pants and lots of people laughed at my blackened butt. Your bikes are the best restorations I have seen. Beautiful.
Thank you! Glad you like it and great to hear it brought back memories of your 1970 Varsity...that was the last year they featured the full Schwinn Quality Chicago seat post wrap decal. The blue color then was called Sky Blue which was a really cool color. The Opaque Blue was introduced in 1972 along with the Opaque Green, check out the 1970 Schwinn Catalog link, it will take you back bikehistory.org/catalogs/1970.html Thanks for watching!
Yes, the Electro Forged steel frames weight was 38-41 lbs., depending on frame sizes, and with or without fenders. Smooth riders and pretty quick and agile despite the weight. The Super Sport and Sports Tourer were pretty close in weigh at 31-33 lbs., depending on frame size.
Beautiful bikes! Thanks for the video! I have a Kool Lemon 1973 Super Sport and a blue Continental. I bought my Continental new in 1974- I've got the rear wheel off the Continental at the local bike shop now, getting a spoke replaced, and I'll be putting it back on the road. There are LIGHTER bikes, but none better, in my opinion.
Nice colors and models you got there👍 I agree these are heavier but ride super smooth while being quick and agile, love mine, here is another video showing a few more of my lightweights Thanks for watching 🚲🔧 ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
That yellow Continental is like the one I ride regularly, except it's in way nicer condition. Very good job on the restoration. Mine is decent, it sat in a garage for most of its 47 years in a dry climate, so there's not much rust. I don't plan on restoring the bike, just riding it. It has a nice solid feel and it doesn't matter to me that it might weigh more than the latest bikes. I'm not exactly light myself.
Nice! Love to hear these beauties are being ridden regularly 👍 🚲 Sounds like your bike is in good shape based on the climate and storage you mentioned. These bikes restore themselves with some chrome polish and a little wax, the S-6 rims and one piece crank will shine like new, optional new tires, inner cables and if needed, greasing the headset and bottom bracket is all you need for you bike to look and ride like new. I just finished a 1971 Varsity, the video will be up loaded tomorrow, I talk about the weight of these gems but how they ride like a Cadillac. Thanks for watching 😏👍🚲🔧
Great to hear! the Opaque Green was one of three colors that year for the Super Sport, the other 2 was Kool Lemon and Opaque Blue...The green was not seen as much which makes these stand out and very cool to collect. I have a video link you can follow and see where the bike ranked in the Schwinn lightweight category... Thanks for watching ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
I bought a, Schwinn, Continental, for $90.. in 1967,..Recently I found a 1974, Schwinn Suburban, by the dumpster...everything was original, except the tires....i fixed it up, and i have been offered, $600.....these frames , from 1937---1977, were the best.....they are bomb proof....
Good eye, the Varsity and the Continental are both 23 inch frames, the Super Sport is a 25"inch. Good luck with your restoration project, you should be able to find most part on eBay for you 1983 Schwinn
Nice... if you want to restore it, they have the exact factory matching Kool Lemon paint in small touch-up containers.. a bit expensive at $28 per small bottle but the colors do match perfectly. see link below and take a look...Thanks for watching 👍🚲 www.koolestuff.com/koolestkolorspaint.html
Consequently, all the bikes featured in this video have original decals, however, I have replaced a few, you can find a seller on eBay "Bicycle Bones" who offers various Schwinn decals, he typically offers complete decal sets, including downtube, seat tube, fork decals and top tube for 1976 and up models. Here is a quick search for "Schwinn Decals" you can define by model, example, "Schwinn Varsity Decals" Thanks for watching 👍🔧 www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=schwinn+decals&_sacat=0
It appears they were introduced in 1981 as an option to attract an older demographic looking for a touring bike with straight bars, comfort saddle and fenders. The rest of the bike was the same as the Le Tours of the time, so yes a nice bike Here is the description as seen on the Schwinn catalog for 1981 Schwinn LeTour Tourist Modified LeTour with touring handlebar, upright saddle and fenders 1981 schwinn letour tourist Men's frame sizes D311-9 21" D333-9 23" D355-9 25" Schwinn LeTour Tourist for ladies Ladies's frame sizes D791-9 19" D821-9 22" Colors: Spicy Chestnut, Sky Blue. For those who enjoy an X-tra Lite bike but prefer the comfort and convenience of a touring saddle and upright handlebars, here is a new Schwinn model that makes good sense- the LeTour Tourist. The basic equipment on the Tourist is identical to the popular LeTour- including the brazed lug frame for a lively, responsive ride. In addition, it offers Bluemels fenders, side-pull caliper brakes and Schwinn's comfortable handlebar grips.
Yes, follow the link below and scroll down to type your serial number, if you have a Schwinn Approved import from Japan's Panasonic plant it will not work, just made in Chicago bikes. What bike do you have? bikehistory.org/serial-number.html
Sounds like the model decal is gone? did you go to the '79 catalog? here is the link just in case, bikehistory.org/catalogs/1979.html you can also upload a picture on "My Vintage Schwinn" Community page, I can take a look at some details plus.google.com/u/0/communities/113330004461951050272
Thanks for the info. Its complete down to its weathered Schwinn tires and seat. I bought it off an estate. I was told that it was sitting on the side of the garage for decades. I liked the originality of it. Anyway, it is a blue color it looks like someone cleaned it with steal wool and rubbed off all the decals...
The Varsity was very popular so it's likely that it may be a Sky Blue frame... see the link below for a 1979 varsity in that exact color, this was a sweet color blue picclick.com/1979-Schwinn-Varsity-Deluxe-Bicycle-Mens-10-Speed-252760571720.html#&gid=1&pid=1
In what order do the schwinn stack up ? I always thought the Varsity was the lowest or cheapest bike. I only know the paramount is the best in the schwinn 10 speed class.
That's correct, the Varsity was the entry level bike in the Schwinn Lightweight Category, I posted a video in 2017 listing the lineup of the 6 that I owned at the time, since then I have added a few more to complete the early to mid 70's lineup, which in order include... The Varsity, Continental, Sprint, Super Sport, Le Tour, Superior, Sports Tourer, World Voyageur, Volare and the Paramount. I also have the Traveler which falls below the Varsity according to the 1975 Schwinn Catalog. Here is the link to the Schwinn 6 video ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
@@goodboyringo9716 Nice! The 1987 World Sport is a very nice chromoly lugged frame 12 speed with a Suntour alloy group set, It ranks 6th out of 13 in the '87 Schwinn Catalog and featured similar options as the ones above it. If it had come out in the 70's it would have ranked over the Le Tour and right under the World Voyager and Volare Take a look at the 1987 catalog below👍🚲 bikehistory.org/catalogs/1987.html
@@that70sschwinn .... Thank you very much for your time and info . My world sport has Sugino crank & Shimano SIS rear derailleur , I'm not Suntour . All original and bought new
@@goodboyringo9716 Nice! I see the 1986 listing the same components in detail, sweet!👍 Shimano light-action alloy derailleurs, with stem-mounted shift levers for easy shifting. Sugino VP light-alloy forged crankset, with the low-profile styling that is so popular. Aray alloy rims with front and rear quick release and easy rolling, high-pressure tires.
Great question Bailey, This video featutures 1 chromo filet brazed frame (Sports Tourer) the other 2 are standard steel frames, the Varsity and Continental were entry level well built bikes sold at affordable prices in the 60's and 70's. Logged frames were also available in the higher end Paramount. see below for more details.. Thanks for warching 😀👍🚲 Schwinn was actually using three types of frame tubing and construction, which meant that there were three classes of Schwinn ten-speed bicycles : The top-line Paramount series , with framesets built of silver-soldered Reynolds 531double-butted tubing and Nervex lugs. The Superior, Sports Tourer, and Super Sport , whose frames were brass fillet-brazed of SAE 4130 chrome molybdenum straight-gauge seamless tubing. The remaining models from the "Continental" on down, made of flash-welded ("electro-forged") 15-16 gauge longitudinally-welded steel tubing produced in Schwinn's own tube mill.
I milked goats and raised calves to save enough money to buy my own Schwinn Varsity to ride to Jr High school in the 1960's. Mine had a leather saddle and I "protected" it with a good coat of black shoe polish. Rode to school wearing tan corduroy pants and lots of people laughed at my blackened butt.
Your bikes are the best restorations I have seen. Beautiful.
Loved the shoe polish story😂Thanks for watching 👍🚲
Wow! Those are beauties. I had that exact blue Varsity given to me by my Dad in 1970. Nice collection. Brings back so many memories. Thank you.
Thank you! Glad you like it and great to hear it brought back memories of your 1970 Varsity...that was the last year they featured the full Schwinn Quality Chicago seat post wrap decal. The blue color then was called Sky Blue which was a really cool color. The Opaque Blue was introduced in 1972 along with the Opaque Green, check out the 1970 Schwinn Catalog link, it will take you back bikehistory.org/catalogs/1970.html Thanks for watching!
When did they change forks
I have a mens Suburban with a forged fork and a girls with a tube fork
Me too then I out grew the color stripped it completely down and painted it neon lime green. Then I got my drivers license and youth was abandoned.
I would like to see a video showing how you shine all the metal. Looks awesome 👍
If it has a large white badge, it is a heavy steel frame. Round red badge, hand built. Super Sport on up
Yes, the Electro Forged steel frames weight was 38-41 lbs., depending on frame sizes, and with or without fenders. Smooth riders and pretty quick and agile despite the weight. The Super Sport and Sports Tourer were pretty close in weigh at 31-33 lbs., depending on frame size.
Beautiful ❤
Thanks mate! I appreciate your comment 👍👍
This yellow one was my first bike, my parents gave it away when I went in the military 😂
Beautiful bikes! Thanks for the video! I have a Kool Lemon 1973 Super Sport and a blue Continental. I bought my Continental new in 1974- I've got the rear wheel off the Continental at the local bike shop now, getting a spoke replaced, and I'll be putting it back on the road. There are LIGHTER bikes, but none better, in my opinion.
Nice colors and models you got there👍 I agree these are heavier but ride super smooth while being quick and agile, love mine, here is another video showing a few more of my lightweights
Thanks for watching 🚲🔧
ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
I put stainless spokes on my SS and ST. Looks awesome!
Great looking bikes !
Glad you liked them and Thanks for watching!
That yellow Continental is like the one I ride regularly, except it's in way nicer condition. Very good job on the restoration. Mine is decent, it sat in a garage for most of its 47 years in a dry climate, so there's not much rust. I don't plan on restoring the bike, just riding it. It has a nice solid feel and it doesn't matter to me that it might weigh more than the latest bikes. I'm not exactly light myself.
Nice! Love to hear these beauties are being ridden regularly 👍 🚲 Sounds like your bike is in good shape based on the climate and storage you mentioned. These bikes restore themselves with some chrome polish and a little wax, the S-6 rims and one piece crank will shine like new, optional new tires, inner cables and if needed, greasing the headset and bottom bracket is all you need for you bike to look and ride like new. I just finished a 1971 Varsity, the video will be up loaded tomorrow, I talk about the weight of these gems but how they ride like a Cadillac.
Thanks for watching 😏👍🚲🔧
I have the same color 72 Super Sport. Hope to restore it one day
Great to hear! the Opaque Green was one of three colors that year for the Super Sport, the other 2 was Kool Lemon and Opaque Blue...The green was not seen as much which makes these stand out and very cool to collect. I have a video link you can follow and see where the bike ranked in the Schwinn lightweight category... Thanks for watching
ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
I bought a, Schwinn, Continental, for $90.. in 1967,..Recently I found a 1974, Schwinn Suburban, by the dumpster...everything was original, except the tires....i fixed it up, and i have been offered, $600.....these frames , from 1937---1977, were the best.....they are bomb proof....
Nice 👍Yes these frames were made to last 👌🚲 Thanks for watching!
70s Schwinn's rock !_!
Nice... 👍🚲
I’m about to get a 1973 blue schwinn speedster 3 speed and restore it. It has some “thick” rust.
Nice! good luck with your project👍🔧🚲
Looks like about a 23 inch frame. I have one from 1983 I'm hoping to restore if I can find the parts I need. Beautiful Bike there.
Good eye, the Varsity and the Continental are both 23 inch frames, the Super Sport is a 25"inch. Good luck with your restoration project, you should be able to find most part on eBay for you 1983 Schwinn
i have one just like the yellow one but the paint has rusted away in some spots
Nice... if you want to restore it, they have the exact factory matching Kool Lemon paint in small touch-up containers.. a bit expensive at $28 per small bottle but the colors do match perfectly. see link below and take a look...Thanks for watching 👍🚲
www.koolestuff.com/koolestkolorspaint.html
Okay, how on earth did you get that blue varsity’s headset/stem so shiny?!
I use SimiChrome polish paste, it works great on all metals 😏🚲
Thanks for watching 👍🔧
Where did you find the decals?
Consequently, all the bikes featured in this video have original decals, however, I have replaced a few, you can find a seller on eBay "Bicycle Bones" who offers various Schwinn decals, he typically offers complete decal sets, including downtube, seat tube, fork decals and top tube for 1976 and up models. Here is a quick search for "Schwinn Decals" you can define by model, example, "Schwinn Varsity Decals" Thanks for watching 👍🔧
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=schwinn+decals&_sacat=0
I would like to see the face of you . The man behind such pretty bikes please .do you have a video of you
Is a La Tour Tourist a good bike?
It appears they were introduced in 1981 as an option to attract an older demographic looking for a touring bike with straight bars, comfort saddle and fenders. The rest of the bike was the same as the Le Tours of the time, so yes a nice bike
Here is the description as seen on the Schwinn catalog for 1981
Schwinn LeTour Tourist
Modified LeTour with touring handlebar, upright saddle and fenders
1981 schwinn letour tourist
Men's frame sizes
D311-9 21"
D333-9 23"
D355-9 25"
Schwinn LeTour Tourist for ladies
Ladies's frame sizes
D791-9 19"
D821-9 22"
Colors: Spicy Chestnut, Sky Blue.
For those who enjoy an X-tra Lite bike but prefer the comfort and convenience of a touring saddle and upright handlebars, here is a new Schwinn model that makes good sense- the LeTour Tourist. The basic equipment on the Tourist is identical to the popular LeTour- including the brazed lug frame for a lively, responsive ride. In addition, it offers Bluemels fenders, side-pull caliper brakes and Schwinn's comfortable handlebar grips.
Its amazing how you don't get the full sense of the age you are living in when you're in it, only upon reflection.
Is there somewhere online where can look up serial numbers to see what model I have?
Yes, follow the link below and scroll down to type your serial number, if you have a Schwinn Approved import from Japan's Panasonic plant it will not work, just made in Chicago bikes. What bike do you have?
bikehistory.org/serial-number.html
It says it's a November 1979 Chicago Schwinn but I'm lost after that. Serial is LQ613051 Let me know if you can figure it out? I think it's a Varsity.
Sounds like the model decal is gone? did you go to the '79 catalog? here is the link just in case,
bikehistory.org/catalogs/1979.html
you can also upload a picture on "My Vintage Schwinn" Community page, I can take a look at some details
plus.google.com/u/0/communities/113330004461951050272
Thanks for the info. Its complete down to its weathered Schwinn tires and seat. I bought it off an estate. I was told that it was sitting on the side of the garage for decades. I liked the originality of it. Anyway, it is a blue color it looks like someone cleaned it with steal wool and rubbed off all the decals...
The Varsity was very popular so it's likely that it may be a Sky Blue frame... see the link below for a 1979 varsity in that exact color, this was a sweet color blue picclick.com/1979-Schwinn-Varsity-Deluxe-Bicycle-Mens-10-Speed-252760571720.html#&gid=1&pid=1
In what order do the schwinn stack up ? I always thought the Varsity was the lowest or cheapest bike.
I only know the paramount is the best in the schwinn 10 speed class.
That's correct, the Varsity was the entry level bike in the Schwinn Lightweight Category, I posted a video in 2017 listing the lineup of the 6 that I owned at the time, since then I have added a few more to complete the early to mid 70's lineup, which in order include... The Varsity, Continental, Sprint, Super Sport, Le Tour, Superior, Sports Tourer, World Voyageur, Volare and the Paramount. I also have the Traveler which falls below the Varsity according to the 1975 Schwinn Catalog. Here is the link to the Schwinn 6 video
ruclips.net/video/YUS_GQeVlV8/видео.html
@@that70sschwinn .... I have a 1987 world sport where does it fall?
@@goodboyringo9716 Nice! The 1987 World Sport is a very nice chromoly lugged frame 12 speed with a Suntour alloy group set, It ranks 6th out of 13 in the '87 Schwinn Catalog and featured similar options as the ones above it. If it had come out in the 70's it would have ranked over the Le Tour and right under the World Voyager and Volare
Take a look at the 1987 catalog below👍🚲
bikehistory.org/catalogs/1987.html
@@that70sschwinn .... Thank you very much for your time and info . My world sport has Sugino crank & Shimano SIS rear derailleur , I'm not Suntour .
All original and bought new
@@goodboyringo9716 Nice! I see the 1986 listing the same components in detail, sweet!👍
Shimano light-action alloy derailleurs, with stem-mounted shift levers for easy shifting.
Sugino VP light-alloy forged crankset, with the low-profile styling that is so popular.
Aray alloy rims with front and rear quick release and easy rolling, high-pressure tires.
are the frames made of chromoly and is it butted?
Great question Bailey, This video featutures 1 chromo filet brazed frame (Sports Tourer) the other 2 are standard steel frames, the Varsity and Continental were entry level well built bikes sold at affordable prices in the 60's and 70's. Logged frames were also available in the higher end Paramount. see below for more details..
Thanks for warching 😀👍🚲
Schwinn was actually using three types of frame tubing and construction, which meant that there were three classes of Schwinn ten-speed bicycles :
The top-line Paramount series , with framesets built of silver-soldered Reynolds 531double-butted tubing and Nervex lugs.
The Superior, Sports Tourer, and Super Sport , whose frames were
brass fillet-brazed of SAE 4130 chrome molybdenum straight-gauge seamless tubing.
The remaining models from the "Continental" on down, made of
flash-welded ("electro-forged") 15-16 gauge longitudinally-welded steel tubing produced in Schwinn's own tube mill.
Great Site nice Bikes
Thanks! Glad you liked it, I have several more to bikes to feature soon