Schwinn Traveler

Here it is, the fully restored bike!

Frame, fenders, and chain guard all in really great shape!

I replaced the existing spring saddle with a classic Schwinn 2 tone seat used on deluxe model Suburbans.

I can't say enough about how much I love the generator light sets.  Rewired and working perfectly.

Coaster brake working strong.

One last parting shot of the blue beauty!

Thanks John E. for bringing this bike to Shin Schwinn for restoration!

Schwinn Traveler - Rebuild

Here is a Schwinn Traveler Single Speed with Coaster Brake that

needed a complete rebuild.  This is the frame with most of the parts disassembled.  It's a nice frame!

All the parts were degreased and washed.  See the Shin Process for details

This is the bottom headset being re-greased.

OK!  This is looking great so far.  Most of it is put back together and awaiting wheels!

These are 26"x 1 3/8" wheels with rear coaster brake.  Wheels are a pain in the butt but to get them clean and shiny, you gotta go at it with wire brushes and soap. 

This is the first time I've worked on a coaster brake.  Pretty neat design.  I took this pic to study the assembly and also to remember how to put the contraption back together.

For the rims, to keep track of where I am, I usually start where the tube valve hole is and scrub every spoke nipple all the way around til I get back to the hole.  This is the toughest part.  

Ah!  Clean and shiny.  Use degreaser for and a finer brass brush to get the tighter spots if needed!

Raleigh Olympian Single Speed $250

This is a 80's Raleigh Olympian frame that I tinkered around with for a while before finishing up.  I got the frame from a student leaving Chicago.  She graduated to a newer model Motobecane but this was her single speed ride.  I was able to find the original cranks but that's about it so I kept it single speed.

It's a all around great bike, Chro-Moly tubing, Weinmann center pulls, and Alex 303 Wheelset  I have it at a pretty high ratio too so it is a beast to ride.  The front chainring is 52t and the rear flip flop cog/free wheel is 16t.  Very fast but you have to be strong!

1970's Raleigh Sprite Custom

 I've been thinking a lot about what bike I should have as my do-it-all bicycle and I looked into Raleigh and found this Sprite which I absolutely love.  I wanted a nice sized touring frame, 5 speed with strength to support a cargo box and pull a child carrier while not weighing a ton.  Sorry Schwinn...your all-steel frames are beautiful and indestructible but they are WAY to heavy when fully equiped.

Chain guard was in pretty good shape.  I canabalized a gyro unit and lights from a Schwinn Varsity.

Love the green powered lighting!

Woven cable housings from Velo Orange!

No old man bike is complete without a cup holder and "Bing-Bong" bell.

Don't mind the handlebar grips...I'm working on some custom leather ones to match my brown Gyes spring seat

Velo Orange hammered fender set...Ultra Cool.

I found this old wine box that was just the right size and light weight.  I added a U-lock holster and bored holes for a cargo net.  I'm find the time this summer to stain the wood and mark it with the "Shin Schwinn" Logo.

Gyes is a nice alternative to Brooks at half the price of similar models.  I have yet to see that the Brooks brand is better in any way.  As long as you give the leather proper care, it should be just as comfortable and long lasting.

 One final shot of my Super Custom English Cruiser.  It's a VERY smooth ride with a big low gear.  I did have to swap out the original brakes for Wienmanns so it could handle the extra weight and add a stabalizer spring to the front wheel. (It's that funny looking black contraption under the bottom tube in case you were wondering)  Along with the center stand, this bike is as stable as you're going to get!

Happy Riding!

Japanese Working Bike

Took this pic in Tokyo at the Tskiji Fish Market during a trip out there.  This is pretty awesome! A Dutch cruiser with rod brakes.  How do they keep them from rusting or mis-aligning???  I've not had the opportunity to work with a bike like this but I'll have to put this on my to-do list in the future.

Killer Kickstand BTW

Schwinn Suburban Cruiser

Haulin' Bikes back to the workshop!  A Blue Mens Schwinn Suburban and a Green Womens.

Working indoors over during the cold weather.  My kitchen is temporarily taken over by tools and Bikes!

This was my personal ride for a short while.  The bike is just a little short for me but I love the smooth and easy ride the Suburban.  I could swing my legs over the top tube to dismount on this guy.  I called it my Grampa bike and hooked up a milk crate, ghetto style on the back.

Sold it to a good neighbor of mine who had a bike like this in college but hasn't ridden since.  Brought him back to the good ol' days which makes me real happy!  I'm glad it went to a good home.  Thanks Bruce for getting back into bicycles.  

Schwinn Varsity Red Women's Frame - $175

First rebuild of the year!  A 19" women's Varsity frame with 26" wheels

Can you believe this is how it started.  What a mess.

Time to start the Shin Process!

Polished Chrome and fresh Lube!

New tires, cables and housings, tubes and bar wrap.  This was restored in conjunction with the Red Varsity Men's frame.  I took a break between the two so that's why this post is so behind!  Yikes!  Too many bikes, not enough time.  Still, I promise more bikes this summer including a some NON-Schwinn Bikes!  WHOA, I know...It's time to branch out.

Thanks to Katie and Andy for picking up this sweet ride.  It's going to be a great summer for riding!

Motobecane Mixte: Bottom Bracket Rebuild

 This is the bottom bracket dis-assembled and cleaned.

Pretty straight-forward.  Washer, bearings, bottom bracket and...

 What is that strange plastic sheath that goes around the bottom bracket???

 I re-assmebled the whole contraption and I thought "WOW! This sheath makes a great grease trap!"

WRONG.  I'm not quite sure what this sheath does but with the bearings trapped inside, they won't

fit inside the cups of the bracket covers.  Well...I put the bearings on correctly and put the sheath in between them for what it's worth.  Works like a dream!