Ultimate Bike Thread....

[Racerbvd]

This is a good read, as the local Schwinn shop was a huge part of my youth, still makes me sick how Schwinn ended up.


https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-history/2024/10/04/schwinn-bikes-bicycling-chicago-history?fbclid=IwY2xjawFtr_lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdV3f n5mx0HdTYZO-6mFhDOKHC10DSDKzDThkRMPGhyh617N2XH-C-oYzg_aem_lPQGdaPB1_WTfQA5LLZy_g

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by look 171

Damn, Pete. You OK, didn't break anything? Get well soon.

Got banged around & wrenched my back. Luckily I didn't break any bones.

It's Spring time here. I should be back on a bike very soon.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Got banged around & wrenched my back. Luckily I didn't break any bones.

It's Spring time here. I should be back on a bike very soon.

Heal up soon.

I am only jealous of all of your racing BMX experiences at the highest level and that you are still twisting yourself like a pretzel, hanging upside down doing those tricks only the damn teenagers can do. Hats off to you. I know nothing about racing BMX but still remember all the BMX guys getting all the hot girls while us road riders or track riders were shaving our legs and wearing tights=no chicks or even dates.

[CurtEgerer]

[NutmegCarrera]

Back on the Schwinn topic:
Richard Schwinn fitted me for a bike around 1993-1994 at the Waterford factory (previously the Schwinn Paramount workshop).
Probably shoulda kept that one…

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

Back on the Schwinn topic:
Richard Schwinn fitted me for a bike around 1993-1994 at the Waterford factory (previously the Schwinn Paramount workshop).
Probably shoulda kept that one…

Ok, you win, that is absolutely one of the coolest things that anyone into bikes, from any certain era, could have happen.

I was hoping to follow the typical life line, as the Schwinn rep and the owner of the Schwinn shop i worked at told me. In my mind, it was a perfect plan. You work for a well known shop, you move into a sales rep position, you work that, until retirement comes, which, generally happens when a shop owner wants to retire, you buy that shop and live happily ever after. Funny thing is, i was studying law and business at the time. Sadly that was the time that Schwinn started going in a different direction, and the same people who encouraged me to follow that route, said, hit the brakes, things are going away and you don't want to be on that r8de..

Picked this up today, not like I needed another bike, but was a screaming deal.

[sc_rufctr]

More details here...

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/this-has-to-be-the-most-beautiful-custom-build-ive-ever-seen.162520/

["A"]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Picked this up today, not like I needed another bike, but was a screaming deal.

I also enjoy recumbent riding; not so much for speed, but for the comfort over long distance/hours in the saddle.
Feeling fresh after a long ride, instead of neck, shoulders, arms, back pain.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Stunning.
I've spent the morning browsing the web trying to learn more. Not much out there.

This is they guy's shop, in Japan. Look at the sliding door, and the pics of the fork show the first version with carbon fiber frame:

[NutmegCarrera]

Byron-
I’ve followed your posts for years.
Can’t believe I heard “you win” from you.
Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Ok, you win, that is absolutely one of the coolest things that anyone into bikes, from any certain era, could have happen.

I was hoping to follow the typical life line, as the Schwinn rep and the owner of the Schwinn shop i worked at told me. In my mind, it was a perfect plan. You work for a well known shop, you move into a sales rep position, you work that, until retirement comes, which, generally happens when a shop owner wants to retire, you buy that shop and live happily ever after. Funny thing is, i was studying law and business at the time. Sadly that was the time that Schwinn started going in a different direction, and the same people who encouraged me to follow that route, said, hit the brakes, things are going away and you don't want to be on that r8de..

Picked this up today, not like I needed another bike, but was a screaming deal.

["A"]

Great weather for riding, great weather for flying.. though not injured.

[URY914]

My new ride from bikesdirect.c o m. Aluminum frame, 21 speeds, discs, $420 with tax. Arrived in 5 days. Minimal assembly and adjustments. I'm happy with it.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

Byron-
I’ve followed your posts for years.
Can’t believe I heard “you win” from you.
Thanks!!!

The opportunity that you had,,I'm sorry, when it comes to American bicycles, Schwinn and Paramount, well, in my opinion, is the top of the list, mainly because of the foundation that Schwinn built . And you being fitted by cycling royalty, that is just plain cool. One of the frame sets i plan on adding to my collection, when the timing is right, is a Schwinn Sting, i had a few BITD, and wish i kept one. As you probably know, they were built in the factory that built Paramount. I do have a 85 Black Shadow, which came after the Sting, and i had a very early one, and hopefully one day I will built it.
I've been promised a very special Paramount, by the widow of a very good friend, who happened to very IMSA crew chief of the year and worked for some major teams. I'm not sure which one of these, but his widow told me that he would want me to have one, because I, one, appreciate what it is, and two, he appreciated my friendship.

Obviously, one of those bikes that will never be sold.

[NutmegCarrera]

Very cool, Byron.
Nothing like a hand brazed steelie!

Also awesome to have made such an influence on so many people as you have. Neat to keep a memento of your friend’s. I liked the “paramount” days. Their custom paint was pretty cool already then. Are those actually two different bikes? Seems like it’s the same frame (at least color scheme) with different builds.

I’ll have to drop some pics of my kid here sometime.
He has some cool bikes - although modern.

Technology is awesome these days. Prices are horribly high though.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

Very cool, Byron.
Nothing like a hand brazed steelie!

Also awesome to have made such an influence on so many people as you have. Neat to keep a memento of your friend’s. I liked the “paramount” days. Their custom paint was pretty cool already then. Are those actually two different bikes? Seems like it’s the same frame (at least color scheme) with different builds.

I’ll have to drop some pics of my kid here sometime.
He has some cool bikes - although modern.

Technology is awesome these days. Prices are horribly high though.

Thanks, yes, modern technology is crazy when it comes to bikes, i really enjoy riding and hitting the track, just wish my body still did.

This Seamstress Conquered Bike Racing in the 1890s

Cyclist Tillie Anderson came out of nowhere to shatter records, dominate her competition, and earn the world champion title during the late-19th-century women's racing craze

[CurtEgerer]

My brother picked this up last week for less than $100. I think these were $3,000-4,000 in the 90s. 650c wheels. It will be a wallhanger. He's debating on stripping it to the frame or returning it to stock (mainly removing the ridiculous elk-antler handlebars! ).

[CurtEgerer]

["A"]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

My brother picked this up last week for less than $100. I think these were $3,000-4,000 in the 90s. 650c wheels. It will be a wallhanger. He's debating on stripping it to the frame or returning it to stock (mainly removing the ridiculous elk-antler handlebars! ).

I still ride mine once in a while; it's one of the more comfortable road bikes that still responsive enough to feel confident in corners.
If you don't mind looking for proper tires, they are harder to find nowadays.

[CurtEgerer]

I really like the look in yellow. Nice! I read a review from back in the day and they praised the ride. They also predicted that formed frames like the Kestrel had no future and carbon tubes were the way to go

[CurtEgerer]