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For Sale: 1960's Schwinn Racer De-Luxe. Wowe-e-e!
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I got this in a sorry state about a year ago with the intention of transforming it into the ultimate pub bike.
Now that I've finally got it roadworthy my girlfriend has kindly pointed out that I've already got 2 pub bikes and that it has sat in the corner of the flat for 6 months and I've ridden it once.
It has now become the latest victim of the ongoing series 'bikes-designated-by-her-for-removal-from-the-flat' which will no doubt eventually prove to be the crux of our downfall.
So because I don't wear the trousers around here, She's up for sale (the bike, not the Mrs).
Schwinn Racer De-Luxe city/cruiser bicycle built in Chicago, USA in the 1960s.
Sturmey Archer 4-speed dynamo hub, Stainless steel mudguards (as far as I can see these were the only Deluxe features along with 'De-Luxe written' on the chain guard (the standard model had the same spec with 3 gears & two tone saddle as an option too).
The bike is in really good overall condition, no damage, cracks dings or corrosion. The blue paint still has a good lustre to it and the scratches and scrapes add to the charm as it exposes the red oxide primer underneath. All parts are original with the exception of the upgraded forks, stem, saddle & 4-speed dynamo hub.
Someone had kindly jumped on the front wheel & forks and wrecked them when I got it.
I searched for ages and eventually got hold of some 26" forks with the same rake off a Triumph from the same era (luckily in almost exactly the same colour with similar patina).
These were a definite upgrade as the original forks on these things were made from solid steel flatbar!
I managed to get hold of a 1957 4-speed Sturmey Archer dynohub (I wasn't aware that these existed until I bought one), 4-speed shifter and NOS matching steel rim (the bike came to me with a cheap single speed mountain bike wheel)
I bought a new axle for the front Schwinn hub.
Had both wheels rebuilt by Arup (who did an excellent job as always).
The frame and all shiny bits were all in really good nick underneath about 3mm of oil, grease and dirt.
All parts were removed, degreased, cleaned, re-greased and replaced.
The stem was swapped for another similar as the diameter of the original was too small for the Triumph forks. (Both original stem & [bent] forks are included in the sale).
Replaced the cheap saddle with a period correct two-tone Lycett saddle as similar as possible to the original (the original saddle would have been a Schwinn).
Brand new Raleigh whitewall tyres, tubes, rim tape, inner and outer cables.
The bike has original Schwinn bottle dynamo and front & rear dynamo light (I think these were an optional extra, only standard on the Schwinn Traveller), which all work (bulb needs replacing in rear light).
I left this set up but the bottle dynamo could be removed and lights powered by the dynohub (which has been tested and works).
This is a rare and lovely looking beast.
It's definitely not the lightest bike in the world, it's built like a tank!
I got a bit carried away and spent a fair few bob on this, the 4-speed hub & shifter, new rim, saddle and having the wheels rebuilt cost me more than what I'm asking for the whole bike!Collection from Dalston E8
More photos HERE
Details
Seat Tube: 56 c-c
Top Tube: 56cm c-t
Standover Height: 80cm
Weight: Loads
Wheels: 26". Front - Schwinn. Rear - Sturmey Archer (with 4-Speed dynohub)
Tyres: Raleigh whitewalls
Crankset: Schwinn
Pedals: Schwinn
Saddle: Lycett Springer
Seatpost: Schwinn
Stem: 50mm Unknown (Original Schwinn included in sale)
Handlebars & grips: Schwinn
Headset: Schwinn
Brake Levers: Weinmann
Brake Calipers: Weinmann
Shifter: Sturmey Archer 4-Speed