During the mid '80s, Schwinn made two full-on touring bicycles: the Voyageur and the Voyageur SP. As its name suggests, the SP model was constructed of high-end Columbus SP (and SL) tubing. It also generally featured a few more braze-ons and better componentry than the regular Voyageur model.
This '85 Voyageur SP frameset I received through a trade. It came to me in rough aesthetic condition: the paint had succumbed to some mysterious ailment whereby it had chipped off in dozens and dozens of tiny spots to reveal the white primer beneath. In effect, it looked like someone had ridden the bike through a puddle of white paint. In addition, the paint on the chromed fork had contracted a similar strain of leprosy and it was rapidly chipping away in larger chunks. Since the worst of it was on the fork crown, I initially tried just stripping the paint there by masking the rest and spraying on a light coat of aircraft stripper. Unfortunately, the stripper penetrated the masking tape and I ended up having to take all the paint off the fork. Fortunately, the chrome was in good shape and it came out nicely anyway. For the rest of the frame, I went with touch-up paint. This was a tedious process with mixed results. In certain lighting, the end product looked fine, but in bright light the color difference became more pronounced. Were I to do it over, I'd probably opt for a fresh powdercoat. That is, I've decided that touch-up paint on an old bike is the precise equivalent of a facelift for an aging spinster: not quite convincing and vaguely pathetic. On the other hand, a powder coat is more like a visit to a day spa and a new outfit off the clearance rack at Macy's: rejuvenating and tasteful if not quite lavish.
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Very nice!
ReplyDeletegreat ideas. Mines starting to how the wear of the last few years. I like the all chrome fork adn the new cables. Not a huge fan of the new derailer, but it looks decent. I'm guessing the performance make it worth it?
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to part selection, I'm a pragmatist. You'll never find me combing eBay for just the right part to complete my period-correct gruppo. Generally, I use what I have on hand and this derailleur fit the bill; that is, it provided reliable shifting and sufficient chain wrap at a reasonable cost (essentially, free to me). (One thing to remember is that when you build a bike from the frame up, paying for parts individually, costs can very easily spiral out of control. In fact, it's damn near impossible to do so without spending significantly more than you would on a fully built bike of comparable quality.)
DeleteSure! You work with the parts you have and ,only if necessary do you go to the bike shop! Are you having trouble finding Schwinn tune-up kits? I generally re-use brake cables but if I can get my hands on them new cables seem like a luxury!
DeleteAre you running 700c or 27in? I tuned up an '88 Voyageur about 6 years ago. After I blew up the original wheels I built up new 27s for it. Couldn't figure out how to get the 700c to hit the brakes on the stock fork. Which way did you go?
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue with 700c wheels on this fork. The posts were just too high and too close together to allow for anything but 27" rims. I believe the problem is a bit less acute on the later models such as yours, though. I've seen quite a few late 80s voyageurs converted to 700c. Most folks accomplish this by using brakes with some up-down adjustment and pushing the brake shoe posts all the way into the holders.
Deleteyah but really the whole 700c conversion thing is overrated when you consider the quality rims and tires avail. I think try to make 700c fit is not really important personally. Plus I cannot substantiate (and so maybe its BS) but I think the larger wheels roll better. Plus original is always cool also. Nice frame. I thought the USA made didnt have the serial number on the crown but I think I am wrong as I dont believe the Panasonic made Voyageur used Columbus and I know they used Tange 2 (very light tubing). Great bicycles none the less.
DeleteHi, are those the original brakes or did you upgrade? I have the same bike, but would like to upgrade. THanks.
ReplyDeleteOriginals on this bike would have been Dia Compe 981s.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm the current owner of this bike. I bought it from a couple that had used it for touring. It's now my new commuter in the south bay area. The handlebar tape needs to be swapped but other than that, it's a wonderful ride!
Thanks!
Anna
HI, just interested in knowing if you still have the bike or have you sold it yet; I've got a 22" and a 24" - both are blue & they're '85 SPs (one's too small & others too big - I need a 23" '85 SP (preferably the frame only).
ReplyDeleteI have an 83 SP that 23.5" & would be interested in trading for your 24"
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