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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - After Restoration |
This is Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior. As many of you know I love the Superior and other Sport touring bicycles like it. I think the bike industry should look a lot more at the sport touring style bike and a little less on race bikes. Sport touring bicycles have a slightly more relaxed geometry for more comfort and longer rides but still enough to still be fairly quick. They are perfect for all day rides, brevets, randonneurs and weekend touring.
Al's Superior is in good starting shape. It has some dullness and general work needed to be done from being stored for a while but over all a great start. The Superior will get a complete restoration along with new cables, cable housings, bearings, brake pads, tires, tire tubes, saddle and cloth handlebar tape.
I had a Schwinn Superior like this one some years back and sold it. I regret selling it and miss that bike very much. I can't wait to test ride Al's Superior when it is complete.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Reflector |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Lever |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Shift Levers |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Down Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Saddle |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Chicago Decal |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Deraileur |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Binder |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub |
I broke the Superior down tot he frame and got to cleaning and polishing. It took a good deal of work to remove the bottom bracket. The threads where caked thick with a red solid something. It could have been Loctite or maybe an automobile grease that totally dried out. I am not sure which one but I had to use a torch with a very small flame to heat the bearing cups and melt what the red stuff was. I had to be very careful not to damage the paint. Still not sure what the red stuff was.
With the frame broken down I can see the frame is in great shape other for some dirt and dullness. The frame had very very few chips or scratches.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Area |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stays |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Chrome |
I cleaned the frame and worked through the polishing grits. The frame polished beautifully. The paint has a deep shine that the camera doesn't pick up as well as I like. I am very happy with the results of the framing polishing. The Superior is my favorite color, black with chrome components.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
The headset and bottom bracket where in good shape. I put the pieces through the crock pot for cleaning and then worked through the polishing wheels. The pieces turned out very nice and installed look amazing. Black and chrome!!
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration -
Headset Cups Pressed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bearings Packed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Complete |
I carefully disassembled the handlebars, stem and brake elvers to keep the brake lever hoods as nice as possible. It takes a long time to get that beautiful patina on the brake levers. With everything broken down I gave everything a good cleaning and some time on the polishing wheels. I am extremely happy with how everything polished. I love this stuff!
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars & Cockpit
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars
Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem BEfore |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Exploded |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake LEvers
Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Compelte |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handebars
Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers
Original Plastic Barrel Adjusters - Awful Plastic |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement Alloy
Barrel Adjusters |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers
Compete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Brake Levers Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Installed |
I broke down the seat post and worked through the polishing wheels. The saddle looks to me like a 1980's Schwinn saddle so we will replace that with something more era and bike appropriate. Installed the seat post and seat binder look great installed!
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Saddle & Seat Post Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Binder Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post & Binder
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Seat Post Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Seat Binder Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post Complete |
I like the center pull brakes from this era, they actually work well and restore beautifully. These brake calipers where no exception! New brake pads help with that braking power.
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Exploded View |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Brake Caliper Installed |
The derailleurs where in okay starting shape. Some good cleaning and good deal of work on the polishing wheels and the derailleurs are better then new! I love how they look next to that polished black paint!
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Derailleurs Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Exploded View |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Derailleur Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur
Exploded View |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Derailleurs Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Installed |
The Superior came with a beautiful Nervar French crank. I broke the crank down and worked through the polishing wheels. The crank polished like new! I couldn't be happier with the results!
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Exploded |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Compelte |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Bolts & Dust Caps
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Crank Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Installed |
I like the wheels on the Superior, they have descent hubs and rims. I broke the wheel hubs down and removed all the old grease. With the hubs cleaned I worked through the polishing. The hubs and rims polished beautifully!! New Panracer Pro-Lite tires installed and the Superior will be ready for most riding surfaces. I love how the wheels and tires look installed.
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Old Grease |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Axle Pieces Ready |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
BEfore |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Rim
Before |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Old Grease |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Rim
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Bearings Packed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Bearings Packed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pie Plate Polished
Freewheel Cleaned & Lubricated |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pie Plate & Freewheel
Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Wheels Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
New Panaracer Pro-Lite Tires & Tubes |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Tire Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Tire Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Tires Installed |
The replacement saddle is a Avocet Touring saddle found on eBay. The saddle is in great conditition and looks great isntalled!
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Saddle Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Saddle Installed |
Next was new cables and housings. New cable housings will make all the difference!
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
New Housings & Cables |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed |
Next was the new cloth handlebar tape. I love cloth handlebar tape and use it on one of my bikes. I like the classic look and the feel. The new cloth tape looks fantastic installed!
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Cloth Tape |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cloth Tape Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed |
I keep everything that comes of a bike and will not be used so I am happy I have these handlebar ends to replace a missing one. Polished they look great and installed even better!
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps
Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps
Installed |
Next was a good cleaning and lubricating of the chain. I don't think this chain saw much use because it had zero stretch to it.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Chain Installed |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Chain Installed |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Chain Installed |
The pedals are in better starting shape then most. Pedals take a real beating so they are usually very rough. Some flushing, lubricating and polishing and the pedals look and spin great!
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Before |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Polished |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Pedals Installed |
That leaves the Superior almost complete.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Installed |
The completed Schwinn Superior rides like a dream. So smooth, so easy. The shifting has a good feel to it and the braking stops well. It feels like once the bike is going it wants to go forever. The best part of the Superior is its classic looks. In my book you can't beat black and chrome! Over all the Superior is like a sinister looking Linconl Continental from the 1960's.
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Brake Lever |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem & Handlebars |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake Caliper |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Rim |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Down Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Saddle |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Tube |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Crank |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Stays |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake Caliper |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub |
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Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Rim |
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| Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
