There is a small bike shop in the town where I work that sells inexpensive Schwinn and GT Bikes. I was in there a little over a year ago and saw two vintage Schwinn steel frame bikes hanging in the corner. I asked about them and the owner told me he bought a bunch of frames from Schwinn (the Chicago factory) years ago to build and those were the only 2 left. They had been hanging there for years. One was a woman's Le Tour Tourist in my size! He wanted $300 for it and I walked away. I was back in the shop today and asked about it again. Today the price was $139.95 and I snatched it. I researched the serial number and my best guess is that it is a 1981 frame--30 years old! She has a few scratches on her from hanging with the other bikes for so many years but she's awfully sweet! I think she needs a straw basket and chrome fenders. What do you think? I'm so excited!
__________________ "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw
Luna Eclipse/Selle Italia Lady
Surly Pacer/Terry Butterfly
Quintana Roo Cd01/Koobi Stratus
1981 Schwinn Le Tour Tourist
Jamis Coda Femme
The ride was smoother than my current all carbon C'Dale Synapse. Plus, it was bomb-proof.
I think you're going to love it.
(Time to update that signature line!)
I hope you're right. I just ordered a basket, fenders, and a couple other items for it and spent more than I spent on the bike. I can't wait to get her all set up. This is so much fun!
I'll post pictures when I get her properly accessorized.
P.S. Thanks for the reminder about my signature line
__________________ "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw
Luna Eclipse/Selle Italia Lady
Surly Pacer/Terry Butterfly
Quintana Roo Cd01/Koobi Stratus
1981 Schwinn Le Tour Tourist
Jamis Coda Femme