tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post5385082379748818857..comments2024-03-19T04:38:32.635-04:00Comments on Doug Barnes : Restoring a Vintage 1983 Schwinn Le TourDouglas F. Barnes.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-10151306473484884492024-02-27T11:30:22.432-05:002024-02-27T11:30:22.432-05:00If you could send some images of the components, I...If you could send some images of the components, I might be able to date the bike. From the components you have listed it seems to be 1980s. Email is barnesdf@gmail.comDouglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-48860153103034339102024-02-27T03:06:43.179-05:002024-02-27T03:06:43.179-05:00Thanks for responding to my post. I have looked ov...Thanks for responding to my post. I have looked over the serial numbers and yes starts with 2 followed by F.<br />the components seem to be consistent with a 1980s bike front and rear derailleur down tube shifters all marked Shimano Altus.<br />front hub is a approved Schwinn and rear hub Shimano, but for some reason the rims are alloy Weinmann and brakes are also Weinmann side pulls. the reason i purchased was the color it is in the sandpiper color like the one you have with brown Schwinn lettering on the down tube very attractive bike.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-65810765638539402242024-02-26T14:49:17.079-05:002024-02-26T14:49:17.079-05:00The F is somewhat unusual. Usually the LeTours are...The F is somewhat unusual. Usually the LeTours are S, J or G depending on the country of production. Could it be a J. This would mean built in Japan. Another way to define the year you can look at the catalogs and identify the component groups that are identical to your bike. I hope this helps.Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-55403773639881240532024-02-26T01:40:50.273-05:002024-02-26T01:40:50.273-05:00greeting Douglas
i was doing research on my Le To...greeting Douglas <br />i was doing research on my Le Tour that i recently purchased and it also has a serial number on that starts with a 2F02803<br />I also thought my bike was mfg. in June 1980..<br />no mistake it is clearly a number. "2"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-13151096491430159302022-06-16T21:04:15.375-04:002022-06-16T21:04:15.375-04:00This is a 1983. The 1977s had only 5 gears and th...This is a 1983. The 1977s had only 5 gears and this one has 6. All the other components also match the 1983 version that is in the Schwinn catalog. As I said, it was likely produced in Mississippi. Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-31581930798606016332022-06-10T23:10:44.681-04:002022-06-10T23:10:44.681-04:00Your bike is a 1977. Your bike is a 1977. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-44781668729589570722022-06-10T23:08:40.617-04:002022-06-10T23:08:40.617-04:00There is a lot of information on Schwinn bikes on ...There is a lot of information on Schwinn bikes on bikehistory.org, and on thecabe.com. Schwinn serial numbers are confusing. The guy with the F73xxx serial number has a June 1977 frame. To the lady thinking she may have a valuable old Le Tour, sorry, but likely worth $100 +|- depending on condition. The Le Tours were made in Japan 73-78 then brought back to Chicago, but built with 1020 steel, not 4130 cro-moly. When production moved to Greenville in 1983, the Le Tours were again made with 4130 cro-moly steel.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-25722326373737342662022-01-27T16:10:42.973-05:002022-01-27T16:10:42.973-05:00This is very true. They did ship a bunch of parts ...This is very true. They did ship a bunch of parts to Mississippi. This included stickers so they may also be a bit different. Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-7453028486988329622022-01-26T01:56:32.583-05:002022-01-26T01:56:32.583-05:00I would consider the fact when the chicago plant w...I would consider the fact when the chicago plant was shutting down, parts that were left over might have been used to build bikes just to use up inventory, meaning there could be different varations of the 83 la tour based on parts on hand (food for thought) I a 1983 thats different then what everybody describesAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06197403111418063206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-43619144507329062362021-07-10T14:06:23.139-04:002021-07-10T14:06:23.139-04:00Hi Doug,
I have had an antique Schwinn Sakae Cust...Hi Doug,<br /><br />I have had an antique Schwinn Sakae Custom Champion 4130 Chromoly that looks to be a 1973. Serial number is F736448 and model looks to be 1737. I realize this is a hard to find bike. It was in my storage building until recently. It is now in my livingroom to keep it dry. In good condition and mint green. The paint original. Just wondering if you have an ideal of it's value. I used to ride but currently on disability and would be frightened to try now with all my physical problems. Your post with the catalog was so informative. I greatly appreciate it.<br /><br /> Thanks so much, LindaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14528832681504999673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-2685882918253680262021-07-01T15:38:31.385-04:002021-07-01T15:38:31.385-04:00Please check the last image on my article. You wi...Please check the last image on my article. You will see my bike has Araya Rims that are 27X 1 1/4. You will need a 27X 1 1/4 tire (700s will not work) which are available on Amazon but you have to search a bit. The tubes can be standard 700c size as they will fit any similar sized rim. But check your rim as sometimes the wheels have been replaced. A stamp will also be on the existing tire (assuming there is still one one the bike). it's a great riding bike and you will enjoy it once you have it fixed up. The Super Le Tour had 27X 1 1/8 inch tires, but the 27X 1 1/4 should fit. 27 is the rim size and the 1/4 or 1/8 is the tire width.Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-46412194390862831262021-07-01T15:23:20.695-04:002021-07-01T15:23:20.695-04:00Hello Doug,
I also have a Schwinn Le Tour. The SN ...Hello Doug,<br />I also have a Schwinn Le Tour. The SN is SH303873, so it seems it was made in Aug 1983. I bought it used, was riding for a while but for the last 20 years it was sitting in my basement because I have a mountain bike. I'm planning to use this road bike for a 18-mile triathlon distance, so I want to replace tires and tubes myself and then bring it for a tune up to a shop. But I don't know the size of tires I need. My measurement of the wheel diameter gave me 25.5". Please give me your advice. Thank you!Sergeihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07160849052357337497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-68309214927758449402021-07-01T15:18:34.848-04:002021-07-01T15:18:34.848-04:00Hello Doug,
I also have a Schwinn Le Tour. The SN ...Hello Doug,<br />I also have a Schwinn Le Tour. The SN is SH303873, so it seems it was made in Aug 1983. I bought it used, was riding for a while but for the last 20 years it was sitting in my basement because I have a mountain bike. I'm planning to use this road bike for a 18-mile triathlon distance, so I want to replace tires and tubes myself and then bring it for a tune up to a shop. But I don't know the size of tires I need. My measurement of the wheel diameter gave me 25.5". Please give me your advice. Thank you!Sergeihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07160849052357337497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-41101381376828889002021-04-30T10:44:08.238-04:002021-04-30T10:44:08.238-04:00According to the Schwinn Information Bulletin on s...According to the Schwinn Information Bulletin on serial numbers your Le Tour serial number should start with an S. Are you sure the 2 is not an S. If the 2 is an S, then your bike was made in January 1980. This is a really nice riding classic bike. Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-37997203026450576682021-04-29T22:07:19.553-04:002021-04-29T22:07:19.553-04:00You're the first person with similar serial nu...You're the first person with similar serial number my la tour starting with a number 2A01245 1983 did you find any more info. Great bike ride about 500 miles allready this year. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06481622248840177398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-67005838942666082782021-03-23T21:53:17.559-04:002021-03-23T21:53:17.559-04:00Yes. Please contact me if you like. My email is i...Yes. Please contact me if you like. My email is in the about me page. I don't think Schwinn made "mountain" bikes until 1983. Send pictures if you like. <br /><br />See this link for 1983 Sierra which is lugged.<br />https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1983.html Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-3506804287767224622021-03-23T18:00:54.790-04:002021-03-23T18:00:54.790-04:00Doug
I read you talk about the Letour being made i...Doug<br />I read you talk about the Letour being made in Japan the in the Chicago Plant until 1983. I have a lugged Schwinn Mountain bike frame that has a serial number BS367823 that by the Schwinn serial code is February 1981 but by the Asian Serial number Guide is taken as 1983. This has been taken by a fellow T-Mar as being a serial number system used for frames made in Japan. <br />From what I have seen another ASNG format refers to the Letour SyMnnnn but of course this did carry on to frames made in the Chicago plant in the late 1970`s. <br />The discussion I have had with others comes to saying the frame I have is a 1983 manufacture. T-Mar does state he has no idea of what USA manufacturers used as SN formats.<br />I see also Paramount manufactured at Chicago as well.<br />A direct discussion we could have via email before we go to a public posting. <br />I trust you are well and keeping sake,<br />Kind regards<br />Les Cook<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02383556433892027615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-67945076003372950932020-11-06T20:37:03.485-05:002020-11-06T20:37:03.485-05:00Muy linda bicicleta! Tengo un Le Tour 3 completame...Muy linda bicicleta! Tengo un Le Tour 3 completamente original como salió de fabrica! Saludos! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08797664749736383491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-68133285700280527242020-10-08T11:44:26.153-04:002020-10-08T11:44:26.153-04:00According to your serial number, this is probably ...According to your serial number, this is probably a 1982 Schwinn Le Tour built in March. It was probably made in USA. In fact, it may have been among the first to be made in the new factory in Greenville, but Chicago is also a possibility. The rims have me puzzled, as most of the Le Tours had alloy rims. Perhaps they are after market. Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-67097496049487605732020-10-02T12:57:44.561-04:002020-10-02T12:57:44.561-04:00Hi Doug, My bike collection is starting to mirror ...Hi Doug, My bike collection is starting to mirror yours, as I just picked up a Schwinn LeTour, S/N SC211040, and a 1988 Schwinn Tempo, as a Father/Son combo sale for $120.00 My LeTour has the older style decals and chromed steel rims made by UKARIM. the kickstand is non-descript, except for the "Japan" cast into it. I am glad that I had 2 extra gumwall tires from last year, as prices are through the roof, now.I also have a 1972 Raleigh Record and a 1950 Raleigh Tourist, among others. I did get a few extra 26X1-3/8 Michelin's from Chain Reaction Cycle for $6.77 for blackwalls. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06995364322644396455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-26927645351548297742020-09-18T22:04:07.552-04:002020-09-18T22:04:07.552-04:00Riding a bike is about as safe as it gets during t...Riding a bike is about as safe as it gets during the COVID crisis. The Le Tours are not the lightest bike of the era, but they are really designed well for riding. My son has the one I refinished and loves it. Thanks for the great comment. Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-36145052273157582452020-09-18T21:57:45.253-04:002020-09-18T21:57:45.253-04:00I just bought a yellow Le Tour on ebay for $71.00....I just bought a yellow Le Tour on ebay for $71.00. It definitely was made in Japan and in my research I think it was made in 1974. The chrome was in great shape but the front forks bearly turned and the wheels would spin slow. I pulled the forks and crank and the grease was like gum. Also did front and rear bearings and replaced all cables. Put new black tape on the handlebars and bought a buffer/polisher for my drill and polished all the chrome. I'm 61 years old and I feel like I'm 15 in high school again. Up every morning knocking out 6+ miles. Great COVID project. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01860445407759176387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-75962152592815326662020-08-04T21:41:33.004-04:002020-08-04T21:41:33.004-04:00Great! Glad you found it.
Believe it or not I am...Great! Glad you found it. <br /><br />Believe it or not I am working on a 1988 Voyageur right now so the components sounded really familiar. I will have a posting up in about a month. Nice bikes!Douglas F. Barnes.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/17557811334162387475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-85216081946396084862020-08-04T19:14:21.578-04:002020-08-04T19:14:21.578-04:00Well I found it. 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8. Well I found it. 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8. CShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05249012738756096337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035991380085583260.post-44102106337674355242020-08-04T16:39:24.381-04:002020-08-04T16:39:24.381-04:00Thank you for your reply and recommendations. I’m ...Thank you for your reply and recommendations. I’m at a loss since I have went thru all the photos and information. <br />The other components are<br />SR Road Champion Japan handlebars <br />Double butted 4130 sticker<br />Red/chrome lined stickers wrapped around the chain stay/ seat stay/ seat tube<br />SR seat post<br />Dia-compe brakes with quick release<br />Round reflectors<br />Shimano Altus Downtube shifters(friction)<br />SR Stem<br />Red/Gold lined Schwinn logo on downtube. No logo on top tube CShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05249012738756096337noreply@blogger.com