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How Much Is 1950 Schwinn Bike Worth?

Schwinn Caliente- can I convert to a flat bar road bike?

  • Ok I bought a bike similar to this at a garage sale completely overhauled: http://oldtenspeedgallery.com/blog/wp-content/bikes/2010/02/troy-schwinn-caliente-05.jpg Mine has 24" wheels, the top tube is 16". I thought I could get used to the riding drop bars, but I've grown up riding mountain bikes my whole life and still just don't feel comfortable on it. I LOVE this bike except for the handlebars. I took it to a local bike shop and they looked at me like I was crazy saying #1 It's too small for me and #2 Don't bother putting money into it. But I would love to ride this bike around town, it's unlikely to get stolen and I don't feel cramped on it or anything. I'm 5'0, a woman, and having a hard time finding a used bike that fits. I know this is really a bike for kids...but I love how it fits, just hate the drop bars. I have broad shoulders and these bars are way too narrow. I find the bars too twitchy (or responsive), when I ride the tops my hands just feel way to close together. Is the bike shop guy right? Should I just not bother?

  • Answer:

    Lets go over a couple of things that you may want to consider: 1) When the frame was designed, the geometry was developed for drop bars and an even distribution of weight between the saddle and handlebars. By installing FB's on it you will be more upright and as a result the weight distribution will change and the bike will ride very strangely. 2) Because of the age of the bike, you will need to replace both derailleurs, the freewheeel, and the shifters along with the handlebars. Why? Because the shifters will necessarily be indexing-type and the existing drivetrain will not index correctly. Now, all that being said if money is of little consequence, it can be done. You would have an upgrade to a minumum of 7 speeds in the back and 3 in the front. A breakdown estimate of cost is such: Shimano Altus or Tourney 3x7 dual control trigger shifters (includes cables)- $45 Shimano Altus or Tourney triple crankest with bottom bracket- $50 Shimano Altus or Tourney front and rear derailleur set- $40 Shimano 7 speed freewheel- $25 alloy handlebars- $30 brake lever set- $25 stem (to fit bars- old one won't fit)- $20 hand grips- $10 labor- $130-150 At this point it would be much cheaper to purchase a new bike UNLESS there is a bike club that has a winter program that teaches bike repair- you could do it yourself. If you do the labor it would be pretty close to even money with a comparable new bike.

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changing handlebars is a big deal you have to change every other expensive part on the bike brakes shifters derailleurs [maybe] these old heavy kid bikes sell for $100 all the time you;d spend $500 and then no one would want it! i think it is too small for 5'0 also wle

☼wle☆atlanta☼

Sounds like the bike shop guy is right. Get the correct size road bike and you will enjoy cycling so much more. Try bikes direct you want the stand over height to be 1-2 inches less then your actual inseam with shoes on. http://www.bikesdirect.com/primalstuff.htm

John M

Guess what? With lightweight 24" road wheels and tires that bike will probably feel twitchy with flat bars as well. What I would do is buy a set of better brake levers that allow you to ride on the brake hoods comfortably. This will move your hands out to the outside of the bars where the bike won't be any twitchier than if you had flat bars. The rest involves getting used to the handling of the bike. No matter what you do it is never going to handle like a mountain bike

Mtrlpqbiker

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