Doohickie’s 1987 Schwinn Prelude

Posted

Doohickie, host of The Mixte Gallery, has offered another of his own for our enjoyment.  This is his 1987 Schwinn Prelude complete with re-purposed Lederhosen bar wrap.

Cameron,

While I’m thinking about it… I don’t believe I sent you pictures of my most recent acquisition.

In February I was doing my normal cruise through pawn shop/thrift store alley on the city’s west side when I spotted a drop bar racer. I took a closer look and found a Schwinn Prelude. It was a diamond in the rough (see last picture). The original downtube shifters had been replaced by the sorriest stem-mounted friction shifters I’d ever seen. Plus there was some rust on the frame. I decided it was worth the nominal price they were asking and brought it home.

I lucked out at a swap meet and found a set of early Shimano Indexed Shifters that would operate the rear cogs (this is a 1987 model- the first year of indexed shifting for Schwinn), plus picked up a saddle bag. I picked up a pair of skanky leather pants at a thrift store and cut them into strips to wrap the handlebars. It’s a real ghetto cruiser but it came out great and performs well.

Thanks Doohickie

Related posts:

  1. Julie S.’s 1964 Schwinn Super Sport
  2. Jose R’s 1974 Schwinn Varsity
  3. Ashley H’s 1976 Raleigh Grand Prix
  4. Timothy J.’s 1962 Schwinn Superior
  5. John K’s Green ’72 and Orange ’73 Schwinn Super Sports
  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    Very cool. Now I know what to do with my old leather chaps!

    • Peter D.

      Ha! that is a great idea of how to wrap the handle bars at low price! I would normally use electrical tape to keep the cost down, but here is a better idea! Thanks for sharing!

  • http://doohickie.blogspot.com Doohickie

    Thanks for the props. You know, I planned to sell this bike (and I still may) but I took it out again recently and it really does fly. I’m getting used to the balance of it (which is different from other bikes I own) and now that I’m getting used to it, it ride great.

  • rickshaw

    Not surprised about your ride comments. 80’s Schwinns are very under-rated. They are a top notch ride but many turn up their noses to 80’s Schwinns.

  • http://doohickie.blogspot.com Doohickie

    An update… This morning I rode this Schwinn Prelude on my longest ride to date and my first metric century. I rode a full 114 km (71 miles). The bike was rock solid.

  • Dusty

    IF you do indeed sell this bike, please let me know, I am very interested. I live far from you but will be happy to pay for shipping! Looks outstanding!