Jeremy S’s 1986 Schwinn Caliente

Posted

A reason to celebrate, Jeremy’s ’86 Caliente lives on as God intended: with derailers and center side-pulls.

1986ish Schwinn Caliente

A little bit about it:
I got the bike for free. It was my girlfriend’s dad’s old bike. My original plan was to strip repowder coat and make it a fixie. Thankfully I fell inlove with this old bike and restored it back to working order plus some. It has many up graded parts including; lighter/better LeTour crank, sta-true double wall alloy wheel in front with sealed bearing hub Q/R, standard alloy single wall rear wheel Q/R, newer shimano derailers. nicer alloy drop bars, natural cork bar wrap (not pictured), new seat post, new chain, cables, cable casing, and a sealed bottom bracket cartridge. I spent way to much on this bike, but let me say this frame is a great frame to build with good parts. I need to weigh the bike but it feels extremely light, for a lugged steel frame. I’ve ridden it probably 20miles in the past 2 days. I couldn’t be more happy.

Related posts:

  1. Good Cause Bonus Post: Eric H.’s 1972 Schwinn Varsity
  2. Keith’s Fuji Sports 10
  3. Jeff P’s 1973 Schwinn Varsity
  4. Art F.’s Schwinn Collegiate
  5. Dane’s 1976 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2
  • BeaterRezQ

    Jeremy,
    Nice bike, nice job!
    To me that’s what it’s all about…finding something that has value, originality, style = potential….a little rehab, restoration and calling it your own.
    Newer mass-produced Chinese made bikes are a dime a dozen, but something you envisioned and created on your own…not to mention brought back to life and recycled– brings satisfaction like no other.
    Great save!
    BRQ

    **also, thanks for the added info and four pictures…now we can rest in peace, today.

    • Anonymous

      BRQ, I think you’re on pace to be the OTSG Official Door Greeter. Or if you prefer, the OTSGODG…

      • BeaterRezQ

        lol, I’m humbled–I think!?
        I owe it all to my boss for giving me a computer with unlimited internet access, a boring job and a love for bikes. (well, not the last one)
        BRQ…..biking should be fun.”

  • Docsprocket

    JEREMY YOU CAN NEVER SPEND TO MUCH ON A CLASSIC ESPECIALLY IF YOU INTEND TO USE IT. I LOVE THE OLD STEEL FRAME THERE COMFORTABLE & FLEX MORE THAN THOSE ALUMINUM ONES ATTACHED IS A PHOTO OF A 1985 TEAM FUJI I REBUILT & COMPLETELY UP GRADED
    & IM GOING TO RACE WITH IN THIS WEEKEND IN NORTHER CALI AT A TT RACE. I RODE IT LAST WEEKEND OVER THE GEYSERS PEEK CLIMB & IT RODE SMOOTH & PREFORMED FLAWLESSLY. THERE GOING TO BE BLOWEN AWAY BY MY 19.25-LB 27 YEAR OLD BABY.
    THE BARS, STEM, SEAT-POST & HEADSET ARE ORIGINAL TO THE BIKE.

    IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY & YOU USE IT’S WORTH THE MONEY

    • BeaterRezQ

      Doc,
      absolutely stunning!
      …and well said as well.

  • Ryan Surface

    +1 on BRQ thanks for a story and more than one Picture! A “Hot” Schwinn…. who knew? Great looking bike Jeremy, and as others have said upgrades are worthwhile if you are actually going to use the bike and it sounds like you have miles of smiles ahead of you.

    Viva La Restoration!

  • Trailer Park Cyclist

    I think I have about $300 in my ’81 LeTour and it is definitely the best money I ever spent. That Caliente is worth the effort.

    Will Beater have to wear a uniform with a funny hat and will we have to tip him?

    • BeaterRezQ

      Real tips dudes!
      None of this, ” Don’t take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.”

      I love my Metropolitan mattress………maaaa-tress.

    • Laverack

      Dear TPC,
      You should google the new Rosanne Barr/John Goodman sitcom. There may be a consultancy there for you.

      • Trailerparkcyclist

        They’ll get it all wrong. But maybe I better look into copyrighting my stuff before they steal it.

        Thanks for the tip.

  • Hughs bicycle blog

    Looks like you made all the right changes! Well Done