• Six Degrees of Hugh: Kelli’s Schwinn Le Tour

    A few months ago, I wrote a post about a gentleman named Hugh in Michigan who was fixing up an old Schwinn Traveler to sell. In the post, I picked on Hugh a bit for his brake lever positioning and cable routing—all in good fun of course. Then, a few weeks later I received an Owner Submitted from another gentleman named Hugh. I could tell from the pictures he sent that this was likely the same Hugh as a few weeks before, and I assumed he must have stumbled upon the OTSG while looking for other OTS to fix up or something. An email to him confirmed my suspicions. And since then, Hugh has been a friend of the gallery and several of his OTS now adorn these hallowed halls. As if this wasn’t small-worldly enough, Monday I received this(is it pink or is it purple) Schinn Le Tour from a young woman in Detroit named Kelli. Kelli apparently purchased this very bike from our old friend Hugh last year and just happened to come across the OTSG while surfing. Wow, is it getting small-worldly in here or is it just me.

    kelli-schwinn-le-tour-10-speed-01.jpg

    I bought this Le Tour last year — from this guy:
    http://oldtenspeedgallery.com/for-sale/southeast-michigans-source-for-old-10-speeds/

    And yes, it was in great shape. I ventured into the world of road bikes because of a triathlon I did last summer — it was pretty great to ride this oldie but goodie amongst all the fancy tri bikes!
    This year, I replaced the saddle with almost exactly the same one it came with, just one that was in better condition and replaced the grip tape…she is lookin’ sharp!

    From a second email:

    Also, I spotted the female version of my bike chained to a light pole here in Detroit — no camera. I wonder if Hugh sold that one too?

    Last story, I swear…I actually own a bike shop, just opened it here about a month ago. I was at a friend’s last week with the Le Tour and my daily rider — a Bianchi Avenue — and some dude goes, “Don’t you own a bike shop? Aren’t you supposed to have like all the bells and whistles?” I laughed.

    I just found your site today and have enjoyed it.
    Kelli, Detroit

    Thanks Kelli

    Related posts:

    1. Dennis’ 1979 Schwinn Le Tour
    2. Shawn’s Schwinn Le Tour IV
    3. Robert’s 1976 Schwinn Le Tour II
    4. Hugh’s Schwinn World Sport
    5. Bob H.’s 1985 Schwinn Le Tour (Ol’ Blue)


    Tags: , , , , , ,

    • http://wheelhousedetroit.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/kellis-bike-is-famous/ Kelli’s bike is famous! « Wheelhouse Detroit

      [...] Isn’t Erie pretty? [...]

    • Hugh

      I don`t know if I am having a senior moment or what.But I gotta tell you I have no memory of that bike. Is it possible it could be another Hugh from Metro Detroit.
      And if it was me Kelli I appoligize for not
      remembering you.
      Hugh from Highland

    • Kelli

      Hi Hugh,
      Apparently I erroneously assumed there was only one of you in Metro Detroit, but the gentleman I bought the bike from (I couldn’t remember the name obviously) was in Livonia. His yard looked just like yours in the pics, with lots and lots of OTSs.
      A Metro Detroit mystery!

    • victor

      Hi Kelli/Hugh,
      I live in temperance, mi and own a ’76 schwinn traveler. I am interested in fitting my bike with 3pc cranks but i am constantly being told not to bother. Any suggestions on what might work on my bike?