Today we have a nicely restored 1975 Schwinn Traveler for sale on kijiji.com. The bike’s owner, Hugh, is asking $175. We know from seeing all the competing 10-speeds on Craigs List that $175 is a great price for a refurbished old ten-speed. Hugh also appears to be restoring it while trying to sell it at the same time; I assume this to build interest in the project.
I’m very intrigued by the level of retro grouch Hugh appears to be. His refusal to route the brake cables of his new aero-levers under the bar wrap, speaks volumes for his commitment to the-old-way-beyond-reason. I remember when I was young and impressionable, I actually tried to route the brake cables of my non-aero levers under the bar wrap. At 13, I would have loved a set of aero-levers for my 48 pound, 1983 Murray 10-speed! And to think, this guy has the nerve to take a perfectly good set of aeros and completely disregard their aero-ness!
I would also like to know Hugh’s motivation for the ridiculously low position of these new levers. My wrists are crapping just looking at them.
Mark’s Mid 70s Bianchi Sprint
06-Feb-08
Today’s 10-speed entry is this mid 70s Bianchi Sprint from Mark in Long Island, New York.
Mark said:
Here is my 1970’s (not sure of the exact year) Bianchi Sprint. The bike has a 1973-74 Campione del Mondo sticker, and was brought to the US from Italy for my father by his mother. After sitting idle for decades, I decided to start using it. After riding it for a year with it’s original Campagnolo downtube shifters and derailleurs, I decided to upgrade to something more uh, reliable. I put a Campagnolo Veloce 10 speed (I know, different kind of 10 speed) brifter system on, out on a Campy Centaur BB, and new Campy derailleurs. I had to put Sakae cranks on with the original engraved Bianchi chainrings, as the original Sugino Maxy’s sat too far inward on the new BB. All the other components are original, including the 3ttt ‘Touriste’ stem and ‘Olympic’ bars, the Bianchi seat, Ambrosio wheels, Regina 5 speed freewheel, and unlabeled hubs. The 10 speed shifters require two ‘clicks’ to shift up on the 5 speed freewheel, and shift down perfectly. This bike it a joy to ride and I ride in Long Island, NY.
Mark, thanks for sending in this beautiful Bianchi.
