1977 Schwinn Suburban

Yes, another bike. That's three, for those keeping score. We found this one at a garage sale for $40. My wife has been looking for a bike since last June, and we found it about two blocks from our house--must have been fate. Anyway, as the title of the post suggests, it's a 1977 Schwinn Suburban. It's a ten speed--no Sturmey-Archer hub, unfortunately--and it is a seriously nice-looking bike. It has a sort of red/rust/brown color and the paint is in pretty good shape, with the usual dings and scratches. It also has the usual rust, dirt, and grime all over.

It seems to be mostly original, with the exception of newish cables and a newer seat that doesn't really match the old style of the bike very well. The tires are newish, and everything else seems to be in great shape.

Today we did the major cleaning: frame, chrome, derailers, and chain. The chain is soaking in oil overnight after two rounds of cleaning with Pedro's and a toothbrush. Tomorrow, I'll buff the rust off the rims with steel wool, make some brake adjustments, some seat post and handlebar adjustments, and it'll be good to ride. Cosmetically, we'll wipe it down again and apply a coat of Turtle Wax to bring out the color. Long term, I think the crank bearings are going to need re-packing soon, and I'd like to try to find a better looking seat for it. The brake shoes are going to need to be replaced soon as well, but I think that's it (assuming the tires hold air over night).

As with all of our bikes, the Suburban has (according to one website) "absolutely no value to collectors." But, of course, the point should be whether an old bike has value to its owner. This bike makes my wife happy, it's stylish as all get-out, and that's really what matters, isn't it?

Posted in: 1977 Schwinn Suburban