Prior to this I was mostly a runner, I used running to combat some excessive weight gain over the previous years, dropping from 220 to 180lbs in 2016. I wanted to find a bicycle to cross train on days I didn't run. And after getting in shape, commuting to work via bike to save gas and be healthy didn't seem like as far fetched of an idea, if I could run 6.2 miles/10 kilometers I could easily bike it.
So I picked up this "Chestnut brown" 1975 Schwinn Continental 10-speed bike, a step up from the famous "Varsity"model, with a hollow fork tubes, quick release skewers in the wheels, aluminum handlebar and stem to save weight, but it's still a heavy 35lbs+ frame.
The Continental as I picked it up in "stock" form
After some modifications to modern commuter specifications
On a random chance I ended up working part time at Oswego Cyclery and getting a discount on parts I've upgraded the Continental for easier day-to-day use including aluminum rims for better wet weather braking and weight savings, a 6-speed freewheel (so now it's a 12-speed!), lights for visibility, fenders and a rear rack to help keep me clean on rides to work and carry my stuff off my back.
Link to the 1975 Schwinn Catalog: https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1975.html
Current bike details:
Frame- 24" size Schwinn "Electro-formed" 10/10 Steel frame, chestnut brown paint
Fork- Schwinn tubular steel
Crank- Schwinn 1-piece "Astabula" chromed steel crank, Schwinn 39/52 chain rings
Derailleurs- Schwinn approved GT-260 Front, Schwinn Approved Rear (Huret Alvit with cover)
Freewheel- Shimano Mf-tz30 "MegaRange" 6-speed freewheel range 14-16-18-21-24-34
Wheels- Bontrager AT-550 700c rims
Tires- Bontrager Hard Case Ultimate H-5 Hybrid tires
Saddle- Schwinn "comfort" saddle
Accessories: Bontrager Ion 800 front light, Flare R rear light, Bontrager fenders, no-name rear rack and bottle holder.
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