1972 schwinn le tour

The Schwinn Le Tour

This page provides year by year images and info quoted from Schwinn catalogs for the Le Tour from 1974 to 1988.

The new Schwinn-Approved Le Tour ten-speed. Lightweight, agile, and loaded with fine quality imported features you'd expect to find on much higher priced bikes.

Schwinn Approved 10 speed Le Tour

• Fully lugged brazes lightweight frame
• Butted top and bottom tubes
• Quick release aluminum alloy hubs
• Aluminum alloy crank set
• Center pull alloy caliper brakes
• Schwinn-Approved 27" x 1 1/4" Puff Gumwall tires

And it weighs only 30-32 lbs. depending on kickstand, and frame size.

The ideal bike for those bicyclists who especially factor, as well as performance. The new Schwinn-Approved Le Tour is an exceptional buy in lightweight ten-speed bikes. Imported by Schwinn! Colors: Opaque blue, Opaque red, and Kool Lemon.

except on bottom bar on 25" frame

• LT-1 21" frame...
• LT-3 23" frame...
• LT-5 25" frame...

See the full 1974 Schwinn catalog .

Feature for feature an outstanding value in a fully lugged frame lightweight bicycle.

Quality to meet the exacting standards of any riding enthusiast, and special features to meet the requirements of most bike club regulars. The Schwinn-Approved Le Tour ten-speed is an original Schwinn design and is built overseas under the strictest supervision to maintain the high quality standards for which Schwinn is known. The Schwinn-Approved Le Tour is available in a selection of frame sizes to fit most adult size riders.

• Schwinn Approved LeTour (21" frame) Model LT1
• Schwinn Approved LeTour (23" frame) Model LT3
• Schwinn Approved LeTour (25" frame) Model LT5

Specifications

Frame: Steel lugged frame with single butted tubes top and bottom (except 25" frame). Frame Finish: Opaque Red, Opaque blue or yellow. Wheels: Araya alloy steel tubular rims. Large flange aluminum alloy hubs. Quick release hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Puff. Gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur type aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Crank Set: Schwinn -Approved aluminum alloy double plateau. 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedales: KKT-RT E reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: GT-420 rear derailleur, GT-450 front. Gear cluster 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Brakes: Schwinn-Approved alloy center pull with dual control. Saddle: Taihei Racing style. Weight: Approx. 31 lbs, depending on frame size.

Note: Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

Schwinn approved le tour for ladies.

The new Schwinn ten-speed LeTour with the continental style Mixtie frame... made overseas to Schwinn's own design and under the strictest supervision of Schwinn engineers.

Imported and sold only through Schwinn Dealers. Backed by the Schwinn Dealer 5-point Protection Pledge and the Schwinn No-Time-Limit Guarantee. The Schwinn LeTour, incorporating the Mixtie frame and an assemblage of quality features is an outstanding value in cycling pleassure.

• Schwinn LeTour-19" frame Model L-69
• Schwinn LeTour-22" frame Model L-72

Specification

Frame: Steel lugged Schwinn style " Mixtie" type design with single butted top and bottom tube. Frame Finish: Opaque red, Opaque blue, or Yellow. Wheels: Araya alloy steel tubular rims. Large flange aluminum alloy hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Puff gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur type aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Crank Set: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy double plateau. 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedals: KKT-RTE reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: GT-420 rear derailleur. GT-450 front. Gear cluster- 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Brakes: Schwinn- Approved alloy center pull with dual control. Saddle: Taihei Racing style. Weight: Approx. 31 lbs. depending on frame size.

Note: Prices and Specification subject to change without notice.

See the full 1975 Schwinn catalog .

Lug Frame 10-Speeds! Quality to meet the exacting standards of any riding enthusiast, and special features to meet the requirements of most bike club regulars. The Schwinn-Approved Le Tour ten-speed is an original Schwinn design and is built overseas under the strictest supervision to maintain the high quality standards for which Schwinn is known. The Schwinn-Approved Le Tour is available in a selection of frame sizes to fit most adult size riders.

Frame: Steel lugged frame with single butted tubes top and bottom (except 25" frame). Frame Finish: Opaque Red, Opaque blue or yellow. Wheels: Araya alloy steel tubular rims. Large flange aluminum alloy hubs. Quick release hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Puff. Gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur type aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Crank Set: Schwinn -Approved aluminum alloy double plateau. 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedales: KKT-RT E reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: GT-420 rear derailleur, GT-450 front. Gear cluster 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Brakes: Schwinn-Approved alloy center pull with dual control. Saddle: Matex Racing style. Weight: Approx. 31 lbs, depending on frame size.

The quality Schwinn ten-speed LeTour with the continental style Mixtie lug frame... made overseas to Schwinn's own design and under the strictest direction of Schwinn engineers.

10-Speeds! Lug Frame Imported and sold only through Schwinn Dealers. Backed by the Schwinn Dealer 5-point Protection Pledge and the Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited warranty. The Schwinn LeTour, incorporating the Mixtie frame design and an assemblage of quality features is an outstanding value in cycling pleassure. Long-lasting Schwinn Value.

Frame: Steel lugged Schwinn style " Mixtie" type design with single butted top and bottom tube. Frame Finish: Opaque red, Opaque blue, or Yellow. Wheels: Araya alloy steel tubular rims. Large flange aluminum alloy hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Puff gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur type aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Crank Set: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy double plateau. 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedals: KKT-RTE reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: GT-420 rear derailleur. GT-450 front. Gear cluster- 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Brakes: Schwinn- Approved alloy center pull with dual control. Saddle: Matex Racing style. Weight: Approx. 31 lbs. depending on frame size.

Schwinn Approved Super Le Tour

A new Schwinn entry in the ultra-lightweight lugged frame field for no-nonsense riders demanding top performance at a moderate price.

Ultra -Lightweight! Consider: double-butted chrome moly top and bottom tubes. Chrome plated front fork crown and tip. Quick release hubs with 27" x 1 1/4" alloy rims. Schwinn Super Record tires. Alloy cotterless crank set, bottom tube shifter with ten-speed Shimano 600 rear and 60 front derailleurs.

A hard to beat combination offering much more than comparably priced bikes. Imported to Schwinn's exacting standards and covered by the Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited Warranty- as are all Schwinn-Approved bikes.

• Super Le Tour 12.2-21" frame Model SL-1
• Super Le Tour 12.2-23" frame Model SL-3
• Super Le Tour 12.2-25" frame Model SL-5

Frame: Double butted top and bottom tube chrome moly construction. Frame is lug construction. Tubular front fork. Frame Finish: Sky blue, Flamboyant red or Silver Mist. Wheels: 27" x 1 1/4" Araya aluminum alloy rims. Quick release hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Schwinn Super Record high pressure tires and tubes. Handlebar and Stem: Alloy handlebar, road racing type. Grand Compe stem, cotterless 3-piece 39-52 sprocket. Pedals: Rattrap type complete with reflectors. Derailleurs and Gears: Ten-speed Shimano, front and rear. 14-17-20-24-28. Brakes: Compe G side pull, caliper. Saddle: Racing style, top quality. Weight: Approximately 26 1/2" lbs., depending on frame size.

See the full 1976 Schwinn catalog .

Feature for feature an outstanding value in a fully lugged frame Schwinn Super-Lite Bicycle.

Quality to meet the exacting standards of any riding enthusiast, and special features to meet the requirements of most bike club regulars. The Schwinn-Approved Le Tour II ten-speed is an original Schwinn design and is built overseas under the strictest supervision to maintain the high quality standards for which Schwinn is known. The Le Tour II is exclusively Schwinn and can be found nowhere else. And it is available in a selection of frame sizes to fit most adult size riders. And you'll like the new colors availbale in this Super-Lite from Schwinn!

• Schwinn Approved LeTour II (21" frame) Model LT1.......$164.95
• Schwinn Approved LeTour II (23" frame) Model LT3.......$164.95
• Schwinn Approved LeTour II (25" frame) Model LT5.......$164.95

Frame: Lugged frame with single butted tubes top and bottom (except 25" frame). Frame Finish: Scarlet, Violet, Pearscent Orange. Wheels: Araya steel tubular rims, large flange quick release aluminum alloy hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" HP Sports Touring gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur stlye aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Recessed wedge bolt. Crank Set: Schwinn -Approved aluminum alloy. 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedales: Rattrap, reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: GT-420 rear derailleur, GT-450 front. Gear cluster 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Brakes: Schwinn-Approved alloy center pull with dual control. Saddle: Racing style. Weight: Approx. 29 lbs, depending on frame size.

Schwinn Approved Le Tour II for ladies

The quality Schwinn Super-LIte ten-speed LeTour II with the stylish and functional mistie lug frame..... made overseas to Schwinn's own design and under the strictest specifications of Schwinn's engineering.

Imported and sold only through Schwinn Dealers. Backed by the Schwinn Dealer 5-point Protection Pledge and the Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited warranty. The Schwinn LeTour II, incorporating the Mixtie frame design and an assemblage of quality features is an outstanding value in Super-Lite bicycles. Long-lasting Schwinn Value and performance.

• Schwinn LeTour II-19" frame Model L-89.........$164.995
• Schwinn LeTour II-22" frame Model L-92.........$164.995

Frame: Steel lugged Schwinn " Mixtie" design with single butted top and bottom tube. Frame Finish: Scarlet, Pearlescent Orange, and violet. Wheels: Araya tubular rims. Large flange aluminum alloy quick release hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" HP Sport Touring gumwall, high pressure clincher type. Handlebar and Stem: Randonneur style aluminum alloy handlebar and forged aluminum alloy stem. Recessed wedge bolt. Crank Set: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy 39 and 52 teeth. 6 3/4" cranks. Pedals: Rattrap, reflectorized. Derailleurs and Gears: Schwinn-Approved GT-420 rear, Schwinn-Approved GT-450 front. Rear cluster- 14-17-20-24-28. Brakes: Schwinn- Approved alloy center pull, dual control. Saddle: Racing style. Weight: Approx. 31 lbs. depending on frame size.

A Schwinn Super-Lite entry in the lightweight lugged frame class for no-nonsense riders demanding top performance at a moderate price.

Consider: double-butted chrome moly top and down tubes. Chrome plated front fork crown and tip. Quick release hubs with alloy rims. Schwinn Super Record tires. Alloy cotterless crankset, down tube shifter with Shimano 600 rear and 60 front derailleurs. A hard to beat combination offering much more than comparably priced bikes. Imported to Schwinn's exacting standards and covered by the Schwinn Bicycle Company Limited Warranty- as are all Schwinn-Approved bicycles.

• Super Le Tour 12.2-19" frame Model SL-9.......$229.95
• Super Le Tour 12.2-21" frame Model SL-1.......$229.95
• Super Le Tour 12.2-23" frame Model SL-3.......$229.95
• Super Le Tour 12.2-25" frame Model SL-5.......$229.95

Frame: Double butted chrome moly top and down tube. Hand brazed construction. Tubular front fork, with chrome plated crown and 6" of front fork ends. Frame Finish: Skarlet, Sky blue, Silver Mist, and ful chrome. Note: $50.00 extra charge for full chrome. Wheels: 27" x 1 1/4" Araya aluminum alloy rims. Shimano large flange quick release hubs. Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" Schwinn Super Record high pressure tires and tubes. Handlebar and Stem: Alluminum alloy handlebar, road racing type. Schwinn-Approved forged aluminum alloy stem, recessed bolt. Crankset: Schwinn-Approved LeTour aluminum alloy, cotterless 3-piece 39-52 sprocket. Pedals: Rattrap type complete with reflectors and toe clips and straps. Derailleurs and Gears: 14-17-20-24-28 cluster combination. Brakes: Compe G side pull. Saddle: Ariake Racing style, top quality. Aluminum alloy seat post. Weight: Approximately 26 1/2" lbs., depending on frame size.

See the full 1977 Schwinn catalog .

Fully lugged frame.

Schwinn-Approved LeTour III

New 27" frame available. Aluminum alloy kickstand. Satin finish chainguard.

Men's Models:

• Model L11 (21" frame)....$189.95
• Model L13 (23" frame)....$189.95
• Model L15 (25" frame)....$189.95
• Model L17 (27" frame)....$199.95

Schwinn-Approved LeTour III for ladies

Ladies' Models:

• Model L79 (19" frame)....$189.95
• Model L82 (22" frame)....$189.95

Colors: Pearl Orange, Pearl blue.

Frame: Lugged frame construction with butted top and down tubes (except 25" and 27" models). Chrome trimmed front fork. Wheels: Tubular steel rims, exclusive Schwinn-Approved large flange quick release aluminum alloy hubs 27" x 1 1/4" HP Sports Touring high pressure tires. Handlebar : Randonneur aluminum alloy. Stem: Forged aluminum alloy with recessed bolt. CrankSet: Schwinn -Approved aluminum alloy. Derailleurs: GT-450 front. GT-420 rear. Gear: 39-52 front. 14-17-20-24-28 freewheel. Brakes: Schwinn-Approved alluminum alloy center pulls. Pedales: Rattrap, reflectorized. Saddle: Nylon base with vinyl cover. Weight: Approx. 30 lbs.

Schwinn-Approved Super LeTour

Double-butted top and down tubes. Quick release hubs. Chrome plated front fork crown.

• Model 9SL (19" frame)......$264.95
• Model 1SL (21" frame)......$264.95
• Model 3SL (23" frame)......$264.95
• Model 5SL (25" frame)......$264.95

Modeks 9SL, 1SLC, 3SLC, 5SLC; "C" designates full chrome which is $50.00 extra. Colors: Full chrome, Scarlet, Black, Silver Mist.

Frame: Double-butted chrome moly top and down tubes. Hand brazed construction. Tubular front fork, with crown and 6" of front fork chrome plated. Wheels: 27" x 1 1/4" Aluminum alloy rims. Exclusive Schwinn-Approved large flange quick release hubs. 27" x 1 1/8" Schwinn Super Record high pressure tires. Handlebar and Stem: Alluminum alloy road racing. Stem: Schwinn-Approved forged aluminum alloy with recessed bolt. Crankset: Schwinn-Approved aluminum alloy with cotterless. Derailleurs: Shimano 60 front. Shimano 600 rear. Gears: 39-52 front, 14-17-20-24-28 freewheel. Brakes: Compe G side pull. Pedals: Rattrap with toe clips and straps. Reflectorized. Saddle: Racing style, with aluminum alloy seat post. Weight: 26 1/2" lbs. (12.2 kg).

See the full 1978 Schwinn catalog .

Here's Schwinn's brand new 28 pound 12-speed high performance bike with new and exclusive features never before offered in this price range... self-centering rear derailleur with six-cog cassete freewheel- downtube shifters for smooth, quiet, more positive shifting...

Schwinn Super Le Tour II

Men's frame sizes

D21-9 21" D23-9 23" D25-9 25"

Schwinn's own made-in Chicago X-tra Lite torch brazed lug frame... plus many other extra-quality equipment features (see specifications on pages 12 and 13) that make this a super-riding bike you'll be proud to own. Ask your Schwinn Dealer for a test ride on this all-new Schwinn Super Le Tour II and see how great a really good bike can feel. It's a super-value!

• Assembled and fitted, ready to ride.....$249.95

Colors: Black Saddle, Frosty Blue, and Strawberry Red

Schwinn Le Tour IV

D11-9 21" D13-9 23" D15-9 25" Color: Frosty Blue

Schwinn Le Tour IV for ladies

Just check the other fine quality equipment features in the specifications on pages 12 an 13 and you'll see why the Schwinn Le Tour IV is a really great value.

Ladies' frame sizes

D59-9 19" D62-9 22"

Color: Strawberry Red

The first truly fine quality 30-pound 10-speed bike with high performance features and a geanuine "Made-in-the-U.S.A." torch brazed lug frame at a popular price. There's no substitute for the riding quality, the agility, ease of handling and lightness of pedal effort you get in a really good bike like this... performance that starts with a lively, resillient X-tra Lite frame that's properly designed, carefully built and perfectly aligned... characteristics which usually are missing in mass-produced bikes of lesser quality.

• Assembled and fitted, ready to ride.....$179.95

Schwinn-Built X-tra Lite lug frames for LeTour models are made of 18 gauge 1020 carbon steel tubing which has retained its original temper, stiffness and resilliency because it has been torch brazed and therefore has been heated and water quenched only where the tubes are brazed into the lugs.

Many mass-produced bicycle frames are heated in ovens or salt solutions in thier entirely, tubing and all, to over 1700 degrees fahrenheit in order to melt the brazing material in the joints, thus annealing the tubing and chaging its temper and resillency.

Even if these annealed frames are quenced after heating, the integrity of the original tubing has been lost and variations in resiliency will result in lack of consistency in the riding characteristics of the finished bicycles. Torch brazing permits better quality control for better riding performance.

Complete specifications on pages 12 an 13 Torch brazing confines heat to small arear to avoid annealing complete frame.

Selle Royale suede finish saddle with lightweight plastic base. The Schwinn Built Torch. Brazed lug frame of 18 gauge 1020 carbon steel tubing. Shimano 400 rear derailleur with special high-speed chainguard. Schwinn High Pressure 27" x 1 1/8" Sports Touring Gumwall Tires on narrow section tubular steel rims. Aluminum alloy with recessed bolt. Tubular front for with chrome plated crown cover and chrome trimmed blades. Sugine Super Maxi alloy cotterless crank with 39 and 52 tooth chainwheels.

See the full 1979 Schwinn catalog .

Jean-Claude Killy says... " I like Schwinn's truly fine quality 30-pound 10-speed bike with high performance features and an American built brazed lug frame.

It's a terrific value at its popular price. There's no substitute for the riding quality, the agility, easy of handling and lightness of pedal effort that can be achieved with an excellent cycle like this..."

Schwinn LeTour 10-Speed

Performance X-tra Lite frame that's properly designed, carefully built and perfectly aligned... characteristics which are sometimes missing in mass-produced bikes of lesser quality.

D11-9 21" D13-9 23" D15-9 25"

Schwinn LeTour 10-Speed for ladies

D59-9 19" D62-9 22" Color: Cardinal Red, Frosty Silver and Sky blue.

LeTour by Avocet

The Schwinn built brazed lug frame of 18 gauge 1020 carbon steel tubing. Shimano 400 rear freewheel high gear chainguard.

Schwinn high pressure 27 x 1 1/4" Sports Touring gumwall tires on UKA! narrow section tubular steel rims. Torch brazing confines heat to a small area to avoid annealing complete frame. Aluminum alloy handlebars and stem with recessed bolts.

Tubular front fork with chrome plated crown cover and chrome trimmed blades. Sugino Super Maxi alloy cotterless crank set with 39 and 52 tooth chainwheels.

Why Torch Brazed Frames are More Responsive...

Schwinn built X-tra Lite LeTour lug frames are made of 18 gauge 1020 carbon steel tubing with its original temper, Stiffness and resiliency because it has been carefully torch brazed. The frame has been heated only where the tubes are brazed into the lugs. Many mass-produced bicycle frames are heated in ovens or salt solutions in their entirely, to over 1700 F, in order to melt the brazing material in the joints.

This can anneal the entire frame and changes its temper and resiliency. The result are unresponsice and "dead" riding characteristics in the finished bicycle. Torch brazing preserves the tubing's integrity for a lively ride and also permits better quality control for better riding performance.

Complete specifications on page 10 and 11.

Schwinn Super LeTour 12-Speed

Lightweight responsive and agile, the 28 pound 12-speed Super LeTour is an X-tra Lite cycle with features rarely found in this price range.

Self-centering rear derailleur with six-cog cassette freewheel. Downtube shifters for smooth, quiet, positive shifting, and Schwinn's own made-in-Chicago X-tra Lite torch brazed lug frame... plus many other extra-quality equipment features that make this an execeptional bicycle you'll be proud to own. (See specifications on page 10 and 11.) The final test of bicycle is the Super LeTour's handling characteristics are the equivalent to almost any bike in the world.

D21-9 21" D23-9 23" D25-9 25" Color: Black Sable and Summer Cloud White

See the full 1980 Schwinn catalog .

If ever a bike has earned its popularity, it's Schwinn's 10-speed LeTour.

Schwinn LeTour for ladies

D59-9 19" D62-9 22" Colors: Frosty Silver, Sky Blue.

Its high-performance frame geometry is almost identical to the most sophisticated professional models and the LeTour is equipped with X-Tra Lite alloy components. Note its careful construction and precise alignment.

This year's LeTour introduces Altus ST front and rear dearailleurs with Schwinn-designed control bracket equipped with LE levers. For agility, surprising ease of handling and lightness of pedal effort, ask anyone who cycles. He-or she- will agree: LeTour is one terrific value!

Enjoy the thrills of responsive cycling- for one mile or hundreds... Altus derailleurs and Sugino Super Maxy crankset. Our lug frame has the original temper and resilliency of 18-gauge 1020 carbon steel tubing.

Dual-lever brake controls for more convenient.

Shimano Le gearshift levers: stem mounted.

Tubing: 1020 carbon steel Frame Chainstay length: 17 1/2" Head and seat mast angles: 72 1/2 degrees Fork rake: 2" Wheelbase: 4 1/2" Bottom bracket drop: 2 1/4" Rims: UKAI chrome-plated steel (27" x 1 1/4") Hubs: Schwinn large flange with quick release. Spokes: 080 straight gauge. Tires: Schwinn HP Sports Touring. Front derailleur: Shimano Altus ST. Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus ST. Shift levers: Shimano Altus LE stem mounted. Chain: HKK. Crank set: Sugino Super Maxy, 170 mm arms. 39-52 chainrings. Freewheel: Schwinn gold finish (14-28). Pedals: KKT rattrap. Seat post: Chrome-plated steel (25.4 mm). Saddle: Ariake Touring. Handlebars: SR alloy. Stem: SR alloy. Brakes: Schwinn center pull. Weight: 29 lbs. Accessories: Handlebar cushions, kickstand.

Schwinn Super LeTour

12 Speeds and extra equipment features add up to a super cycle

12-speed D21-9 21" D23-9 23" D25-9 25" Colors: Black sable, Summercloud white.

Take a long, hard look at this 27-pound, 12-speed Super LeTour- a prime example of Schwinn quality. Its standard equipment features include Gran Compe 500 G side-pull brakes with lever hoods for more comfort, tubular fork with semi-sloping crown that is attractive and makes for a lively, solid ride and Schwinn Super Record 300-grames tires that are lightweight without sacrificing durability. And take an extra look at Schwinn's resilient and dependable lug frame. It all adds up to a super cycle that wins top grades for agility and performance.

Shimano Altus LT downtube shifters make for smooth, quiet, positive shifting. Schwinn handlebar cushions, new this year, are standard equipment on this exceptional bike. Self-centering derailleur with gearing versatility of six-cog cassette freewheel.

Quick-release wheels and the lively dependability of Schwinn Super Record gumwall high-pressure tires.

Tubing: 1020 carbon steel. Frame Chainstay length: 17 1/2". Head and seat mast angles: 72 1/2 degrees. Fork rake: 2" Wheelbase: 40 1/2" Bottom bracket drop: 2 3/4". Rims: UKAI alloy box (27" x 1 1/8") Hubs: Shimano low flange with quick release, free hub rear. Spokes: .080 straight gauge. Tires: Schwinn 300 gram Super record. Front derailleur: Shimano Altus LT. Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus LT. Shift levers: Shimano Altus . Chain: Shimano Uniglide. Crank set: Sugino Super Maxy, 170 mm arms, 39-52 chainwheels. Freewheel: Shimano freehub (13-28) six speed. Pedals: KKT Alloy quill with toe clips and straps. Seat post: SR LaPrade (25.4 mm) with micro-adjust. Saddle: Ariake Jaguar II. Handlebars: Sakae. Stem: Sakae. Brakes: Gran COmpe 500G. Weight: 27 lbs. Accessories: Handlebar cushions kickstand.

Schwinn LeTour Tourist

Modified LeTour with touring handlebard, upright saddle and fenders

D311-9 21" D333-9 23" D355-9 25"

Schwinn LeTour Tourist for ladies

Ladies's frame sizes.

D791-9 19" D821-9 22" Colors: Spicy Chestnut, Sky Blue.

For those who enjoy an X-tra Lite bike but prefer the comfort and convenienve of a touring saddle and upright handlebars, here is a new Schwinn model that makes good sense- the LeTour Tourist. The basic equipment on the Tourist is identical to the popular LeTour- including the brazed lug frame for a lively, responsive ride. In addition, it offers Bluemels fenders, side-pull caliper brakes and Schwinn's comfortable handlebar grips.

The Tourist's Altus ST front and rear derailleurs.

The Blumels fenders go further around the tires, to help keep you from being splattered. In wet conditions, however, stopping distances are still increased dramatically and high-pressure tires can be very slippery. If you must ride in foul weather, be very careful.

(Ladies' model shown with optional alloy carrier. See page 62) Note the comfortable handlebar configuration.

Tubing: 1020 carbon steel. Frame Chainstay length: 17 1/4". Head and seat mast angles: 72 1/2 degrees. Fork rake: 2" Wheelbase: 40 1/2" Bottom bracket drop: 2 3/4". Rims: UKAI chrome-plated steel (27" x 1 1/4") . Hubs: Schwinn large flange with front quick release. Spokes: .080 straight gauge. Tires: HP Sports Touring. Front derailleur: Shimano Altus LT. Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus LT. Shift levers: Shimano Altus LE stem mounted. Chain: HHK. Crank set: Sugino Super Maxy, 170 mm arms, 39-52 chainrings. Freewheel: Schwinn gold finish (14-28). Pedals: KKT black rubber block. Seat post: Chrome-plated steel. Saddle: Kashima touring. Handlebars: SR alloy touring (Upright) cushioned grips. Stem: SR alloy. Brakes: Schwinn side pull. Weight: 29.3 lbs. Accessories: Kickstand, Bluemels "Popular" fenders.

See the full 1981 Schwinn catalog .

Schwinn LeTour

• D11 21"
• D13 23"
• D15 25"
• D59 19"
• D62 22"
• Colors: Frosty Silver, Sky Blue.
• D31 21"
• D33 23"
• D35 25"
• D79 19"
• D82 22"
• Colors: Spicy Chestnut, Sky Blue.

Schwinn LeTour bikes feature sophisticated carbon steel frames and many components typical of racing models. LeTour features down turned SR alloy handlebars and an Avocet Touring saddle. Both men's and women's models weight 29.0 pounds.

The LeTour Tourist offers upright handlebars, a Kashima touring saddle and Bluemels fenders. It weights 29.3 pounds. Either will deliver hours of fun on day trips or longer distances - at a very reasonable price. Hardest part is choosing between the LeTours. Both deliver the agile, responsive ride of an X-Tra Lite.

Schwinn's most popular 10-speed X-tra Lite tourer, plus an in-town counterpart.

Women's LeTour Tourist has a Mixtie frame. All LeTour Tourist models feature comfortable handlebars. Our lug frame has the resiliency of 18-gauge 1020 carbon-steel tubing.

LeTour has stem-mounted Shimano LE gearshift levers.

• Tubing: 1020 carbon steel
• Frame Chainstay length: 17 1/2"
• Head and seat mast angles: 72 1/2 degrees
• Fork rake: 2"
• Wheelbase: 4 1/2"
• Bottom bracket drop: 2 1/4"
• Rims: UKAI chrome-plated steel (27" x 1 1/4")
• Hubs: Schwinn large flange with quick release.
• Spokes: 080 straight gauge.
• Tires: Schwinn HP Sports Touring.
• Front derailleur: Shimano Altus ST.
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus ST.
• Shift levers: Shimano Altus LE stem mounted.
• Chain: HKK.
• Crank set: Sugino Super Maxy, 170 mm arms. 39-52 chainrings.
• Freewheel: Schwinn gold finish (14-28).
• Pedals: (LeTour) KKT rattrap (LeTour Tourist) KKT block rubber black.
• Seat post: Chrome-plated steel (25.4 mm).
• Saddle: (LeTour) Schwinn Avocet Touring II (LeTour Touring ) Kashima Touring.
• Handlebars: (LeTour) SR alloy CTD (LeTour Touring) SR alloy touring (upright), cushioned grip.
• Stem: (LeTour) SR CT Custome (LeTour Tourist) SR alloy.
• Brakes: (LeTour) Schwinn center pull (LeTour Tourist) Schwinn side pull.
• Weight: (LeTour) 29 lbs. (LeTour Tourist ) 29.3 lbs.
• Accessories: (LeTour) Handlebar cushions, kickstand. (LeTour Tourist) kickstand, bluemels "Popular" fenders.

12-speed Men's frame sizes

• D21 21"
• D23 23"
• D25 25"

Schwinn Super LeTour for ladies

Women's frame sizes

• D29 19"
• D32 22"
• Colors: Black sable, Forest Green.

For and intermediate-priced 12-speed, the Super LeTour delivers a powerful body and attractive design in a neat 27 pound package. New features this year include an SR CTD handlebar, SR CT custom stem and a Avocet saddle. It also features Gran Compe 500 G side-pull brakes and durable, lightweight Schwinn Super Record 300-gram tires.

In response to the growing popularity of touring, two new Mixtie frames have been added to the High-performance Super LeTour family. They feature a convenient mid-height bar, which adds convenience and sophisticated styling. For true cross country capability, Schwinn Super LeTour has it all put together.

Touring ease in a thoughtfully equipped 12-speed

New Mixtie frames with convenient midweight bar. Cushioned handlebars, drilled-out brake levers and new Forest Green color this year.

The Schwinn Super LeTour is outfitted with a Shimano low flange quick-release hub and Schwinn's unique positive wheel retention clips.

• Tubing: 1020 carbon steel.
• Frame Chainstay length: 17 1/4".
• Head and seat mast angles: 72 1/2 degrees.
• Wheelbase: 40 1/2"
• Bottom bracket drop: 2 3/4".
• Rims: UKAI alloy box (27" x 1 1/8")
• Hubs: Shimano low flange with quick release, free hub rear.
• Spokes: .080 straight gauge.
• Tires: Schwinn 300 gram Super record.
• Front derailleur: Shimano Altus LT.
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Altus LT.
• Shift levers: Shimano Altus .
• Chain: Shimano Uniglide.
• Crank set: Sugino Super Maxy, 170 mm arms, 39-52 chainrings.
• Freewheel: Shimano freehub (13-28) six speed.
• Pedals: KKT Alloy quill with toe clips and straps.
• Seat post: SR LaPrade (25.4 mm) with micro-adjust.
• Saddle: Schwinn Avocet Condoe.
• Handlebars: SR CTD Custom.
• Stem: SR CT Custom.
• Brakes: Gran COmpe 500G.
• Weight: 27 lbs.
• Accessories: Handlebar cushions.

See the full 1982 Schwinn catalog .

A classic bicycle now with a light chrome-moly frame and alloy rims. Top tube guides and aerodynamic alloy crankset give a sporting look. Comfortable anatomical saddle. Mixte style frames available.

• Full 4130 chrome-moly frame
• Alloy rim's with HP Sport Touring tires
• Sugino Aero 5 crankset
• Quick release front hub
• Shimano Altus ST derailleurs
• Men's: 21, 23, and 25" frames

Recreation Economical bicycles for general use and riding pleasure.

• Mixte: 19 and 22" frames
• Color: Blacn Metallic, Sandpiper

Smartyle styled for short trips and sporting rides. The features are worthy of a full touring bicycle yet are intermediately priced. Alloy componentry with full 4130 chrome-moly frame, double butted main tubes and down tube shifters.

• Double butted 4130 chrome-moly tubing
• Sugino DNJS-2S aero crankset
• Suntour ARX derailleurs
• Top tube guides and chain hanger
• Ukai 27" x 1" alloy rims
• Quick release front and rear hubs
• Avocet Condor saddle
• Super Record tires 27" x 1 1/8"
• 19, 21, 23 and 25" frames
• Color: Maroon with Platinum, Dark Grey with Platinum

Schwinn LeTour Luxe

Lightweight day touring bicycle with a chrome-moly frame, alloy rims and alloy componentry. Stem shifters for easy reach. Comfortable anatomical saddle. Mixte style frames available.

• Alloy rims with Super Record tires
• Shimano Altus LT derailleurs
• Men's: 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27" frames

Schwinn LeTour Luxe for ladies

• Color: Dark Blue, Dark Grey

See the full 1983 Schwinn catalog .

The high styled 12-speed LeTour is loaded with many of the same features as the high priced "pro" bicycles.

The frame is lightweight, double-butted chrome-moly main tubes and chrome-moly stays. Fine touches like chain rest, water bottle bosses. SunTour's Micro-light ARX derailleurs and brazed-on Top-Mount shifters are clean looking and high performing. Brakes are classy looking DiaCompe QS500N with drilled levers, rubber hoods and recessed front bolt. Front and rear quick-release hubs make for easy transport and storage. New multi coat paint with clear top coat gives a deep finish and adds protection.

• Mens: L19, L21, L23, L25, L27.
• Ladies: L59, L62.

Dark Blue or Warm Silver.

You're looking at one of the most sophisticated, mid-priced, recreational bikes around.

The lightweight, 12-speed Super LeTour. The main tubes are double butted, chrome-moly, with chrome-moly stays. And the derailleurs are the smooth shifting SunTour ARX-GTs. For sheer beauty, there's a recessed center bolt front brake, braze-on SunTour Top Mount down tube shifters, and an italian Selle Royale saddle. The Super LeTour is geared to handle a wide range of terrain. With its 36" low gear, even hill climbing is easy.

• L39, L41, L43, L45:

Scarlet or Dark Grey.

The Schwinn LeTour Luxe is the perfect bike for weekend touring. Unlike most touring bicycles at this price, the Luxe gives you the advantage of choosing from 18 speeds. Handling rugged terrain is easy with SunTour's. Mountech derailleur system. For loading, there's a rigid Blackburn SS rear rack, the standard for high-performance touring. Comfort features like and extended 42" wheelbase, a micro adjusting seat post, an anatomic saddle and rigid Weinmann rims with new Schwinn "Passage" tires make this the touring bike you won't have to pay another $100 to go touring on.

• L29, L31, L32, L33, L35:

Champagne or Dark Grey.

See the full 1984 Schwinn catalog .

LeTour designed for: Young adults and students who want a dependable bicycle with sophisticated style and high performance.

Frame Specifications

Frame: 4130 chrome moly double main tubes, chrome moly stays, Centeny dropouts with stainless steel faces and eyelets. Fork: Hi-tensile steel blades, semi sloping crown, forged dropouts with eyelets. Braze-ons: Top tube guide, bottle bosses, shift lever boss, chain rest.

Drive Train specifications

Pedal: KKT Pro-Vic II, alloy quill. Crank: SUGINO DBT, forged alloy cotterless with alloy outer ring 170mm. Chain: HKK "Z", 1/2" x 3/32" silver outer plates. Freewheel: MAILLARD Atom 77, 6 speed. Derailleurs: SunTour ARX light alloy steel inner cage (front). SunTour ARX GT light alloy with steel long cage (rear). Levers: SunTour Top mount light alloy brazed on.

Wheel Specifications

Tires: Schwinn Super Record, 27" x 1 1/8", 300 gm, 100 psi, skinwall, Schraeder valve. Rims: Weinmann 416 27" x 1 1/4" alluminum. Hubs: MAILLARD, 36 hole small flange alloy with quick release. Spokes: 14-15 ga double butted zinc plated, 3X spoke pattern, brass nipples.

Control Specifications

Handlebar: SR Custom engraved alloy. Stem: SR Custom, alloy aero type with recessed allen bolts. Headset: Schwinn Deluxe, steel clipped bearings. Brakes: DIA COMPE QS500N, alloy side pull with quick release, tire guides and recessed front allen bolt. Brake levers: DIA COMPE alloy drilled levers with gum rubber hoods, lined cable housing.

Comfort Specifications

Saddle: VISCOUNT, anatomic paddes. Seat Post: SR Laprade, fluted alloy micro-adjusting 26.4mm dia, 190mm long. Accessories: Stainless steel stay protector, Blackburn water bottle cage, toe clips and leather straps, Benotto pearlecent handlebar tape.

Colors: Dark blue. Weight: Approx. 26 lbs.

Super LeTour

Super Le Tour designed for: Recreational lightweight riding at a more competitive pace.

Frame: Columbus Tenax chrome moly, double butted main tubes, chrome moly stays, Centeny dropouts with stainless steel faces and eyelets. Fork: TANGE Mangalloy blades, semi sloping crown with forged dropouts and eyelets. Braze-ons: Top tube guides, bottom bracket guides, 2 sets of bottle bosses, shift lever boss, pump peg, chain rest.

Pedal: MAILLARD 500 alloy platform. Crank: SUGINO GP low profile forged alloy cotterless, alloy chainrings 170mm. Chain: HKK "Z", 1/2" x 3/32" silver outer plate. Freewheel: MAILLARD Atom 77, 6 speed. Derailleurs: SunTour Cyclone-S, light alloy with steel long cage (front). SunTour Cyclone-S, with larger tension pulley light alloy with steel inner cage (rear). Levers: SunTour Top mount, light alloy, brazed on.

Tires: Schwinn Circuit, 27" x 1", 270 gm dual hard, 100 psi, skinwall, presta valve. Rims: Weinmann, 513-S Mod E, 27" x 1" silver anadozed aluminum. Hubs: MAILLARD, 36 hole small flange alloy, sealed mechanism with quick release. Spokes: 14-15 ga double butted zinc plated, 3X spoke pattern, brass nipples.

Handlebar: SR Custom engraved alloy. Stem: SR Custom alloy aero type with recessed allen bolts. Headset: TANGE new falcon steel clipped bearings. Brakes: DIA COMPE GX500N, alloy side pull with recessed allen bolts, quick release, and tire guides. Brake levers: DIA COMPE, alloy drilled levers with rubber hoods, lined crystal cable housing.

Saddle: AVOCET Criterium, anatomic padded vinyl. Seat Post: SR Laprade fluted alloy micro-adjusting 26.4mm dia, 190mm long. Accessories: Toe clips straps, stainless steel stay protector, Benotto pearlecent handlebar tape.

Colors: Scarlet, Gunmetal, paint protecting clear coat. Weight: Approx. 25 lbs.

LeTour Luxe

LeTour luxe designed for: The beginning tourist looking for features found on sophisticated touring bikes. At an affordable price.

Frame: Columbus Tenax chrome moly double butted main tubes, chrome moly stays, Centeny dropouts with stainless steel faces and double eyelets. Fork: TANGE hi-tensile steel blades, semi sloping crown, forged dropouts with eyelets. Braze-ons: Top tube guide, bottom bracket guides, 2 sets bottle bosses, shift lever boss pump peg, chain rest, rear carrier bosses.

Pedal: MAILLARD 500 alloy platform. Crank: SR CXC-T310 forged alloy cotterless, triple plateau, alloy chainrings 170mm. Chain: HKK "Z", 1/2" x 3/32" silver plates. Freewheel: MAILLARD Atom 77 5 speed. Derailleurs: SunTour Mountech light alloy steel inner cage super wide range (front). SunTour Mountech light alloy with steel long cage, self positioning pulley (rear). Levers: SunTour Top mount light alloy brazed on.

Tires: Schwinn Passage 27" x 1 1/4" 460 gm dual hard 90 psi gumwall, Schraeder valve. Rims: Weinmann 416 27" x 1 1/4" alloy. Hubs: MAILLARD small flange alloy sealed mechanism with quick release 36 front, 40 rear. Spokes: 14-15 ga double butted zinc plated 3X spoke pattern.

Handlebar: SR Custom engraved alloy. Stem: SR Custom alloy aero type with recessed allen bolts. Headset: TANGE new falcon steel clipped bearings. Brakes: DIA COMPE 960 alloy cantilever with quick release. Brake levers: DIA COMPE alloy drilled levers with rubber hoods, lined cable housing.

Saddle: AVOCET Touring anatomic padded vinyl. Seat Post: SR Laprade fluted alloy micro-adjusting 26.4mm dia, 190mm long. Accessories: Blackburn rear carrier, toe clips straps, stainless steel stay protector, cloth handlebar tape.

Colors: Cocoa brown metallic, bright bluc, paint protecting clear coat. Weight: Approx. 25 lbs.

See the full 1985 Schwinn catalog .

Dependability and sophistication are trademarks of the LeTour. European styling and compomenntry blend for a better-than-ever value.

• Stonglight alloy crankset is just that, strong and light, with a high polish for boasting.
• Huret Rical derailleur system knows no rival when it comes to shifting ease and accurancy.
• Dia-Compe alloy side pull brakes with anatomically designed brake levers for comfortable control in any situation.
• Anatomically sized handlebar, stem and micro adjusting seat post assure a perfect fit.
• Frame sizes available, Men's 19", 21", 23" 25" and 27". Clear coated frost white or scarlet. L21, L23, L25, L27, L59 and L62.

See the full 1986 Schwinn catalog .

The Schwinn LeTour and Traveler provide exercise you look forward to.

Invigurating, exhilarating, stimulating ... a ride on a LeTour or Traveler is an enjoyable workout that makes you smile. Riding is more than just good exercise. It's a great way to spend an afternoon in town, or a weekend away! Personalize your Schwinn using bright Benotto handlebar tape, available in a variety of colors and textures. And keep a steady grip with our lycra gloves. Available in five great colors.

• Shimano L523 derailleur with indexed shifting
• Sugino low profile high polish forged alloy crankset
• Alloy racing style quill pedals
• Weinmann 913, 27 x 1" alloy racing style wheels
• Frost white or scarlet

Diamond frame

• L19 - 19"
• L21 - 21"
• L23 - 23"
• L25 - 25"

See the full 1987 Schwinn catalog .

The ultimate attention to detail in a touring bicycle.

See the full 1988 Schwinn catalog .

Back to Schwinn Bikes .

Schwinn Bikes | Schwinn Parts | Schwinn Catalogs | Schwinn History | Resources | Serial numbers | About

I ♥ Schwinn, but this website is not affiliated with Schwinn.

Observations from my bicycle on my daily commuting and riding through North Texas. Living in Texas is not a nightmare for cyclists, but there is not enough information out there to even convince Texans themselves. The objective of this blog is to bring light to the subject of cycling both locally, nationwide, and internationally from the vantage point of a bicycle.

• Buy a Vintage Bicycle
• Transform Your Bicycle
• Photography
• Resource Guide

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The humble schwinn le tour.

62 comments:

Johnny, I think y'all did things not because they were cool, but because you really enjoyed doing them - that's perfect. I had a Schwinn, but I can't remember if it was a Le Tour. I paid $20 for it and sold it, two years later, for about $25 and a 2 Liter bottle of Mountain Dew (yes, guilty). Great bike! Your bikes are a lovely color too. Peace :)

Bought a Le Tour in 1983 and cost me $230 then. Rode it pretty regular for a few years then it sat in the garage for years. Got it back out this summer and have been putting about 80 miles a week on it. The Huret Cyclometer that has been on since day one shows 5,400 miles. Don't see any reason to buy a new bike.

I'm glad to hear you are still enjoying yours. I'm putting mine to work riding this summer riding 13 miles to the gym each day.

Hi Johnny! Thanks for writing this article. Sadly I lost my latour recently due to a hungry Audi. I am trying to find out what kind I have and what it's worth. Would you please help me with this? I can be reached at "alastdance4me2@gmail" Thank you!

I miss my old orange Schwinn Le Tour. I miss it badly. They just don't make bikes like that anymore. I think it was 1975 when I bought it new from our local bike shop, which sadly, is no more. I'm not an athlete but I do love the feeling I get when riding a bike, leisurely, coasting down hill is especially pleasant., exhilarating actually. I've never driven a car. In the seventies I used to ride my bike to work, a window factory in the town that I live in. It was very unusual at that time, to see a woman riding a bike around town. Now, today, almost 40 years later, I want another Le Tour, if it can be orange, all the better. I came upon your blog accidentally while searching on line for a new Schwinn that would be comparable to the LeTour. I couldn't find anything that appealed to me, aesthetically or economically. At that point, it occurred to me that maybe I could find an actual Le Tour from the seventies, maybe even an orange one. Your wonderful blog post here has motivated me to continue searching in that direction.

Thank you for sharing your touching story with me. I hope you find your orange Schwinn Le Tour again. I see Le Tours being posted on craigslist regularly. If you haven't checked out Craigslist, it's an online classified where people sell all sorts of things. I would search there at possibly go garage sale shopping on the weekends. It won't take long to find your bike again. I wish you the best-Johnny.

I had a LeTour hanging up on the garage rafters for the past 7 or 8 years. Prior to that I road it often. I had picked it up at a garage sale a few years earlier...and it was like new then. I had hand surgery on both hands and decided to get a mountain style bike with more comfortable handle bars because of the surgeries. Well, this year I finally decided to pull it down to give it a spin. Of course I first took it into a bike shop for a complete tune-up. At first I was going to get the tune-up, and new tires and tubes. But after taking it in, decided to get new brakes, new cables, and new, more expensive gel handle bar wrap. All in all, it ran about $250. My brother asked why I didn't just get a new bike...LOL. When I compared it to an ol' classic car, he understood. Yesterday I went on a 30 mile ride...without a struggle. On the other mountain bike, it would have been more difficult. The LeTour rides so smoothly and with such ease. I absolutely love it, however still a bit hard on my hands. Thanks for your post. Mary in Niles, IL

Thank you for sharing Mary. I love all the positive feedback I'm getting from this article. One thing that might help with the wrist and hand pain would be changing the tires down the road. I just switched out the tires on my 88' Schwinn to Panaracer Paselas. They ride really plush and absorb a lot of the road noise. I would also recommend wearing riding gloves for a little while until your hands can get accustomed to the feel of the bike. Way to go on your 30 miles and keep up the riding!-Johnny.

Agreed, I think this has been one of the most under rated early 10-speed touring bikes. I am getting ready to get back on my mine after a tune and some minor updates. I have three LeTours; all 21 inch frames. One silver ladies frame, ex-wife's, ridden twice and has been hanging from rafters for at least 20 years. Two yellow men's frames. One I gave to my Mom and I got back when she passed away a few years ago. I will be trying to sell ladies and one yellow men's frame soon here in Denver, Colorado

I had a crazy notion that the Le Tour was named, at least in part, for Alfred LeTourner who had some unbelievable speed record on a Schwinn. I bought one in college many years ago and still have the red beauty. A Beautiful bike.

You might be right about this. I'm too young to go that far back to know that myself. You definitely gave me something to research though.

Wow. Your post and the comments bring back many recollections and emotion about my Le Tour. I grew up in Chicago, fairly near the Schwinn factory. Of course we knew the treasures that they made in there, but, sadly, we couldn't afford new bikes in a family with 5 kids. We always had second hand or discarded bikes that we would make ride worthy - at least for the Chicago streets, alleys and parks like Humboldt park or Garfield Park. Fast forward: we'd scrimped to pay for college on our own and when I graduated my wife surprised me with a new, red Schwinn Le Tour. Unbeknownst to me, she had 'saved her lunch money' to pay for the bike. I rehabbed my used Varsity for her and we were off. We rode all over ... from the west side to downtown & the lakefront beaches, to Wrigley and Comiskey, to grad school in Hyde Park ... for years. We hauled the bikes on the TR's bike rack to Lake Geneva, Louisville and Mackinac Island. Life moves on and we did too. To MN, NY, NY. To London, Singapore, then Buenos Aires. The LeTour always made the move till it was stolen in BA. End of an era. I have a nice new bike. But I'm nostalgic for the old red Schwinn. Time to scour CL and ebay for a Le Tour to create new memories.

Great article I'm in love with this bike that I discoverd through my pops who has one he bought AGS ago. Found my own and I hope to eventually fix up a few more!

Well, I am riding a 1974 yellow Schwinn Le Tour! It is my main bike. I got it as a frame and fork in a trade for a green Varsity. After rebuilding it with original parts I love its ride. Because of my age, (63) I have upgraded a few things on it. A longer stem with cruiser handlebars is better on my back and hands. I didn't realize the amount of miles add up quick! So, maintenance is critical for these old bikes as well as upgraded parts from time to time. My old bike needs a new paint job now! I already have the decals for it.

I have a 1988 Le Tour that is 100% original and in great and rideable condition. I'd rather not sell it but I'm a little hard up right now. Let me know if your interested.

Hi there John, Thanks for the offer. I actually have a 1988 Le Tour in the red color scheme. I'm not looking for another one at this time unless it's another color and a 56cm (22.5 inch length seat tube, center of crank to top) frame. If your bike is the white and blue one with the fade away paint job, I might be able to entertain you an offer.

Just took my '86 red LeTour out for a ride. I've had this bike since I graduated college 25 years ago. Still an awesome bike.

I just "inherited" (I don't know what other word to use) a 1981 Schwinn Le Tour and find everything in this blog post from 2014 to be accurate. It's a great bike and if you need a reliable, inexpensive ride I highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for one. And now seems to be the time because I'm not finding any Le Tours on Craigslist at the $40 price this blogger paid. You can probably find one for around $100 even, but 150 and up is seeming more the norm. It seems people are catching on to their durability and quality. I just took mine out for an extended spin of 26 miles and it was an incredible ride. Maybe I'm just being a bit sentimental, but my first bike was a Schwinn...so that might be affecting my judgment. It's the first one I've had since I was 5 and I couldn't be happier.

Thanks for your comment. The $40 bargains are usually found in garage sales or unspecific ads on craigslist like "bike for sale". I agree that as more people find out that what they have is more valuable they will raise the prices and because of that bargains are getting hard to come by. Bike swaps, garage sales and word of mouth have been where I scored my best deals.

I see one listed by a used bike dealer, 1982 model, 25" frame like I have. He is asking $175, looks to be in good shape. I bought a 1982 Le Tour Tourist model for my wife last summer, got it for $80. on Craigslist. I think he got it cheap at a garage sale and made a few bucks. Can't complain too much, not a bad bike for $80.

I loved my 1983 Schwiin Le Tour. It was such an awesome bike. When all of my friends were transitioning from their banged up, abused Huffy bikes to nice Diamondback chrome-molly bmx style bikes, I was the first to switch to a 10 speed. My Le Tour was my first personal bike purchase with my own money. I was lucky to have a great local bike shop experience. They guided me towards the Le Tour...and at first I was highly resistant. I wanted to ride a bmx style bike like my friends. I'm so glad I went with the Le Tour. I've been on many different types of bikes since then, but nothing rode as smooth as that Le Tour. I wish I hadn't sold it because I've come full circle back to a steel framed touring bike as my main ride. I had a carbon frame Specialized Tarmac that rode like a rocket, but I missed that smooth, comfortable steel framed ride.

Thanks for your comment. It reminds me of the BMX craze going around when I was growing up in the late 90's. A lot of kids bought "trick bikes" and most of them never got into cycling later in life as adults. I was riding an adult size mountain bike at the height of BMX popularity back then. Till this day I still ride because I got into it in a sensible way instead of doing it because it was cool.

I bought a Schwinn Traveler back in 82 because it was a little cheaper than the Le Tour, but I did look @ the Le Tour with envy. My bike was a lightweight one, I had an odometer and a little flip type fender on the back to prevent the mud from hitting my rear. I loved that bike. If I am able to find a Lightweight Le Tour that is in great shape, I will be in heaven.

I have a 1974 LT5 (25" frame) Le Tour, yellow, look much like your with a bit of 41 year old patina. Been a great bike but now retired and not sure whether to keep for my grandson or sell and get something that rides a bit smoother since my wife now wants to start riding again. I remember making the comparison between a Peugot and the Le Tour when I bought this one (lot of money, still in college) I still made the best choice.

Bought mine from a buddy my senior year in H.S, 1977. I used it a bit in college and then it went to the garage because I'm more of a runner than a rider. Marriage, 4 kids later, and a new job it Texas it was still there. In 2010 I decided that if I was ever going to try a triathlon now was the time. So out came the Le Tour, it's performed well in about 30 triathlons since then. Sure I could upgrade and buy a $3000 bike, but I paid $60 in 1977 so it's a bit hard to justify the upgrade!

Right on! As long as it works for you that is all that matters. I'm glad that it is still seeing some use.

Great article. I saw a Le Tour on the street today and thought about how cool it would be to restore one. One question: do you have any idea where to get paint that looks like the semi-metallic blue or green that Schwinn used in the 60s-80s? I don't see those colors anymore.

Hi Ron, some powdercoating shops will carry the metallic red and blue finish, although it may not be an exact match to the original paint job. I use a guy that has a near identical cherry red metallic finish and I have restored a few bikes using his services. Powdercoating is the way to go if you are in the market for repainting your bicycle.

i have a 2007 Schwinn Le Tour and i AGREE with most This is a GREAT bike to ride !!

I still ride my red womans Schwinn LeTour I got in junior high in 1975. I've tried newer lighter bikes and they don't fit and are harder to ride. Just rode my LeTour biking and camping through the Florida keys. Key largo to key west and back. Next trip will be an organized tour in downeast Maine.

Just found your blog- great stuff. So, my Dad has a yellow one just like the one in the photos. I don't live near him, but would guess it is a '75 or '76. I think I'm going to restore it when I go home to visit this summer. For those who have dissected one recently, did you have difficulty finding a bottom bracket/head set to fit these old frames? I had a blue Le Tour in middle school- loved it!

The bottom bracket is a standard 68mm English threaded that can fit any modern threaded bottom bracket. The headset will have to be replaced to accommodate a standard 22.mm quill stem, as Schwinn used their own proprietary headset and stem.

Just ran across this blog; I've had an old yellow LeTour (1975-76) sitting in my garage for many years. I got it as a birthday gift when I was a teen and had several people tell me to hang onto it. Now, it needs some serious TLC--I've had the urge to ride again lately. I'm not sure how much I would cost to have it fixed up, but this article has been encouraging!

Thanks for this article. I just (an hour ago) picked up an all original, silver, 1976 Le Tour for $20. It's a little rusty in spots, but everything works perfectly. I'm gonna love riding it.

I feel so justified... finally!!! I've been riding my LeTour since I was in high school in the last 70's. Its the only bike I've ever owned! I've done three week road trips with panniers. I'm still riding that bike hundreds of miles a week. I love it and I refuse to give it up. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has told me I should get a new bike since I ride so much. There have been times when I've wondered if they're right so I've demo'ed other bikes that cost thousands of dollars. I'm not even tempted anymore. They just convince me that I am riding the best already. Why would I ever switch!! Thanks for the confirmation!

i just found a June 1974 tossed in the garbage - i bought 2 new tires and handle bar grips - cleaned - greased and waxed it and it now rides as smooth as a new Rolls Royce ... what a SWEET bike !

My 1972 steel Le Tour was made in Japan as was a generation of lighter alloy frame Le Tours made shortly after that. All bear the "Schwinn Approved" badge.

Bought my blue Le Tour at a garage sale in Buffalo in 1995 for $100 - still a daily rider 21 years later. Yes, it's nothing like a carbon Cervelo, but it runs strong!

Due to increasing and formidable lumbar pain, I stopped riding my '88-89 Le Tour several years ago in my mid-50's. I was finally ordered to a pain clinic to face my pain this spring and after multiple risotomies my spine is pain free and I am back on the bike. I spent a few dollars on lockin pedals and 1" kevlar reinforced tires to save a little more weight and rolling resistance. I ride twice a week (yes, on my venerable Le Tour) and am aiming to be able to ride my age (now +60) before it gets cold here in November or so.

Just picked up a 1977 LeTour II in orange with the original generator talight and headlight. It looks to completely original and is in excellent shape. I will be selling it on CL here in Phoenix shortly

i have never driven a car.been riding..mostly schwinns since i was 5 years old in 1967.49 years of bike riding.my current bike is a schwinn letour made in japan probably early 70s.schwinn approved on the head..but this monster is heavy.i ran into a mailbox 9 years ago in the darkness between alpha and aledo il. on my way from peoria to iowa..the mailbox was out too far on the roadside.i couldnt tell too dark ..but the bike just mowed it and the post down.it must of been dilapidated cause i should of got hurt..but didnt..dogs started barking it was 2 am..and i got back on the bike and peddeled away lol..the rear wheel was way too heavy and i was glad the axle cracked i switched out the entire drivetrain ,chain wheel cranksprocket with a later schwinn that was too small for me framesize wise. i love this bike..though i have ill maintained it. i have a trek in iowa that i got for 60 bucks that is great..but i dont think as durable as the schwinn even though it has a mangaloy frame...i also have a raliegh..and had a brand new schwinn that was stolen 15 years ago....sob anyway to all the bike lovers ride on..

I am looking to restart riding my Le Tour. I purchased it in high school before 1975. Still in great shape and a lovely Yellow and lots of chrome, water bottle, mounted tire pump, and the matching yellow Schwinn saddle bag. I have found new tires and now need to get new tubes and give it a ride. When I purchased it, I got the largest frame Schwinn made thinking I would continue growing like my brother and Dad (e.g. over 6 foot) but I stopped growing. The bike is a little tall for me but the ride has always been so smooth. Looking to have fun with an old friend. Any buddy have recommendations where to get new tubes, brakes, etc.?

The upgrade from 1982 to 1983 Le Tour was significant. That's the year they went with 4130 tubing, fluted alloy seat post, alloy wheels, Chrome rear dropouts, and nice Suntour components. Thank you for your documentation of this workhorse bike.

I recently purchased an absolutely MINT 1981 LeTour in Frost Silver. It literally looks like it just came off the showroom floor. I bought it because of it's condition, unknowing of it's ride qualities. It's a pretty smooth bike, indeed. The worst part about riding it is the weird handlebars. They are too narrow for me and the funny curve in them is annoying. I I put Fizik bar tape on it in red to complement the red logos. It weighs in at about 30 lbs.. I hope you are correct about the values going up. I gave $200 for this one, but it's condition is extremely rare.

Thanks for your webpage! I agree that Le Tours are incredible bikes and (thankfully) normally don't get enough credit. My parents got me a used Yellow LeTour when I got my first big kid bike, upgrading from my 3 speed sting ray I'd had since graduating from my tricycle. I didn't bring it to college, but when I got my first apartment in Chicago, I brought it from Wisconsin and biked everywhere I could. Early in 2017, my beloved Yellow LeTour, that didn't seem to be currently in fashion, got stolen from my garage. I miss it and still can't believe that someone took the time to break into my garage, left my car alone and just took my bike. I miss it every day and haven't biked since. I'm 5'8" and so many frames are small when you look online. Looks like Le Tours were going for about $150 this spring, so I guess it was worth it to someone. I'll always remember my 20 years with my beloved Schwinn...it was sturdy and withstood many mishaps, just like me :)

I purchased my yellow Le Tour new in 1974, the courts had just taken my driver's license away, so for six months I got around on my Le Tour. It's been in my parents attic, I'll restore it now, still looks like new!!!

GOT MINE TONIGHT SITTING NEXT TO A DUMSTER NEEDS TIRES AND A SADDLE ORIGANAL RED LIGHT AS A FEATHER LOOKS ALMOST NEW IT WILL BE ON THE ROAD TOMARROW

I was thinking about selling my womens black Schwinn Super Le Tour. It was one on the last ones made in Chicago (1983?). I am going to have to have ankle surgery and I am not a young pup anymore - not sure how long a long recovery will be. I keep holding on to it hoping that someday, I will be able to ride it regularly again. Reading the stories in this blog are making me want to keep holding on to it....

I have one like your 'Xtra Lite / 1020'. I believe this and all early 'Schwinn Approved' Le Tours were made by Matsushita ('National') / Panasonic. Yes, a very nice riding bike despite or maybe because of the stiff 1020 tubing and the steel wheels. I took mine apart years ago & replaced all the hardened grease, had the steel wheels professionally trued and tightened. Replacing the original 5-speed cluster and Shimano derailleur (pre expiry of the Sun Tour patent) with a 6 speed and Shimano Light Action derailleur helped a great deal. A great bike despite that vintage bike afficianados would not look at it twice.

P.S. - I had to file the stop on the stem shifters to allow enough travel to shift through all six gears with the Shimano Light Action. Only use low infrequently, which is good, because the lever position now interferes with right turns!

How great to learn that so many people love their Le Tours. I still have my red one that I got for Christmas in 1975. I put it on a jet to Luxembourg in the summer of 1976 and rode all the way to Vienna and back in about six weeks. I took the bike out of the travel box and rode off from the airport with panniers full of what I could carry for a six week trip. There were no helmets, I wore a little bike cap backwards, which was very "cool". Bike shorts were made of wool and had chamois leather crotch. The Le Tour performed like a champ while others I in my small group of classmates struggled with French bikes. I have not ridden my Le Tour since the 70's but have kept it for sentimental reasons.

Love my 1977 Le Tour II. Rebuilt from the ground up. It was in horrible shape, but not anymore. Rides like butter!

Great story. I restore bikes...Le Tour bikes highly respected

Check the '74 Schwinn catalog. Le Tours were made in Japan not Chicago. A lot of people make this mistake because the head badge says Chicago. The company would be in Chicago for several more years but any lugged frame Schwinn from this era came from Japan unless it is a Paramount. I've never owned a Le Tour but I've owned dozens of other Schwinns both old school and imports. Always a great bike for the boom era. Take care of it and your grand kids can enjoy it.

I have a 77 letour II - I upgraded to bontrager bladed spoke wheels - And gear cartridge- The reason I chose to comment ... is you are right - These bikes are fast , thing rides like the wind .. Guys with the new 3000 dollar bikes laugh when they see it ... till I blow there doors off with ease - I have no idea why - and a suprise to others as well .. As to why things bikes are so fast

About 2 years ago I bought a blue '81 Le Tour for $15 at a garage sale. It was missing the rear derailleur. I bought a modern-day Shimano Altus rear derailleur for another $15 and installed it myself. Then I took it to my LBS (south side of Chicago) for a $60 tune up and haven't looked back since. You are dead-on Johnny, this is a beautiful, smooth carbon steel ride, reminiscent of the Peugeot PX10 I used to enjoy. And it can go toe-to-toe with modern day road bikes. I then found your excellent blog. It's a keeper

Still have my favorite Peril essence orange 79 Le tour II still looks brand new and rides like new one. I have 28 old schwinns . Continetals ,varsity,and collegiate. Two sting rays ,orange crate 69 and a67 fastback. Best durable riding bikes ever. Started collecting over 20 years ago. ASs a little boy i would walk past a schwinn shop and would admire them back in Ohio. We never could afford them . I said to my self one day i will.

I bought a LeTour III in 1975 for two reasons: 1) it was all this teenager could afford at the time, and 2) it was the only one bicycle fit my 6'6" height (I bought the 26" frame). I didn't care for the pearl orange color at first -- it was the only 26" frame the bicycle shop at the time, but the color "grew" on me over the years. I have put 1000's of miles on the bike over the years, including bike-packing camping trips, 90+ mile road trips, and commuting to work in the city. I was even hit by an automobile in Oklahoma City (no injuries, but the front chain guard has never been the same). For many years into my 20's, that bike was my only form of personal transportation. I have had it overhauled twice over the decades. I am in my 60's, now, but I still ride it occasionally.

I have been seeing a lot of these lately. I volunteer at a charity bike shop in Phoenix rebuilding vintage bikes. The first one I saw, I thought somebody had stuck a Schwinn head badge on an 1980s Japanese or Taiwanese frame. I didn't realize Schwinn made these lugged frames in Chicago for several years. Every one I've worked on has been fun, even the ones that are nothing but a battered frame. Today I saw a young lady at the farmers' market with the red letour frame that I originally thought was not a real Schwinn. It's an urban single speed now and doing just fine.

I am originally from Chicago, and when visiting there last year I saw the exact same Schwinn Le Tour that I own riding past me. I yelled out "great bike!" and the person riding it gave me the weirdest look :) I bought my Le Tour in Oakland, CA in 2014 maybe? I love Schwinn bikes, mostly my Chicago pride, but also really liked the way this bike looked and rode. I believe it is a '76 model, looks exactly like the yellow one in the video above. I rode it exclusively until 2017 when I started to acquire lighter bikes for all the climbing I was doing. Now the Le Tour is our touring bike, fully equipped with bike trailer and dog running bar. We still ride it every day, and it is still an amazing bicycle, love that Le Tour!!!

This is such a well written blog. I hope you keep going as you can feel the passion in every paragraph. I just bought a super letour, not sure what year but I'm all the way here in Guatemala. I may do a series on traveling with my new amazing bike. Wherever I look people keep praising this bikes so I can't wait for mine to come here (next couple of days) . Let me know if you want to make a collaboration to write something about the experience of driving in different countries. Wish you the best!

I'm about to purchase a Schwinn LeTour from a bike shop, I was in a bad motorcycle wreck and was told by my Dr that the best thing I could do is start on a Bicycle, I have chosen a LeTour, haven't rode it yet but it appears to be a nice bike to help me build myself back up...I really looked hard to find a Contintal but I found this LeTour... I put money down and it's almost paid for, I'll have it home within a couple of weeks, and at my age surprisingly I'm looking forward to getting it. I'm 62 at this time

Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2: The Bike That Takes You on a Thrilling Ride

Introduction.

If you’re a biking enthusiast or someone looking to venture into the world of cycling, the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 is a name that’s worth knowing. This iconic bike has been a staple in the cycling community for years, and it continues to capture the hearts of riders with its blend of performance, style, and reliability. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, history, and personal experiences surrounding the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, showcasing why it has become a beloved choice for riders of all levels.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2

The Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 has a rich history that dates back several decades. It first gained popularity in the 1970s, when Schwinn, a renowned bicycle manufacturer, introduced this model as part of their Le Tour series. The Le Tour series aimed to provide high-quality road bikes for cyclists who sought both performance and comfort. The Super Le Tour 12.2 quickly became a flagship model within this series, captivating riders with its sleek design and exceptional features.

Unveiling the Features of the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2

Lightweight frame for effortless riding.

One of the standout features of the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 is its lightweight frame. Crafted from durable materials, this bike offers a perfect balance between strength and agility. Whether you’re maneuvering through city streets or tackling challenging terrains, the bike’s lightweight construction ensures a smooth and effortless ride.

Smooth-Shifting Gears for Optimal Performance

The Super Le Tour 12.2 is equipped with a reliable and efficient gear system . Its smooth-shifting gears allow you to easily transition between various speeds, ensuring optimal performance in different riding conditions. Whether you’re climbing uphill or cruising down a scenic road, the bike’s gears enable you to maintain a comfortable and efficient cadence.

Comfortable Riding Position for Long-Distance Journeys

Long rides can be demanding on the body, but the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 takes rider comfort seriously. With its ergonomic design and thoughtful geometry, this bike provides a comfortable riding position that minimizes strain on the back, neck, and wrists. Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely weekend ride or tackling a challenging endurance race, the Super Le Tour 12.2 ensures that you can focus on the thrill of the journey.

Personal Experiences with the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2

As a proud owner of the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2, I can attest to the bike’s outstanding performance and reliability. On my first ride, I was immediately struck by the bike’s responsiveness and smooth handling. Whether I was navigating busy city streets or exploring rugged trails, the Super Le Tour 12.2 provided a confident and exhilarating ride.

One memorable experience was when I took the bike on a weekend trip to the countryside. The bike effortlessly glided through winding roads, allowing me to soak in the picturesque views without worrying about discomfort or mechanical issues. It truly enhanced my overall cycling experience and made every moment on the road a joyous one.

In conclusion, the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional quality and performance. With its lightweight frame, smooth-shifting gears, and comfortable riding position, this bike is a reliable companion for both casual riders and dedicated cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely ride or aiming for new personal records, the Super Le Tour 12.2 has got you covered.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. is the schwinn super le tour 12.2 suitable for beginners.

Absolutely! The Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 is designed to cater to riders of all skill levels. Its comfortable riding position and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for beginners who are looking to get into cycling.

2. Can the Super Le Tour 12.2 handle rough terrains?

While the Super Le Tour 12.2 is primarily designed for road cycling, it can handle light off-road trails and gravel paths. However, for more intense off-road adventures, it’s recommended to consider a specialized mountain bike.

3. Are replacement parts readily available for the Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2?

Yes, as Schwinn is a well-established brand, replacement parts for the Super Le Tour 12.2 are generally easy to find. You can check with authorized Schwinn dealers or explore online platforms dedicated to bicycle parts and accessories.

4. Can the bike be customized with additional accessories?

Certainly! The Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 offers various attachment points, allowing you to personalize your bike with accessories such as racks, fenders, or water bottle holders. This versatility enables you to adapt the bike to your specific needs and preferences.

5. Does the Super Le Tour 12.2 come with a warranty?

Yes, Schwinn provides a warranty for their bicycles, including the Super Le Tour 12.2. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the retailer or manufacturer for detailed information.

Watch this one,

Video Credits – postbreak

DOWNLOAD THIS ARTICLE : Click Here

You May Also Like

• Schwinn Varsity 14 Speed: Rediscovering the Joy of Cycling
• Trek 850 Mountain Track: Conquer the Trails with Confidence
• GT Timberline All Terra: A Versatile Bike for All Your Adventures
• Open Road Montgomery Ward Bike: Unleashing Your Adventurous Spirit on Two Wheels

Was this helpful?

About the author.

Related Posts

Ross mt. st. helens bicycle: conquering the trails with style.

Bianchi Sport SX Road Bike: The Perfect Companion for Adventurous Riders

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Schwinn Super Le Tour Review

Introduction

Quick Navigation

If you are love cars and you have a boatload of cash, you are likely to start spending money on vintage cars at some point. Even though you might have the latest Lamborghini or Ferrari, there is this unique appeal that a 1970 Mercedes Benz possesses, and you would want to have it parked in your garage. This practice also applies to wine lovers. A 1960 vintage is better than an expensive Hennessy. Although this doesn’t apply to most cyclers, some cyclers enjoy reading, researching, and even buying old bicycles. If you are one of such cyclers, you should know about the particular Schwinn Super Le Tour model manufactured between 1974 and the late 1980s. These bike models guided multiple cycling champions to victory, and it was a piece of much sought-after equipment in the late 1970s and 1980s. Even though Schwinn no longer produces this bike, it is still in circulation today, and you can get one if you are lucky enough to find it. This particular review will take a different dimension from our regular reviews. We will explain the different Super Le Tour models produced during this period.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

1974 Super Le Tour Model

The 1974 model had a lightweight frame fitted with butted top and bottom tubes. It also had quick-release aluminum alloy hubs, and the crankset was also made from aluminum alloy. It utilized alloy caliper brakes and puff gum wall tires.

1975 Super Le Tour Model

The 1975 model had a steel lugged frame with single butted tubes. It utilized Araya alloy steel tubular rims and large flange aluminum alloy hubs. They had high-pressure clincher-type tires and an aluminum alloy crankset.

1976 Super Le Tour Model

This model utilized a lightweight, steel-lugged frame with single butted tubes. It came with dual brakes and an aluminum alloy double plateau crankset. They utilized Araya alloy steel tubular rims and quick-release hubs.

1977 Super Le Tour Model

This model utilized a lugged frame along with HP sports Touring gum wall tires. The wheels were Araya steel tubular rims, and they had special gear and derailleurs. It was made with a racing-style saddle.

1978 Super Le Tour Model

This model utilized a hand-made frame and a tubular chrome-plated front fork. It utilized aluminum alloy rims and large flange quick-release hubs. The model also had Shimano derailleurs and Compe G side pull.

1979 Super Le Tour Model

The 1979 model was made with a lightweight frame with carbon steel material. It also utilized Shimano derailleurs and high-pressure touring tires. The bike was built for durability.

1980 Super Le Tour Model

The 1980 model was the pickup model for the Super Le Tour. It was lightweight, responsive, and rugged. It has a self-centering rear derailleur with a cassette freewheel. It also had a rugged lug frame designed for durability.

1981 Super Le Tour Model

This model utilized a carbon steel frame along with Shimano Altus ST derailleurs. The tires were HP Sports Touring, and the hubs were Schwinn’s large flange with quick release. It also had a 2-inch fork rake

1982 Super Le Tour Model

This model had 12 speeds and a carbon steel frame that made it a super cycle. It had Shimano Altus LT derailleurs, and the tires were a 300-gram super record. The rims were UKAI alloy boxes.

1983 Super Le Tour Model

The 1983 model had a full 4130 chrome-moly frame along with a 12-speed gear. The model also came with HP sport touring tires and Sugino Aero 5 crankset. It also had Shimano Altus ST derailleurs.

1984 Super Le Tour Model

This model had a lightweight carbon fiber frame and ARX derailleurs. It also had front and rear quick-release hubs and brakes with drill levers.

1985 Super Le Tour Model

This particular model was designed for young adults and students. It utilized lightweight, 4130 chrome moly double primary tubes and hi-tensile steel blades. It also utilized ARX derailleurs and levers.

The Schwinn Le Tour was a success back in the days, and it helped any cyclists attain victory. It was a well-accepted model, and it led the company Schwinn company to financial success before they finally closed shop in 1992. Although the Super Le Tour Model is out of the market, you can still buy them if you know where to look. However, you should make sure you have enough cash because vintage items are always more expensive than modern ones. If you think of getting this vintage bicycle and you have the means, you should go for it. Cheers!

Related posts:

• What Are The 3 Best Adult Mountain Bikes?
• 3 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 in 2021
• How Do You Inflate A Car Tire With A Bike Pump?
• How To Pump Up a Bike Tire Without a Pump? 

Frugal Average Bicyclist

The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.

1972 Schwinn World Traveler Opaque Green

Last Updated on July 8, 2023 by FAB Jim The Cyclist

Now this is a really neat bike.  I love the early Schwinn Le Tours, and this is its predecessor and a nice bicycle.  In 1972 Schwinn started importing bikes from Japan with the World Traveler and World Voyageur.  For some reason these bikes never even made the catalog.  I’m guessing they wanted to see how well they would be received before they put them in print.  Both bikes were made by Panasonic.  They must have been well received because in 1974 they introduced the Schwinn Le Tour made by Panasonic and in the catalog.   These bikes are Schwinn approved.  Take a look at this beauty:

Opaque green looks great on the steel lugged frame, and it is one of my favorite vintage Schwinn colors.  The derailleurs are an early Shimano.  Rims are chromed steel Araya and fit 27” tires.  Crank is a one-piece Schwinn design made in Japan.  Brakes and levers are Diacompe. 

A beautiful example of a vintage bike.  I’m sure this one has delivered many hours of happy riding to its owners. 

Schwinn Bicycle Company History and Facts

Share this:

Published by fab jim the cyclist.

Jim has over 40 years of experience with bicycles and loves road and mountain biking and just going for calm cruises. He is a mechanic who has built custom bikes and is also very interested in bike history. View more posts

17 thoughts on “ 1972 Schwinn World Traveler Opaque Green ”

Your blog and bikes remind me of a Luka Bloom song 🙂 “The Acoustic Motorbike”

I hope you like that song. 🙂

👍 vintage bike !!! Goodddd !!!

Bicycle riding, so interesting. But l never had the courage …

https://frugalaveragebicyclist.com/2021/06/05/learning-how-to-ride-a-bicycle/

Such a cool color this green!

My favorite after Kool Lemon.

👌👌👌This is exactly what the Favorit and Eska bike looked like in communist Czechoslovakia. The bike named Ukraine was then imported from Russia … it weighed about 20 kg😁

Interesting

• Pingback: 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur – Frugal Average Bicyclist

It really is beautiful!

This looks like a great bike

• Pingback: Schwinn Approved Le Tour Complete Guide – Frugal Average Bicyclist

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from frugal average bicyclist.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

Click Here For More City Street Guides!

(A New Guide Posted Every Other Wednesday)

Comment Here! Cancel reply

For patreon exclusive educational content:.

Limited Edition Postcard Prints!

Street Photography Workshops

Donations Always Appreciated

I'll always keep Shooter Files free for everyone, but any donations would be greatly appreciated and help me keep it going. Many thanks to everyone following along!

Cheers! -f.d. walker

Search the Files

For Exclusive Patron Content:

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Moscow Summit

Both the American and the Soviet people have good reason to be happy about the developments at the Moscow summit. The gains made go beyond the specific agreements that were concluded, notably the hittoric Nixon‐Brezhnev accords on limiting defensive and offensive missiles. More important for the long run’ may well be the personal contacts between the leaders of the two nations and the positive images of ‐the two nations transmitted by both Soviet and American media to their audiences. President Nixon underscored this aspect when he told the Soviet leaders at Friday's banquet: “We look forward to the tine when we shall be able to welcome you in our country and in some way respond in an effective manner to the way in which you have received us so generously in your country.”

Nevertheless, the millennium has not arrived in Soviet‐American relations. The deep divisions between the two countries over Vietnam and the Middle East remain unresolved. The Soviet leaders have not surrendered their ideological ambitions. And even as cordiality reigned in Moscow, American planes were pounding North Vietnam, while frantic Soviet efforts were under way to ship still more military supplies to Hanoi despite the mining of North Vietnam's harbors. These unresolved tensions were reflected at the summit in the failure to reach concrete agreement on trade and credits, a setback that was partially mitigated by the decision to set up a joint commission to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement.

The summit and its accomplishments would have been impossible if, on both sides, there had not been a cooling of earlier ideological passions and a new primacy of national self‐interest. A key to making this development possible was undoubtedly the new relationship forged last February in Peking between the United States and the Chinese People's Republic. Mr. Nixon discovered there that it was possible to do mutually beneficial business with even such Communist zealots as Mao Tse‐tung and Chou En‐lai, a realization that implied still greater possibilities in negotiations with the more moderate Communists in Moscow.

For the Soviet leaders, the emergence of the new—and still ambiguous—Peking‐Washington relationship made it a matter of primary importance to improve Moscow‐Washington relations. A Soviet refusal to receive Mr. Nixon would have raised the danger of driving the United States and the Chinese Peoples Republic closer together, perhaps leading to the dread possibility of a Chinese‐American alliance against the Soviet Union. It was to prevent such a development that the Soviet doves—against the vigorous opposition of their hawkish colleagues—decided not to make an immediate issue of Mr. Nixon's Vietnam escalation and to go ahead with the summit as planned.

For a stable world in which peace is more secure than it is now, all three great powers must have good relations while the temperature in areas of greatest tension—Indochina and the Middle East—is lowered by accords acceptable to all sides. That desirable situation is still elusive, despite the progress made in Peking last February and now in Moscow. It is encouraging, however, that some of the venom has left Soviet‐Chinese relations in recent weeks, while Peking has taken the Nixon‐Brezhnev talks more calmly than it took the Eisenhower‐Khrushchev meetings in 1959.

President Nixon, aided by both Mao Tse‐tung and Leonid I. Brezhnev, has improved the atmosphere of international relations. The task ahead is twofold: to continue the progress achieved among the great powers and to utilize the greater warmth that has entered their relations as a lever to bring just and lasting peace to Vietnam and the Middle East.

schwinnbikeforum

• Schwinn Catalogs
• schwinnbikeforum »
• THE SCHWINN FACTORY »
• LIGHTWEIGHT BIKES »
• 1972 Schwinn Super Sport - Opaque Green

Author Topic: 1972 Schwinn Super Sport - Opaque Green  (Read 746 times)

• Training Wheel

Re: 1972 Schwinn Super Sport - Opaque Green

schwinnman67

• Global Moderator
• King of the Mountain
• Posts: 6899

Quakertownrich

Buses n bikes, acg_schwinn.

• Grand Champion
• Posts: 10261

I was not expecting to find an old NOS can of Opaque Green spray paint, and I was NOT expecting to walk out with it in hand, for a fee of course.

That 70s Schwinn

• Skids and Wheelies
• Posts: 11159
• Administrator

• Posts: 15476

Good question, I bet rickpaulos could provide some insight regarding serial numbers and the rear dropout on some SS, It appears it was later upgraded with the  ‘GT300 Le Tour’ Derailleur, introduced in 1973. This was a Shimano Crane GS with different branding that was offered on the 1973 ST and World Voyageur. Most 1972 SS I have see have the Schwinn-Approved GT200 series rear derailleur with long cage. So, your bike is just a TA crankset away from being a Sports Tourer. Nice 👍

• SMF 2.0.11 | SMF © 2015 , Simple Machines Simple Audio Video Embedder

Page created in 0.271 seconds with 68 queries.