Info on old Schwinn bicycles?

Question

I just bought an old Schwinn road bike, that's what people call them now ... It's from the '70s and is a LeTour. Anyway is there anyone out there who has gone back to "old school" biking and has any tips on renovating the old bike.

FYI: I had gotten rid of my old 10-speed for a mountain bike, then worked my way up to a hybrid, and have come full circle to the old 10-speed style road bike. Wish I could afford a new $5,000.00 road bike, but this $20.00 steal will have to do for now ... :-)

Answer 1

First of all, the Le Tour is a very nice bike.  I rode a '76 until it got messed up in a crash.  Also noteworthy is that I raced it last summer, and then did the same race this summer on a nice flashy new bike and I finished with close to the same time.  

Check out http://www.parktool.com/repair/

They'll guide you in an overhaul.  At the very least, put new bearings and grease in the hubs and bottom bracket.  You'll probably need new tires, and depending on what came on the bike you'll probably be a lot more comfortable with a new saddle and grip tape.  Besides that, lube everything else and get to riding.