Sunday, September 06, 2009

Testing the Waters

Schwinn Premis
I spent some quality time in the garage this afternoon, aimlessly moving things from one place to another without really accomplishing much. I did dust off a couple of bikes I hadn't touched for quite some time and reacquainted myself with them. One, my Schwinn Premis, has really been neglected these past several years. I bought this bike from an employee of Twin City Outboard while I was looking for parts for my ancient Johnson Sea Horse in about 2002. A little off topic here, but that's a great shop if you are a boat nut. They've got everything.
Schwinn Premis
Anyway, the Premis was quite a step up from the Raleigh Eclipse I had been commuting on. Light and fast, this was the first true "go fast" bike I'd ever owned. While I think it's just a hair too tall for me (about 25" frame), I rode it for several years and it treated me very well. But as I became more of a commuter, the bike's lack of any cargo carrying or ability to fit fenders became more and more of a liability.
Schwinn Premis
After I got my Jamis, the Premis became superfluous and hung in the garage full time. It deserves to be ridden. It's a great bike. I kept it around for a while thinking it would make a good fixie conversion. But the white components which scream 80s (along with the fade paint job) are still such a nice matched set I never had the heart to tear the bike apart. White components include: Dia-Compe Aero-Compe Brakes, Sakae cranks, Suntour Cyclone shifters and derailleurs.
Schwinn Premis
I upgraded the handlebars to a set of Modolos with an anatomic bend that are wider than the original bars, but kept the white on white bar tape to match the hoods.
Schwinn Premis
I also replaced the rear freewheel with a Shimano one after the original self destructed.
Schwinn Premis
So if you're a taller fellow who is in the need of a classic steel ride, let me know. I want it to go to a good home.
Schwinn Premis

3 comments:

WheelDancer said...

Looks like a sweet ride and I am both tall and in the market for a new commuter but alas, I also require the cargo/fenders options. I will most likely end up with a Long Haul Trucker if I can find the right deal.

Bill Connell said...

Nice, and my size, but i can't claim to need another bike, and i'd probably just turn it into a singlespeed anyway. I'll put the word out though.

Michael Lemberger said...

If I was you, I'd get a pair of those rack adapters that fit inside the dropout triangles, put a light rear rack on it and ride it on sunny days. Screw fenders and the eighties. One can never have too many bikes.