Complete Vintage Bike Restoration (And the story I found with it) | 1971 Schwinn Suburban restored

[@edwardallan197]

You did this just right. Normal patina is history. The inertia and stability, the flexible forged fork make these special!

[@ourFather4769]

I just got mine for 7$ from goodwill and am so stoked im about to restore it myself this video is much appreciated my man

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@mxims97]

Last summer, I found a blue 1969 Schwinn Racer abandoned in a field on my college campus, unlocked. I didn't claim it immediately because I wasn't sure if it was truly abandoned, but I waited 10 days and it didn't move, so I put a note on it saying I would take it in 4 days if no one else took it or locked it. No one did so I brought it home. All it needed to get it working again were some new cables and an indicator chain for the Sturmey Archer 3-spd hub. Some bolts had to be tightened too, but the wheels and frame were true. I really took interest in this bike because of its age and sturdiness. I read about the Chicago Schwinns and how famously durable they were, and I could see that in this bike. It has the original Schwinn S-5 rims, the forged Ashtabula fork, the same EF frame as yours, and the famous Sturmey Archer AW hub. Everything on it is steel except for the brake calipers. The bike came with a lot of rust, it's missing half of the paint on the top and down tubes. The exposed metal turned red with age, which I find very cool. I inspected the frame very thoroughly and find that it's still structurally sound even with the rust. Tapping all parts of the bike with a hammer makes healthy metallic noises. At my college, it doesn't snow and it barely rains, so I didn't bother to paint it. After I fixed it up, it became my main bike, and it's the only bike I have on campus. I eventually bought new brake pads and tires. Finding tires for these old Schwinns (with ISO 597 rims) was pretty tricky, because a few months ago, they were hard to find online for a decent price. I was super lucky to have found them at the campus bike shop for $15 each and in the gumwall color, but it's comforting to know that now I can find them on Amazon for $20. A previous owner somehow managed to put ISO 590 tires on, so they were lumpy around the valve and had to be cut off. More adjustments made: I put a new chain on since the existing one looked like it was the original, and I tightened the spokes. The bike works so well for what it is, it's super cool and unique. I also don't have to worry about it getting stolen because most people don't like the rust, which is probably why it remained on that field for 2 weeks untouched.

[@billdCT97]

I had the exact same bike as a kid. I rode it everywhere and for long rides. The 5spd was perfect. I had a handful of really nice 10speeds.........the Suburban was always my favorite

[@tinocojohn1]

I love keeping the original scratches and rub marks. Nice work!

[@omega_profile1]

Thank you for the video! It inspires me to restore my old bike, a Gazelle Premier. When my parents got married in 1980 they bought 2 new bikes with identical specs, only difference between the two is that one was a low frame. My mom's bike got stolen 20+ years ago. The other one got gifted to me 11 years ago. So today I ordered new tires, bearing grease and chrome polish. And maybe in the near future I can use this 43 year old steal beast a daily commuter bike to work. The quality of old bikes is incredible!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Absolutely they are. Absolute tanks. Other than rust and paint damage, they're practically bombproof!

[@nancycarlson3836]

Thank you. Your video inspired me to find a way to bring back my 1971 Schwinn Collegiate that my dad bought for me. It had been upside down on its handlebars in the garage for several years. After searching for a bit, I found that our local amazing bicycle museum, Bicycle Heaven (Pittsburgh, PA), could also do tune-ups and restorations. I brought it in for a tune-up and they brought it back to life for me. They did a great job. If you or any of your viewers are in the area, plan to stop in to this unique place just to see the thousands of bikes of all kinds.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's absolutely awesome, I'm happy to hear that! Those Collegiates are such cool frames. Hope you love it and pass it on one day!

[@Ajen1959]

I have about 15 classic Schwinn bikes and i love them all.

[@robgomes1262]

For the love of a Schwinn bicycle.🚲

[@HBird-rm1lw]

I have a Surburban that I bough new in the 60s and I still ride and LOVE it! Great restoration and clear video.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Siiiick that's awesome!

[@brianchisnell1548]

I have a fully restored Sports Tourer and Super Sport. Both '71 and both Sierra Brown. They are the bikes of my youth!!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Nice!

[@duckbuell]

Love the story of the bike and your philosophy on keeping the bike original and feeling a special connection to it past and history. Very good to resist the ego laden frivolous pursuit of rest-moding!

[@jbirdperez6003]

nooiice ! i just finished up restoring a Schwinn Continental .. steel is real

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

cheers! Enjoy it

[@johnelliott5923]

I know your feeling I to work on vintage bikes ! I don’t have the money always to buy the best bikes but I buy what I can afford and try to bring it back to the best condition I can ! It gives me great joy to fix and ride a bike from the past a bike that has been miss treated and hasent rolled on the road or trail in years ! It’s like it thanks me for giving it life!

[@leica842]

Great story and video. To me these days, finding, maintaining and restoring bicycles, the classic and vintage, is a joyful challenge. Subscribed.

[@juanjoseferrandopenafiel7429]

9

[@spalkin]

My father has this exact bike, year and color! It has about 20 miles on it and it's minty fresh.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's amazing! Give it a ride! 🚀

[@spalkin]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon I will. But, I have to go through the bearings, shifters and derailleurs. There's also an identical colored ladies' Collegiate. Both need the total treatment. I love the vintage Chicago Schwinns. Raleigh was another maker much sought after. They were like the expensive up-rated bikes back then. Almost bought one from a condo that was selling off abandoned bikes.

[@arthurbusch2705]

That was a great video. Love the spirit you had in rehabbing this great old bike.

[@markmiller9579]

I also liked the way you talked us through it. So many of these restoration videos lack narration.

[@markmiller9579]

You've covered some salient points for those who love bicycles. Some of us do tend to anthropomorphize our bikes, while keeping in mind that bikes are machines, albeit wonderful machines, that can't love us back. But riding a piece of history. Yes, which is why I'll never sell my '93 Bridgestone RB-1 and why I recently purchased an '86 Schwinn Paramount. Vintage bikes, like vintage cars and other things, connects us to a past, one long gone, but nevertheless one that lingers via the surviving trinkets of the era.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I completely agree. 👍 Same reason I can't let them go either!

[@jaymartinez4045]

I just bought one of these from a salvation army for 35 bucks and I am very excited to restore it. I’m really glad to hear that the chrome is high quality and will shine bright with some work. I also thought that it was funny how we both bought ours in college.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Hell yeah! The chrome should come back super well. Alu foil dipped in water, crumpled up, and then rubbed on the chrome will remove oxidation really easily. Enjoy it! :D

[@johnnyluna4655]

Nice overhaul. Very Nice. I once picked up a curbside Black 5 Speed Schwinn Suburban that I rode daily. I only let it go because it was a very large frame and I received a very nice offer from an acquaintance. I do miss it. Replaced it with a Black King Sting.

[@tilleylepew5944]

Brought tears to my eyes. Everything is function. It begs to serve it's rider. Not tearing down the road with your Rambo knife in your teeth. Just gently getting you to your designated point B. That simple !

[@100363Boil]

Very nice project! Love your commitment to keeping it original. I came in to the possession of an almost 80 year old bike which was honestly junk but I cleaned it up, leaving the 90% paintless rusty surface brown but coated. I got some original parts from an old bike enthusiast and other places to make a workable bike. Like you said, it’s not the bike you’d choose to get anywhere most effectively but it’s a classy ride.

[@ukpaul9221]

Loved the vireo - thank you. Also loved your relationship with the bike. For all the obsession with cars today, you cannot get that same buzz that you can get by being out on the open and in touch with your 'steed'. I've recently restored (it didn't need it really as it had hardly done fifty miles before I go it) but I enjoyed 'making it my own' with a better saddle and bars after simply storing it for 20 years. Every good wish across the pond. Paul in the UK midlands.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you for the words! I understand. I recently restored and made a video on another Schwinn and had the same conclusion again. You can get 'better' bikes today undoubtedly, but they're... Different. It's the same with modern high performance cars too; so computerized they've lost the feel. Absolutely faster, but digital feeling. Not to say I don't love riding my modern bikes most of the time, but I do still love the different experience of the older ones. Cheers!

[@nathanielmartin4800]

The bike looks great! I always love rebuilding a bike. That first ride on the freshly rebuilt bike always has me thinking of how the original owner felt leaving the shop with their bike brand new.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

It's the BEST.

[@FrancoDX]

Cool video and good work! I worked on a few old Raleigh 3 Speeds last year and prefer them to the modern road bikes now. The feel is relaxed and the nostalgia almost takes you back to simpler times. I’d recommend to anyone that likes bicycles to refurbish an old one then just enjoy it, it’s so rewarding.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Man that's awesome, those are great frames. I totally get it; it's a different riding experience, and absolutely not worse just because it's old. People loved them then, and they're still great.

[@that70sschwinn]

Beautifully Done Justin👌 Kept it all original and true to the brand. Great presentation and descriptive voiceover, nicely done 👍🔧 The bike cleaned up well and now gleams like she did in 1971😏🚲👨‍👨‍👧 Love the Sierra Brown as is, no touchups needed. Great job with all the chrome small parts, rims and handlebars. Good choice with the period correct embossed Schwinn Saddle, although the Mattress spring loaded saddle was standard equipment for the Suburban, the embossed saddle makes it look more sporty . Great Job preserving this iconic Chicago Beauty 👍🚲🔧 Thanks for the shoutout, glad you found the content helpful 👍

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you! Yeah man, I was watching your videos on repeat over and over, such an excellent resource. They could be 5hrs long for all I care. And yeah, that embossed saddle is something I really like. The mattress saddle looks nice, but geez, just can't get comfortable on it .The embossed changes the personality a touch, but I'm happy with it. I looked ofr Simichrome but couldn't get it locally; the Flitz worked well though. Actually, think you can help me out? As always, I have a spare part. 🤣 Two, actually: One nylon, one brass washer. They were off the brakes (one Weinnman, one Dia Compe), and for the life of me, I can't find where in the assembly order they are. I've got the washers between each brake arm, and I'm 99.5% confident that these washers were off the brake assembly because I checked my footage, and there was one each in my brake parts group. But I can't find them on ayone's videos and I don't see it on my disassembly footage. Driving me crazy. Any ideas? Appreciate it!

[@that70sschwinn]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon The One nylon, and one brass washer may be from your stick shifter assembly. Check out this video where I show an example of both the shifter and brakes washers kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaLaZouIgZ6ofrc

[@JackB-v2z]

I had the same bike in the early 70s , for delivering papers .It also was a great bike for riding through rural back roads to near by towns.

[@opticpoet]

Thanks for the video! I have a 1971 Schwinn Collegiate Sport that I am wanting to restore. I bought it at a vintage shop about 9 years ago. I was riding it pretty hard around campus and one day the chain popped. It didn't switch gears well. Separated my collarbone and busted my knee up pretty good. The bike is still solid. I've ridden it a handful of times since but never as hard as I once did. I'm looking forward to the process and watching what other people have done. Great instructions here. Thanks!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

OOOOF, that sounds freaking painful. Made worse by the fact that I feel if you ride enough, a broken collarbone is basically inevitable. My time is coming I'm sure. I'm excited for you to get to restore it! I think I had mine 6 or 7 years before I really took it on; it was always 'on the list,' but getting to the point where you wanna tackle it can be a long process. Definitely watch "That 70s Schwinn Channel" I linked; he's very much an expert on the restorations and gave me a lot of great tips and insights. But yeah, they're very 'simple' bikes in a good way. As long as you keep everything organized, you'll be fine. Enjoy it!

[@71grayghost]

Awesome story well planned👍🏆

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you!

[@TanveerAhmed-gl5jk]

One of the best video .enjoyed fully . Briliant. 👍👍👍

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks Tanveer! Really happy with how it turned out.

[@TanveerAhmed-gl5jk]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon fantastic video .no doubt make more of em.👍👍👍

[@a.i.l.u.3485]

I had a 1971 Schwinn Varsity, it weighed a ton but I loved it. Great job on your bike! The site of it brings back fond memories.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That is awesome! I'm just finishing up a 79 Traveller III. Should be done in a week or two. I love these old things.

[@Marc-js8rx]

Wonderfully impressive “refresh” on your Schwinn Suburban! Growing up in Chicago, my parents were diehard Schwinn fans, so my first was a 1968 StingRay DeLuxe 2-Speed, which I kept for 45 more years. I am now working on personally resurrecting a derelict 1963 Schwinn American cruiser found while visiting my now-wife’s small OH town during our dating days. It’s Radiant Blue paint, chrome hardware and decals were just too far gone -with so many scratches to save, so I picked up some pieces on eBay, then researched its best-matching paint and am experiencing that same awesome feeling seeing its glory return. While it’s costing me more than I know it’ll ever be worth, it holds such nostalgic value on many levels. The purists would scoff that I failed to keep its factory paint, but eliminating all its damaged paint & scrapes will show its eye-popping beauty and craftsmanship.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh that's awesome, thanks for sharing. Personally, my vote is if you want to do it, then do it. I really enjoy working on these old ones. Especially frames like the American; they've just got such classic shapes and it's so easy to imagine some kid absolutely loving that thing back in the 60s watching the space race. I love basically all old bikes, but these old steels are fun. I'm actually working on another resto as we speak. Literally found with a free sign on the side of the road on my drive home from work, a Japanese-made Schwinn approved Traveller 3. 100% original, barely ridden and just tossed into a garage for decades. I've just got the wheels left to clean up, polish the frame, and reassemble. I'm super excited to get the video done soon.

[@matthewengelhardt4063]

Thank you so much for the history of the Kissler bicycle shop. As I was watching this video, I kept thinking that I've seen that Kissler sticker before. It turns out I am in the process of putting a Schwinn World Traveler back on the road that I picked up for $10, and it has a Kissler sticker on the seat tube. I bought the bike in Pittsburgh, so it must have done its fair share of traveling. Thanks again for the Franz Pauwels info, really fascinating stuff. Also, your resto looks incredible!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Holy crap, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing, that's very fun. I did a whole bunch of sleuthing (and honestly, I don't remember a bunch of it anymore,) but the short of it is that the store is gone now and that's about it. Disappointing, but we definitely have some frames with history.

[@james-p]

I totally agree on keeping the bike original, and it turned out great!

[@MrSloika]

He states at the beginning of the vid that the bike does not have much collector value...and probably never will. That's because these flash welded Chicago Schwinns were made in the millions. There are probably still tens of thousands of these things in sheds, garages, basements, etc. Keeping it original is the way to go if you want to display the bike. If you actually want to ride it the rims and crank should be swapped out at a minimum.

[@jimmieeddieschwenk3117]

Found a Bike just like the one in your story... It was moving out day at Purdue and I heard two students throw something into the apt dumpster...I waited for them to go back to their house... and went to look... there it was...An old Suburban in need of a home...Haven't gotten very far on it yent, but it is rideable...

[@daniellarson3068]

Those bikes are getting old enough that they will soon have antique value. Just think how many didn't get fished out of their dumpsters. They also seem to be a practical every day bike.

[@edsassler]

I know I’m one of 10,000+ but I finally subscribed to a cycling channel - one that has triathlon in the name! You have the rare ability to step back from what you’re working with and see the bigger picture. Be that scratches on a 50 year old bike or the value of bike fit over ceramic pulls bearings, you apply it to everything. I so wish there was some way of teaching that.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you Ed, I really appreciate that! This is a cycling channel with a bit of ultrar-unning and not-drowning thrown in for spice. 😅 I'm definitely a big picture person. I'm definitely doing my best. Interestingly, the act of putting things in videos and forcing me to very viscerally confront what I'm terrible at has helped me improve how I communicate things as well. It's really only in the last few months I've found my 'stride,' so to speak. And I've definitely seen your stuff before. I was still over there, I'd happily get a better fitting from you. I'm pretty darn content overall, but that 'not knowing what you don't know' area is a big one. Cheers!

[@gubbins1933]

Impressive. Nicely done. I do like a sensitive restoration.

[@lclfav2]

I have this exact same bike. I love it.

[@BakuPL]

Mate, what an amazing video! We need to appreciate all the bikes, old, new, dirty, clean, time machines and city cruisers.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks Pawel! All bikes are great. :D

[@articid]

just got an absolutely rusted one and I can't wait to do this!!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Enjoy! Evaporust is your friend. It works extremely well

[@thomasmoje5926]

A great 'around town' tourer. I have a 1969 Schwinn 5-speed Collegiate which is similar Schwinn made great 'just cruisin' bicycles that last forever. I just refurbished what would not be considered a 'collectible' bicycle: a 1976 Sears Free Spirit 3-speed cruiser which I found out by the road in somebody's trash. Still I get a lot of satisfaction resurrecting old bicycles no matter if they're considered 'collector bikes' or not. Not to 'show' quality just to dependable riding condition. Both the Schwinn and Sears bikes run perfectly I enjoy riding them. If I had a dollar for every bicycle that I've seen out in somebody's garbage over the years it would be a pretty fair amount.

[@lindajesse8250]

What a machine!

[@SamanthaNickole02]

I love watching restoration jobs where the bike is kept in its original condition. Awesome job! Beautiful bike!!😍

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you!

[@SamanthaNickole02]

@@JustinDoesTriathlonYou’re very welcome!

[@bikeyclown4669]

While working in a bicycle shop during the 80's that sold Schwinn bicycles, I worked on a lot of bicycles like that. They weigh a lot and the steel rims are scary in the rain, but they were fun to ride. Now I want one.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

You'll stop in the rain... eventually. 🤣

[@bikeyclown4669]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon It's been a while, but I've been there. 😂🤣

[@randallblytheadlercavalera8373]

thats a beautiful retro bike😊

[@RockfordBungalow]

Great video and I especially appreciate the history

[@southfloridaarcheryguy114]

My first decent bike was a brown 5 speed Schwinn Suburban. For all I know, that might be my old bike. I used to deliver newspapers (remember those?) and it never failed me. I installed wire basket panniers on the rear. I’m completely nostalgic. If you ever want to sell your bike………well, I know a guy……

[@kevinpfeiffer3024]

thank you Ihave a small collection of 70`s 13 schwinns this was fun to see some one do this besides me

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Heck yeah! They're great 😃

[@arthurschierhoff6485]

Great story. I currently own a Schwinn Super Le Tour, which I have recently purchased.This bike is sturdy and in remarkably good condition, especially considering this bike is over 40 years old. So far it has been an enjoyable and comfortable bike to ride.

[@thisoldbelair]

Awesome video and beautiful bike. Was already in amazing condition. I’ve loved antique Schwinns for years. I just picked up two Suburbans in rough shape, but they are numbers 5 and 6 for me. Last winter I totally rebuilt my 2012 Hardrock, so it’s winter looks to be another bike project. One of my favorite things about restoring old things is learning the history. That’s a big part of it. Very cool story, thanks for sharing. Subscribed

[@mileslang3023]

That’s a beautiful bike. I’m thinking of restoring my Varsity, which I received for Christmas in 1978

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's awesome! I hope it goes well!

[@al-du6lb]

Great project. This is the great thing about steel. I wonder how many carbon or aluminum bikes will be restored 50 years from now.. especially liked the history at the end.

[@Alexander-dn4rw]

Awesome, everyday I've been riding a 1951 Schwinn DX I found on marketplace, I've taken all the bearings apart, cleaned and degreased it, and she rides smooth as butter. Skiptooth chainring with a New Departure Model D Coaster Brake Hub

[@lugoj7181]

You did a fantastic job it came out beautiful I just bought a schwinn continental from 1971 same color of yours and I restored it too thanks for the video

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's awesome, I hope you love yours too!

[@instrumentalsax]

I have 1950 Schwinn Phantom that belonged to my Dad who just passed this year. Hoping to restore it to its original beauty in the future. Right now I’m trying to educate myself on the process. Thank you for a great video and story of your bike.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's awesome! That'll be a fantastic project. Great way to share something with him. It's very achievable; these old bikes are super "mechanical" and if you just stare at any part of it long enough you'll figure it out. It's just a bunch of tubes and nuts and bolts

[@jarvisskooge8602]

Great video! I’ve restored several older Schwinn bikes. Unless they are mistreated, neglected, stored outside, etc… they can be 40 or 50 years old and with some elbow grease they can be restored and look and perform great. Many parts are interchangeable between models and the parts are simple, durable and of good quality. Bottom line, these Schwinn’s were built to last… “modern” Chinese made bikes are ready for the landfill in within a few years.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

They really were! like 35lb of steel will do that! :D

[@peterdelmonte9832]

Schwinns have been made in Taiwan since the 1970s I believe. Pretty much like most big brand cycles. References to “Chinesium” are probably outdated now. I’m old enough to remember jokes about Japan making plastic things in Xmas crackers. In no time my dad had a Datsun 1200 with an engine that looked like the one in his previous vehicle, a Ford Anglia, but whereas the Anglia had a rebuild at 58,000, the Datsun was sold with over 100,000 on the clock and still oiltight and going strong. China has yet to start the mass export of cars but you can bet they’ll be good. China will also lead in cutting emissions and win the football World Cup in a few years! Jokes apart, I loved this video. Over here in the U.K I was told to avoid Ashtabula one piece cranks but I was quite won over by them in this vid. I then consulted Sheldon Brown who wasn’t at all critical. I am humbly educated.

[@gustavoaimar8927]

Nueva vida para una hermosa bicicleta. Excelente trabajo sobre ella!!

[@HalfassDIY]

Outstanding !

[@MaximRecoil]

5:44 - There are no "wax and protectants" on paint, unless you put them there yourself, and if you did that, you can easily put them back. Also, anything dish detergent will remove, any other cleaner will remove too.

[@swaynno]

Granted. Drove a New1970 Schwinn Continental Burgandy bodysurf commute to Newport and paperoute Good observation on the soap stuff. Peace

[@Ronald-un4dk]

sweet video , i just bought the 73’ model today and i’m so excited to take it apart . thanks for sharing !

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh congrats man, you're going to love it! The build is really fun and makes a lot of sense. The parts all go together well and it's a really cool build. They're so overbuilt it's silly. Enjoy it!

[@Ronald-un4dk]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon started taking it apart this morning , probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to strip it with our your video . by chance are you in Southern California ?

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Hey Ronald! Sorry I didn't see this, YT isn't great at giving notifications for comments under comments. No, Seattle area. How's your build going?!

[@freemarketjoe9869]

I just bought a 76 Suburban a few weeks ago and can't wait to ride it. It's a beautiful blue 5 speed, all original and i expect great things, since i already ride a 58 Schwinn Racer, witch rides like dream. The modern Chinese Schwinn i also own is worn out and rusted...just a piece of junk, the chrome just riddled with rust, it's so thin. The steel is cheap and bends easily. I tried rebending a similar damaged piece on the 58 and couldn't, the steel was so strong. These old bikes will last forever.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Congrats on the find! I bet that's gonna be awesome. Those Racers look great. Yeah, 100% with you about the paint (your other comment.) I think that a lot of these bikes are so common it seems like people kinda say, "Well, they're common, so it doesn't matter what you do with it." I kinda get that, but that means that truly original, nice examples are just going to get harder and harder to find. I'm keeping mine for sure! They're tanks.

[@stingray4780]

Very well done sir! Very entertaining as well as an excellent lesson on bicycle restoration and cleaning! I really enjoyed how you summarized the video at the end as well as giving everyone a true history lesson! Thank You!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Happy you enjoyed it!

[@ashdavies3218]

Great story. I love old bikes

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Agree!

[@spkytsdy]

awesome video man, I know nothing about bikes and i'm trying to restore a weird 80's Haro Cruiser, your camera work and explanation skills are top notch, this was the most helpful and also interesting video of this sort i've seen on youtube. thanks man, great job on the bike it looks amazing and keep it up.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you, really happy to help and that you enjoyed it! A lot of these older bikes (mid-90s and back) are mechanically very simple. Even if you don't know much about bikes, as long as you just pay close attention to what you're doing, I really think you'll be fine. It's just a bunch of nuts and bolts in the right order. Good luck!

[@leica842]

Great story and video. Something about these assemblages of tubing that have a strange but wonderful emotional connection plus have histories and stories hidden away in the past. To some of us, bicycles, especially the classic and vintage, have so much meaning.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Completely agree :)

[@W.Edwardovich]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@c.e.schlink9933]

Fantastic!

[@jasongonsales9599]

Beautiful

[@marcuspotter6919]

Nice too see someone not paint but go old school and do it the proper way ☺️ I have a Raleigh wayfarer 1973 :) so much interesting info on the wayfarer if you can find it in the first place :)

[@marcuspotter6919]

The wayfarer was don buy bsd and a fu companys but all were exactly the same ex some small parts like badges and raighly did not put it in there bike mag are eny mention of the raighly wayfarer soo interesting too me ☺️ but there is a fu ladys ones for sale online mine Is a men's one even harder to find 👌👍

[@instrumentalsax]

Awesome work.

[@tuliobenavidez9952]

Love that spoke protector disk So beautiful,, the Polish effect you have it just is eye catching brotha,, San Pablo Ca

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you Tulio! I love it.

[@phamoo]

Beautiful bike! Love survivors!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I think that's one of the biggest reasons I didn't want to touch it. Seems like Suburbans (and Schwins in general) are sort of so common it's really easy for people to treat them as... "Well, since they're common, I can fully resto-mod it" and stuff. And hey, it's not on me to tell someone what to do to their bike, but I feel like it makes the originals even more awesome. Thanks!

[@StanEby1]

Superb!😊

[@CycoWarriorx]

Very, very cool... the restoration but the history - wow, wow, wow... that was 🔥🔥🔥🔥...

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks man!

[@TheSeptemberone]

Great video!! I just got a 73 suburban, opaque blue. It’s the only light blue one I’ve ever seen. I’m really excited to clean it up and restore it, I’m definitely going the extra mile now after watching this video!! Oh yea and great job on the bike, it looks awesome!!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oooo I've never seen one of those in person, but opaque blue is a great color. Very bright and fun. Enjoy the process! They're hard to mess up, and have so much potential in them.

[@godstemplar46]

I’ll guarantee you, I would take that bike apart like you did and NEVER get it back together again. Lol. Thanks for the video. Brought back a lot of memories. Schwinn was huge in Michigan back in the day. Again thanks

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Happy to share it! You might be surprised, I bet you could. There are definitely a lot of small parts, but it's a really 'logical' build. New bikes really slow me down a LOT; this was still the era of bolts and nuts and washers and that's most of it. If you've got some mechanical sensibilities you can get through it.

[@robschmitt6337]

Thanks for a wonderful video! I have a couple old schwinn bikes that I absolutely love riding. Your video is so clear and simple that I’m inspired to do a restoration. Thanks again 😊

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oooh happy to hear that! You absolutely should. They're very "workable" bikes. Pretty logical and obvious what you need to do. I tinkered over a few months and really enjoyed it. Probably 20-30hrs of work total.

[@ptrbssr]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and approach for this restoration. Totally agree with embracing the look of a 50 year old bike. You didn't give it fillers, bitox and a sun tan. Result looks stunning and fresh, while showing real world experience. Such a surprise there is a Dutch connection :)

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Ha! It already looks like it overcooked in the sun booth as is. Thanks Peter! And yeah, I lost my mind at the history of it. I'm exactly as 🤓 as I come across, and was so hyped. Probably butchered the pronunciation though. 😅Thanks!

[@markbattista6857]

Fantastic job, in the restoration and the presentation & having a 73 Varsity in my collection I can attest to everything you've said. Thanks

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you! Varsities are absolute stunners; I'll probably end up with one eventually. Those horizontal top tubes are fantastic.

[@kevinfrost1579]

Top man. Exactly the right steps to produce a carefully planned conservative and thorough restoration while preserving the beauty and history of this bike. Fixing the mechanicals, using NOS vintage parts (or same era if original unavailable). Good call on cleaning but keeping original paint, as its in good condition. Wise call on not removing the spokes and trying to rebuild with them as so many strip at the nipple on older bikes. So long as the original spokes retain their strength sensible to delay replacing them and simply true the wheel where required. Wishing you many more happy years on the Schwinn .....after all it's all about how it makes you feel :)

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks Kevin! Yeah, I'm so happy with how it turned out, and that it's still so original. I think bikes like these are almost too easy to modify; people see them as common and cheap, so "why not" just respray them and stuff? I think it makes originals becoming harder and harder to find.

[@kevinfrost1579]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon Congrats it's a beauty and I totally agree your observation. Wonderful book out there on exactly this point by Gianluca Zaghi " Vintage Bicycles". It's a great combination of his personal journey and it's evolution into practical know how. Philosopher meets professional bike restorer. Outstanding !

[@Dan-xl1er]

I’m getting one today!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Whoa awesome! What kind?

[@Dan-xl1er]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon it’s red Schwinn suburban from the early seventies with front and rear lights and a rear cargo rack

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's awesome! Yours is way more kitted out than mine was. That red is great.

[@Dan-xl1er]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon yeah picked it up, it’s a 1982 exclusive. It was 75 dollars and in mint condition.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

😍😍😍

[@conssido356]

Very beautiful bike! Thank you for this video!

[@GoodTimeBikes]

Superb job! I have great appreciation for the preservation of vintage Schwinns. Excellent narration! Also thank you for sharing the history you learned.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks man! Yeah, I pretty much love all bikes. That teal one you're working on is going to look great! Love the fork on it. 👌

[@GoodTimeBikes]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon lol thank you! I’m pretty excited to get the new vid posted. I think ur gonna like the completed product but let me know what u think!

[@lamont8121]

Excellent job, Sir! Your sentiments for history is appreciated by myself to be sure. I have just purchased a 1971 Schwinn Collegiate from its second owner who is now 80 years old. It is all original and green and was bought new in Ohio in 1972👌🏽

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's fantastic! I bet that thing is a gem.

[@mohannadgharaibe9888]

Great video.great job.greetings from jordan

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Happy new year!

[@hiro111]

Love the Chicago Schwinns. The factory took in coils of high tensile steel at one end and spit out bikes at the other end. They made almost everything in house. The electroforging process used to make the frames has never been replicated because it's so capital-intensive and requires such scale. The result is a heavy frame but also likely the strongest frame ever made anywhere. All of the components are simple, high quality, user servicable and ridiculously durable. As a practical bike to get around on, Chicago Schwinns have never been beaten. There's a reason there are so many parked at every commuter train station even though none have been made for more than 40 years: you can't kill them.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Yeah man, they're so cool. I learned a lot about the EF process in this, and I really had no idea. I weighed the frame while it was bare, it was just under 10lb. I was pretty surprised with how overbuilt and serviceable everything was. Even if you didn't have much knowledge, you could really just figure it out. Simple, reliable engineering.

[@MaximRecoil]

"The result is a heavy frame but also likely the strongest frame ever made anywhere." Not even close. The "electro-forging" process was meant to imitate the look of a traditional fillet-brazed frame while being a lot more automated, and therefore, cheaper to manufacture. The steel they used was 1010, which is about as low-grade, low-carbon, and weak as you can get (the only thing worse would be 1008). "High tensile" is just a meaningless marketing term. In reality, it's just plain carbon steel, AKA: mild steel. To make matters worse, the tubes were formed from sheet metal and the seams were welded, which is the jankiest way of making a tube. You know what else is made that way? "Black pipe", AKA: "gas pipe" from the hardware store. The reason that mild steel frames are so heavy is because the steel is so weak that the tubes have to be rather thick-walled in order to be strong enough. A strong, high quality steel frame uses seamless tubing made of an "alloy steel" such as 4130 chromoly or various proprietary alloys from e.g., Reynolds. All types of steel weigh more or less the same for a given volume, but because higher grades are far stronger than lower grades, thinner walled tubing can be used, thus making the frame lighter without sacrificing strength. The strongest frames you can get are BMX frames made by companies such as Standard Bykes and S&M Bikes. They use high-grade alloy steel, large diameter seamless tubing (typically 1.5" diameter top and down tubes, 7/8" diameter seat and chain stays, plus 1/4" thick hardened steel plate dropouts), and they are heliarc welded (AKA: TIG welded). You know what else is made that way? Roll cages in professional race cars. Those frames can handle ~200-lb. guys taking massive jumps over and over, and they do it without any suspension to soften the landings. Try that sometime with a gas pipe frame.

[@kevinroa2919]

Thanks for the video. I think my brother had this bike in 1973.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh that's awesome Kevin! I know they were super common, so I'm sure there's a TON out there in garages all over. I don't see a ton of Suburbans though. I really like these.

[@kevinroa2919]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon Love this type of video. Nice to add it to the mix.

[@matreive5917]

Cool project with a super cool story. Thanks for sharing.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks Mat!

[@tuckerfrd1]

I restored old Corvettes and Ferraris when I was young, and 10 years ago I was bitten by the bike bug. I now fully (even paint & decals) restore 40's - 80's Schwinns and Raleighs. I like your video because I've done this same process (plus more) many times over, and it's just nice to see others who have the same passion. Bicycles are the best things in the world and when riding one, life is awesomely slower.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh that's absolutely awesome! No Corvettes or Ferraris in my history, but I've had a bunch of time wrenching on TransAms and old Chevy trucks. Good learning for sure! Back then when stuff was actually something you could just look at and sorta figure out. Now everything is way more complicated.

[@sammysurf100]

Awesome!

[@chriswilby7679]

Great job .carnt beat original paint I always leave it if still looks nice like yours a few scuffs and scratches is all part of the charm in my opinion. All the best my friend. Watching from the UK.

[@bdv861]

I sold a ton of those when I worked in a bike shop in the '70's.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh that's awesome! Tell me more? Who was the average rider, etc?

[@chatmanglobalcyclingchatma4772]

I think you did an amazing redo. Much respect. Hope we can link up and work some interesting deals

[@willspower3]

What a great video

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks David!

[@dant.6364]

I hope you do a review on this bike too. Maybe tell us the strong points and more on why you still ride it.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I might! My 'to do' video list is already pretty long as is! The short version I'd say is that it's a tank. It's heavy, lumbery, slow, and fun. You can't be in any sort of hurry, because it seems to have exactly one speed sorta regardless of effort. It's a cruiser in every sense, but it's excellent at that. I use it for getting the mail and generally zipping around.

[@jasonjulian1]

Amazing bike and story! I juet bought a used bike locally.. A 1972 Columbia Tourist V. It was sold by Goddynes Hardware here in middle Michigan... Sticker still on the bike. Shockingly it looks mechanically identical to your Suburban. Gt100 derailleur, same handlebars and levers, same brakes, same one peice crank! I'm doing the same cleanup restoration that you did here. The chrome and aluminum is now looking better than most new bikes I've seen! Not bad for 50 years old.

[@joegiunta5635]

Hi .....I have my original 1972 schwinn Varsity sport in Kool yellow. I bought the bike 51 years ago in Rochester, NY and kept it inside the basement all those years. Its in excellent condition but could use your methods for sprucing it up. I also have a 1972 female suburban that I bought for my wife . I stopped using the varsity about 25 years ago and bought a Raleigh c-30 for a hybrid type bike......fast forward to today, I just bought a trek ebike for my 75th birthday present to myself.......

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's absolutely awesome! I bet that Trek is a blast too!

[@joegiunta5635]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon I'm loving the TRek. It has fantastic gearing and using the E on the end of my rides

[@bonn1771]

great work! loving your bike

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thank you! Now for the snow to melt so I can use it! 🥶

[@bonn1771]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon 5-12 more here tonight

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

@@bonn1771 Yiiiikes

[@joepasquarello1273]

Good job.