A modest alteration from entry-level road racing bicycle to fun two-speed adventure bicycle.
This 1988 Schwinn Prelude frameset was brought in for conversion to fit 650B x 40mm tires and cantilever brakes.
The Schwinn Prelude was an entry-level racing bicycle of high quality, featuring double-butted Columbus Tenax tubing. The frame had its original paint and was in excellent condition.
Alteration
Originally spaced to clear 700C x 25mm tires, the chainstays were dimpled on their inner faces to clear 650B x 40mm tires. Cantilever brake bosses were bronze fillet-brazed to the fork and seat stays to accommodate cantilever brakes.
“The chips, dents, and all the marks that come from use and modification tell an important story about a bicycle’s history. I have intentionally chosen to leave the paint as-is, to showcase the builder’s (Vincent) craft and let the bike tell the story of its past.” – Adam Aalgaard (owner)
Assembly
This bicycle was built up by Adam as a two-speed that requires repositioning the chain by hand to change gears:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Frame | 1988 Schwinn Prelude - Columbus Tenax tubing, lugged |
| Tires | Continental Terra Trail - 650B x 40mm, tubeless |
| Rims | Velocity Quill - Al alloy, matte grey, 650B |
| Nipples | Sapim - Al alloy, silver |
| Spokes | Sapim - stainless |
| Hub - front | Shimano Dura-Ace (HB-7400) - Al alloy, silver, quick-release |
| Hub - rear | Shimano 600 (FH-6400) - Al alloy, silver, UniGlide cassette, quick-release |
| Cog | Box One - Fe alloy, 18T |
| Cog | Farr-ST - Fe alloy, 16T |
| Lockring | Shimano 600 - Fe alloy, last-position cog |
| Crankset | Campagnolo Triomphe - Al alloy, 170mm |
| Bottom bracket | Campagnolo - CrMo, ISO square-taper |
| Chainrings | Campagnolo - Al alloy, 40T/42T |
| Pedals | iSSi - Al alloy, white, SPD |
| Chain | KMC |
| Brakes | Dia-Compe 980 - Al alloy, black, cantilever |
| Headset | InniCycle - Al alloy, silver, threaded-to-threadless conversion |
| Stem | Sklar Bikes Super Stem Thing - Al alloy, black, 28.6mm ø, threadless |
| Handlebars | Ritchey Venturemax - Al alloy, black |
| Handlebar tape | Grepp Gripper - black |
| Brake levers | TRP RRL - Al alloy, black, black rubber hoods |
| Seatpost | Campagnolo Triomphe Aero - Al alloy, silver |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado - synthetic, Ti rails, black |
Postscript
“I absolutely love the ride quality and playfulness of this build. The geometry is fun and snappy, but it is surprisingly capable. I find the Schwinn bikes of this era to be an incredible value, they are well-built, light-weight, perform well, and undervalued in the market.
I greatly appreciate Vincent’s willingness to tackle this project and for helping bring my vision into reality. I greatly appreciated his expertise and professionalism, and the craftsmanship of the modifications is top-notch.” – Adam Aalgaard (owner)
• All photos used on this page copyright Adam Aalgaard. All rights reserved. Used with permission. •