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. •
Postscript
Do you have an old bicycle that you want altered, repaired, or refreshed? Well, you can contact this curmudgeonly frame builder to have it done right and with great care.