Here is a classic early 1970's Schwinn Suburban. This picture depicts its condition as purchased. Note lack of headset and "American" sized bottom bracket shell.
This frame also didnt have a seat post clamp, so I fitted a new one
The Schwinns of this era were built with a single (Ashtabula or "American") crank, thus have a wider bottom bracket shell. in order to fit a modern bottom bracket and crank to this frame, a bottom bracket conversion kit is used (converting from "American" to "European")
This baby once graced the streets of Simi Vally, California
Chicago made
I am fitting this bike with hand built Velocity Fusions.
Since this bike didn't come with its original headset, I had to retrofit one with my surplus of Schwinn headset parts. Better than new.
A Schwinn Approved seat from this era.
Fitting the crankset on the bottom bracket conversion
Lacing the Velocity Fusions rims with Velocity Hubs and DT Swiss Double-Butted Spokes
Mock-up with wheels
There is a pretty deep drop from the fork to the braking surface on the rims. A dop this large requires brakes that have an extra ling reach.