1982 Schwinn Sidewinder SWI-0 single speed

BMX-styled single speed variant (SWI-0) of the legendary 1982 Schwinn Sidewinder. 

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Before-and-after

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CJ ridin a dream machine

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History

The official 1982 Schwinn Catalog called this bike a survivor. In 2020 my friend CJ brought this bike’s rusted remains to me, together with “Pacifica eats metal” sticker. I took it as a personal challenge to go through meticulous restoration of this survivor. 

Every component of this bike was cleaned, de-rusted, overhauled, lubed, assembled, and tuned up. CJ picked an awesome frame color and several new components. Restoration process took several weeks – it was not easy to find proper replacement for quality vintage components. Check these unsorted restoration photos.

Restoration Pics

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Components

  • Frame: SWI-0 electro-forged steel #ET507400, originally painted in Frosty Silver Blue, then repainted in Pop Mustang 
  • Wheels: 26″ Araya aluminum rims, rebuilt/repacked sealed hubs, new stainless spokes and alloy nipples
  • Tires: CST Metropolitan Palm Bay 26×2.35″ City/Commuter
  • Rim strips: Ztto 26×20
  • Inner tubes: XLC 26″x2.3/2.75″, presta valve
  • Brakes: Dia-Compe caliper brakes and pads
  • Brake levers: Velo-Orange Designs 
  • Bottom Bracket: Tange sealed 68mm 110.5mm spindle 
  • Freewheel: ACS Main Drive 18t 1/8″ Silver
  • Stem: MX-550 BMX alloy
  • Handlebar: custom, I have no idea where CJ got them, but they look and feel incredible!
  • Handlebar grips: Mongoose
  • Cables and housings: Jagwire LEX-3L silver braided slick lube
  • Headbadge: new original Schwinn
  • Cranks: Origin8 
  • Chain: KMC Z410 silver, single speed
  • Nuts: custom spiked nuts, chromed
  • Saddle: Accumont, riveted springed leather