Reviving Bikes For Riding Season - 1957 Schwinn Traveler

 We're getting into better weather and longer days for riding this time of year. The threat of snow and ice is past, and there is enough evening daylight to ride. Those of us who have a "riding season" (here it is roughly early April through mid November) now must get bikes back on the road after the winter layoff. 

Let's go through the basics of getting bikes back out for spring, using this 1957 Schwinn Traveler as an example.

 

Tires/Wheels/Brakes:

•  Check the tires for pressure. This bike had 35psi in front and 30psi in back. That's way too low. Pump the tires up to proper pressure. In this case, I'm using 65psi front and rear. Some people like the front a bit (10% or so) softer than the back. That is OK too.  
•  Check the wheels for trueness. In this case, the front needs a little adjustment. Check the wheels for any looseness in the frame or play at the bearings. In this case, the wheels are tight on the frame and there is acceptable cone tension.
• Check the hubs for spin/play. In this case, the Sturmey Archer AW hub received a little 20 weight oil. 
  
• Check the brakes for movement and fit. In this case, the brakes are set up properly and moving smoothly. No need to do anything. Sometimes you need to add a little oil to the pivot. 

Shifting:

• Check the shifter cable for proper tension, adjust as needed. In this case, the shifter cable and pulley are properly set up and moving smoothly.
• Check the shifter for engagement. In this case, the shifter is clicking into place properly.

 

 Bottom Bracket and Pedals:

• Check the bottom bracket for spin/play. In this case, the bottom bracket is turning  smoothly and is snug. 
• Check the chain for cleanliness and smoothness. In this case, the chain received a little One Shot lubricant/cleaner.
  
• Check the pedals for tightness and spin/grease. In this case, the pedals are snug in the cranks, and spin smoothly. There is some excess grease coming from the bearings, which I wiped away.

 

Headset:

• Check the headset for play/movement. In this case, the headset is snug and turning freely/smoothly.

 

Lights, Bell, Bag, Saddle:

• Check the lights for working batteries. In this case, the front was OK but the back had a dead battery. I replaced the AAA battery in the rear light.
• Check that the seat post and saddle are firmly in place and not loose. No issues on this bike.
  
•  Check the saddle bag to see that you have the correct tools in it when you ride. In this case, the bag was empty so I put in a small adjustable wrench and a saddle wrench in case I have a problem on the road. A cuff clip can also be added to the bag if you are concerned about cuffs getting caught in the chain as you ride.
• Check the saddle for mold and for tension. In this case, the saddle is fine.
• Does the bell ring as intended? Is it loose on the bars? In this case, it's fine.
  

 

Shakedown Ride:

• Take a short ride close to home (within walking distance) and check that everything works as intended before going on a longer ride. In this case, the bike is pretty good. I did notice a little wobble in the front rim, so some additional truing is needed. Otherwise, it's good to go for another season.