Have not owned one, but used to hear some discussion at the local velodrome. If I recall, they were good, but not top tubing. If Columbus, they may have been Aelle or some such. They were, I take it, the track equivalent of a club racer, certainly not the equal of a track Paramount. I also heard, but cannot confirm, that they had a pretty low BB for a track bike, so you had to be wary of catching a pedal on the banking. I believe that 10 years ago, the Houston velodrome used to keep a few to rent out.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
rhawks@lmi.net wrote:
Actually several questions. I'm looking at a used Schwinn Madison track frame. I don't assume this is necessarily a collectable by any stretch, but with the exception of my '65 Cinelli, I don't really collect collectables. Mostly I ride 'em. Anyway, I haven't been able to find info on this bike on my own, so I thought I'd try the list. If anyone can supply info on these frames/bikes, I'd appreciate it. Here are the questions:
What was the time frame for these bikes? I think they were made pretty much in the '80s.
What was the frame material. I've found one reference to their being made with Columbus tubing, but I'm not sure if that is accurate.
There are drillings for brakes. Anyone know if they are generally nutted or could there also be recessed in the later time frame?
Does the phrase 'Chicago Scwinn' mean the obvious? Were these bikes US made Schwinns? Does that in itself mean much? (I didn't really pay much attention to Schwinn bikes in my 'formative' years).
With this being a track frame I would guess the seat tube would be a 74 degree angle, but anyone know for sure what the geometry would be? I'm hoping that while this is a track frame, that I wouldn't find the ride that bad on the road.
I think the seller got this frame used, and was motivated enough to get it repainted, but ended up not riding the bike all that much.
Thanks for any and all help.
rob