I have a complete all-chrome Superior about the same age, and it was in many was a very sophisticated bike. Mostly French equipment, Brooks saddle, and a very interesting stem, looks very much like a Titan but with a WHITWORTH head on the expander bolt. Pretty sophisticated stuff in America in 1962.
Now as to the frame, here is a nice article about Superior and other fillet-brazed Schwinn models on the website created by the late lamented Sheldon:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
As explained in the article, Superior originated in 1938 and was fillet-brazed of seamless Chrome-Moly, albeit straight gauge tubing. Although tubes were straight-gauge, Schwinn used internal sleeves near joints to strengthen them. Again, this was pretty sophisticated stuff in America in 1938 or even in 1962.
Superior in 1962 was a fascinating mix of American and European technology. Mine has mostly French components, but a one-piece Ashtabula steel crank, but with Huret chainrings. The eventual downfall of the fillet-brazed models, as the article explains, was that they looked too much like the electro-welded seamed carbon steel tubing Varsity and Continental, even though fillet-brazing and elctro-welding have almost nothing in common. Still, 40 years wasn't a bad run for these Schwinn models.
As to "not the most sophisticated" some very knowlegeable collectors would say that fillet-brazing is actually more sophisticated than lugged construction and many think this technique requires more skill for acceptable results. I'd say go for the frame.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
Carb7008@cs.com wrote: I have a chance to get a 1962 Schwinn Superior frameset in my size for cheap but am wondering how desirable these are as I already have a Sports Tourer. Not the most sophisticated I know but does have a cool-factor...any opinions appreciated.
Jack Romans
Sacramento, California