Schwinn Sierra 8 Speed Nexus Internally Geared Hub 21" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
This Schwinn Sierra began life as an early era mountain bike and has all the characteristics that made the bikes of that time so versatile: Steel frame, relaxed geometry, long wheel base, low-ish bottom bracket, rack and fender mounts. Early mountain bike design borrowed a lot from classic touring bikes and were designed to be comfortable for off-road touring rather than the popular type of “shredding” style riding done today on contemporary mountain bikes. These early bikes were so robust that a few decades later the frames are still going strong. We love receiving donations of these bikes and rebuilding them as dependable utility commuter bikes. In fact, a current inclination among many San Francisco bike couriers is to use a rebuilt early era mountain bike for delivery, rather than the tried and true fixed gear or steel road bike. They are more comfortable for long days in the saddle, cheap to repair and replace, can accommodate heavy loads, aren’t flashy looking (theft deterrent!), and can take a beating!
This one got the unique treatment of an internally geared Shimano Nexus 8 speed wheelset plus all the other goodies that we love - Continental Touring tires, WTB saddle, upright Wald handlebar, new brakes, and full fenders for the rainy days to come.
21″ fits a taller individual of about 5’11”- 6’2″.
$450 SOLD
Schwinn Sierra 21" Custom Hybrid @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
A really great rebuild on this Schwinn Sierra. The early Mountain Bike frame converted easily to a burly day-to-day utility commuter. We matched the classic steel frame to a new Shimano Nexus 8 speed internally geared wheel and a new single front chainring crankset. New canti brakes, Continental touring Plus tires, Wald upright handlebars, Shimano shifters, and full fenders round the rest of the build out to make a comfortable, reliable commute bike.
A great fit for a rider around 6′ and up.
21″ - $430. SOLD
Pedal Revolution Used Bike Update: Schwinn Sierra Drop Bar Mountain Tour Bike
Pedal Revolution Used Bike Update: Schwinn Sierra Drop Bar Mountain Tour Bike
It’s truly astounding the number of 80’s and 90’s vintage mountain bikes Pedal Revolution receives in donation (thank you generous benefactors). They are testament both to the number of these bikes sold during the original mountain bike boom and the quality of construction of these frames (FYI: their iron like strength, resilience, and durability is largely due to them being actually made of steel!).
By the standards of today, bikes like this Schwinn Sierra are terrible bikes for serious single-track mountain biking (ps. the flip side is also true that the super fun trail riding bikes of today are the absolute worst transportation bikes due to technological suspension overkill and lack of utilitarian features). However, with some parts changes and updates these original off road specialty machines can be transformed into excellent city and transportation steeds.
The rear mounts for both fenders and rack are not something you will find on a 21st Century MTB
Just to mix things up from the rote Pedal Revolution older mountain bike becomes city bike genesis (street slicks replace knobby tires, new drive train parts, etc), a drop bar was added to this bike to give it some long ride and bike tour potential.
The orange bar wrap gives the bike some seasonal fall flair. Front and rear fork eyelets add more easy fender and rack options.
Suntour Bar end shifters are just fantastic. They were on some very cheap back in the day bikes (the Schwinn Sierra was not originally cheap or equipped with these). Every micro friction shift with these units is an utter delight. They are what I (Joel) use on my own touring bike!
This is a great all-purpose bike for someone about 6′ tall. The large tires and strong frame with plenty of accessory mounts make a great bike for carrying large loads on bike trips around the city or across the country!
Schwinn Sierra 23″ : $550