This one started out as just a frame, a 1990 Schwinn Crosscut, size 55cm seat tube with a 61cm top tube. This was their top-of-the-line cyclocross / all-rounder from the early 1990's, similar to the Surly Cross Check or the Pake C'Mute, and built from stout double-butted cro-moly steel tubing with a fully chromed fork. I stripped and repainted the frame in a dark metallic green with a subtle sparkle and shined the fork. Read on for more details and pictures.
I outfitted the bike with a group I've been saving for a while for the right build: SunTour "Mountech" derailleurs, their famous bar-end shifters, and a very cool Sugino AT triple crankset with custom drillium chain rings. Classic Dia-Compe "Gran Compe GC960" cantilever brakes and modern Tektro brake levers are mounted on a rare set of SR randonneur handlebars, and finished off with shellac'ed cork bar tape and twine in the style of Rivendell bikes. The 700c x 32 skinwall tires give it a classic look that's equally at home on or off-road. Brand new SKS silver fenders keep the rain and mud at bay, with clearance for up to 40mm tires.
This is a bike that you can have adventures on – it can do trails and gravel paths, busy streets, and even cyclocross. Add some racks and go on tour with it. It's a real swiss army knife of a bike. Too bad it's too big for me.
Check out the gallery for more pictures:
Nice work! I just pick up a Crosscut myself. My girlfriends bike was stolen, so i'm trying to get this one refurbished for her. I'm curious to know how much money you put into getting this bike riding again. The crosscut I picked up is the stock complete bike, so I will want to make quite a few changes. This turned out really awesome!
Hi Jarett! This Crosscut cost me about $225 total to build. The frame was $80 and most of the parts I had already. It might cost you a bit more if you have to go out and buy new parts, though.