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Deems Burton | all galleries >> Galleries >> Wheels > 1983 Schwinn High Sierra mtn bike, my daily commuter - 28 yrs old!
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08-APR-2004

1983 Schwinn High Sierra mtn bike, my daily commuter - 28 yrs old!

It came from Schwinn in a blueish-silver color, and I painted it green 10yrs ago when I saw rust. This bike has more miles on it than any other in my stable. It is dirty, worn, has a broken spoke, needs grease, almost never lets me down, gets ridden daily to work in the rain, sun, and snow. It is a tribute to Schwinn quality and durability.

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Glenn in California 09-May-2011 18:31
Found a frame with wheels at my local bike shop, traded some parts and a frame that I had around for it and set it up as a single speed to be a beater/runaround. Fits me so well and rides so great the I am thinking about getting rid of my main bike (a Surly Cross-Check) and going full time to the High Sierra as my commuter.
Guest 14-Mar-2010 08:11
Mine isn't a "High" Sierra, but I recently acquired a Schwinn Sierra from a local thrift store for $40 - keep looking folks, they're out there.

I bought it as a backup bike so I could tear down and overhaul my (also) old Univega Viva Sport... that poor Univega hasn't had a single mile put on it in a month, while I've put 300 miles or so on the Schwinn. What a sweet riding bike. I've outfitted it with house brand slicks from Performance Bike and a pair of new hand grips. Other than that I've just tuned up the brakes and derailleurs. It literally needed almost nothing.
Evan 26-Jul-2009 20:31
Ha, my dad gave me his silver High Sierra w/ the orginal paperwork from 1984! Some minor work, new tires, repacked bearings and it's working great!
Jim Stensen 17-Apr-2009 01:48
I agree with the reliability. I bought a High Sierra in the summer of '86. Rode it year round through 5 years of college, trails, Colo. mountains, camping. It's still my daily commuter. Every year I say I'm going to get a new bike next year. Haven't yet. One new fork, petals, crankset, one chain, few rims over 23 years. I love this bike.
George Day 02-Dec-2008 17:39
My Mom and Dad has a 1984 High Sierra in Black(they bought it new in 84). Best bike I have ever rode they still have it.. I got in a nbasty wreak in 1997 bent the fork and derailleur.But I payed for the parts I screwed up and that was it back on the road. I wish I can find one more or find one for sale.
Michelle in Oregon 07-Nov-2008 17:59
I love this bike. I have (had) a 1983 Schwinn Sierra (Dark Chrome in color) and some kids took it off my balcony - I miss it so much that I search for it every once in a while hoping to find a replacement.

Your analogy is great!!
Dave Slowey 20-Mar-2006 04:53
This High Sierra appears to be a nicely appointed Picnic Bike. It looks ready to slog up any login road with a creek-chilled pony keg strapped on the blackburn carrier. I will assume the grill condiments are in the tri-bag and the rear bag is stuffed with hamburger buns, cheese, onions, pickles, and chilled hamburger. All you need now is the umbrella, blanket, and the female chef to help prevent it from getting burnt.
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