Shoes, pants and socks. These are difficult things for really tall guys to find. That’s why I will always put up info on the tall bikes I find.
My knowledge of bicycles is driven mainly by what I find in the used market where I am. I would never have hoped that Schwinn Chicago would produce a giant bicycle like the one I am working on now. A few weeks back, I purchased a Schwinn Continental on an online auction. I knew it was tall.
When I measured it, I thought my tape measure was broken. Then, I looked it up by serial number to check the catalogues for production specs that include a list of the frame sizes. By the serial number, it should have been a 1983 bicycle because the second letter is T. It may be an anomaly or something. I found that the Continentals were not included in the 1981 catalog, but in the 1982 catalog, I found this:
28″! That’s 71cm! It’s taller than the Japanese Miyatas and Fujis that I’ve been finding, and it was made in Chicago! Maybe the T stands for “tall”. I don’t know. Maybe they made some bikes that were not included in the catalogues. Maybe this is a custom built bike. I’m out of information.
I will update this post when I finish the bike. It will have new Sta-Tru wheels with double-walled rims. It’s going to be an absolute beast!
*UPDATE*
I was a little worried that the rear wheel wouldn’t work with the derailleur, or some other unforeseen nonsense. Nothing of the sort. I had to cut the axle of the non-drive side a bit, but no big deal. Here it is!
Sprague & Sons Bicycles 
Are you interested in buying one just like that?
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No thanks, Keith. But thank you. I’ve got a few too many at the moment.
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No thanks, Keith. I’ve got a few too many at the moment.
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Hello Keith, if you ever come across another 71cm frame you’re looking to sell please feel free to email me at ames.loren@gmail.com. 6’8” here:-) thank you!
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I am looking everywhere and can’t find one like this…I would be VERY interested in buying one!
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Hi Douglas! I believe we spoke on the phone. Continentals in this size are extremely rare. I recommend looking for a Fuji, Lotus, or other Japanese-made bike of that era. During the late 70’s and early 80’s, there were a few 68.5cm frames in stock production. I don’t know what happened. 62cm seems to be tops these days. My tall riding buddies have long seat posts.
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