Bicycle Mechanics - Modern clipless pedals on a 1982 schwinn varsity?

Hi all,

I finally bought a set of Shimano 520s for my Varsity today. I can't seem to get them on! They just won't screw in, it seems that the crank holes are very slightly smaller than the pedal bolts. Is this true, or am I just out of my mind?

Am I going to have to run toe clips?



I know about the thread being reversed on the left pedal, I am trying to do it backwards.

Is there an adapter or something I can get? Or am I going to be stuck with toe clips?

Low line bikes, particularly those with Ashtabula cranks, had 1/2" pedal threads. Modern and better cranks have 9/16" x 20 tpi pedal threads. I expect that's your problem.

Damn guess I'll have to get some toe clips then, thanks.

you could change the crank out. I got a nashbar brand double for like $40. held up great for ~700 miles.

Or new crankset.

Bikes with one-piece cranks have totally different bottom bracket designs too - much larger, and not threaded. You can get adapters (I assume Sheldon has them) but it's probably not worth it unless the frame is awesome. And while Varsities are nice, they are also very heavy. (I did my first trans-state ride on an old flash-welded Varsity frame that I completely disassembled and beautifully rebuilt when I was 15 years old.) I'd say just use the pedals that are on the bike, and get toeclips.

Hi all,

I finally bought a set of Shimano 520s for my Varsity today. I can't seem to get them on! They just won't screw in, it seems that the crank holes are very slightly smaller than the pedal bolts. Is this true, or am I just out of my mind?

Am I going to have to run toe clips?



I know about the thread being reversed on the left pedal, I am trying to do it backwards.

Is there an adapter or something I can get? Or am I going to be stuck with toe clips?

Yes, there are adaptors. See: http://harriscyclery.com/pedals

Sheldon "We've Got 'Em" Brown

+------------------------------------+
| Experience is a hard teacher, |
| because she gives the test first, |
| the lesson after. -- Vernon Law |
+------------------------------------+

Yes, there are adaptors. See: http://harriscyclery.com/pedals

Sheldon "We've Got 'Em" Brown
Does Grant Peterson know about these things? I'm surprised, with his fixation on narrow "Q" values, he isn't picketing you.

Does Grant Peterson know about these things? I'm surprised, with his fixation on narrow "Q" values, he isn't picketing you.

I'm not sure "Schwinn Varsity" and "Q values" belong in the same thread...

I'm not sure "Schwinn Varsity" and "Q values" belong in the same thread...

Point taken. :)