Classic & Vintage - Of Schwinn Varsities and Yacht Anchors

So, I've posted a "For Trade" ad here offering a Schwinn Varsity (shameless promotion). No bites in two days. I'm thinking of moving it to the "Pay it Forward" thread elsewhere on the forums.

I thought I was doing a noble thing by saving it from a dumpster, but it seems this bike is an albatross in the cycling world. What happened to all the sentimental fools who had these as kids and want to rekindle lost innocence (or is that just it - it would take naivete to ride a Varsity again?)

What is it with this bike? I think what captivates people about it is the place it occupies in cycling history, but they would rather the bike itself be history.

One thing's for sure: I've been tinkering with it a bit, and the thing is rock solid. Also heavier than most rocks.

What happened to all the sentimental fools who had these as kids and want to rekindle lost innocence

This sentimental fool already got his several years ago. ;)

the cost of shiping is more than its worth

JYB,

I don't need it, I don't have room for it... but you are fairly close, and I it does draw my interest... I have spent a couple of days trying to tell myself I'm not interested, but alas, I find that I am. 22" is my size. I like Schwinns... It wouldn't be my heaviest bike, my Corvette has that role, but I have a problem with my own weight, so I can't discriminate against bikes because they are too heavy.

I got rid of a Suburban last year, and I have been regretting it. I even have a set of 27" alloy wheels that should bolt right on... and even a Campagnolo FD for it, after I add the cable guides under the BB, which I also have. :) Heck, I don't know, but I might actually still have the fenders off the suburban, in blue, that would probably fit... unless I got rid of them. I may even install a triple chain ring I have for an ashtabula crank.

What bikes do you have that I might be able to find a part for that you would be interested in? I guess I could offer you a dinged up non-indexed Shimano 600 RD (early, but not Arabesque). Or I have a NOS Positron II RD if you want indexed. I guess I could even be talked out of a Shimano 600 SIS 6 speed RD. :D Any interest in 1989 Shimano 600 pedals? I have a pair with clips and straps.

Maybe some old handlebars and/or brakes and/or derailleurs from late 1970's or early 1980's Varsinentals... but I suspect since you are trading away this bike, they may not be your cup of tea.

Any interest in an old Motobecane Mixte frame?

It's too small based on your sig, but I do have a 1989 Cannondale touring bike frame with a slightly tweaked rear triangle (56 CM) I wanted it to be my first road bike of this decade, but got discouraged when I discovered the alignment issue... it is ridable, but would be best with narrow tires... not the 27 X 1&1/4 I was going to run on it. My quess is even moving to 27 X 1&1/8 would be enough to give the clearance it needs...

I also have some other miscellaneous cheap parts I could look through.

Or, if you just want to find it a nice home and pay it forward, I can do that too... Let me know if you're interested in any of my stuff... because in spite of trying to resist, I am interested in yours. :)

... Darwin

PS - It is a noble act to rescue a bike... no matter what happens, you gave it a little time, a little reason to hope, and maybe a new home... :D

I don't need it, I don't have room for it... but you are fairly close, and I it does draw my interest... I have spent a couple of days trying to tell myself I'm not interested, but alas, I find that I am.

You've restored my faith in these boards! I require no more than a good home for the bike, and you appear an excellently qualified candidate. It's not that I wouldn't try to get the bike operational myself, but even the minimal cost of tires, tubes, cables and housing would cut into the meager budget I am hoping to use on a slightly lighter vintage road/touring bike.

In fact, I've may have found the right bike for me in the Allentown, PA area. I was thinking I could drop the Varsity off to you on my circuitous route there.

If you still have any doubts, I'm willing to take more photos, perhaps in softer light, to lure you. I wiped her frame down a bit, and she's beginning to take on a shine!

You can surely drop it off... Or in exchange for the Varsity, I could pick up the bike in Allentown if you get it and drive it to NJ. Or maybe meet you in Allentown or elsewhere unless you will be coming right through the Scranton Wilkes-Barre area. Or I could drive to New Jersey just to pick it up...

Are you getting the sense that I am flexible on this? ;)

Someone should preserve these bikes, others will be used as lobster trap moorings.

What is it with this bike?


I would have given my left pinkie for this bike when I was in 7th grade. And my right one, also, if I could have had a Continental.

Of course, I would not be caught dead on one today... :D

Someone should preserve these bikes, others will be used as lobster trap moorings.

I wonder, is there any validity to these aspersions cast on the poor Varsinentals? Does anyone have empirical evidence of these bikes being used as anchors for small watercraft or lobster traps? Or better yet, crime scene photos?

I murder people with the frame from a Varsity I found abandoned. I'm hoping to be called "the electroforged killer".

Many of you have heard my Varsity story. For a few months in 1995, I commuted on an early 1970s Varsity. The size, 22", was perfect, as was the price (free). I installed aluminum rims, a 6-speed freewheel, SunTour downtube levers, and toeclips, and rode it up a 12 percent grade every workday morning, where I happily passed another commuter. However, after he replaced his beater mountain bike with a Specialized Epic and continued to build strength, I found I could no longer quite keep up with him. A coworker had given me a circa-1974 Peugeot UO-8, on which I installed aluminum rims and cranks. Four years after taking over for the Varsity, the Peugeot's right chainstay cracked; I'll bet the Varsity's frame would have held up. :)

... I'll bet the Varsity's frame would have held up. :)

Not necessarily, I have cracked two both at the seat stay top junction, one a Sting Ray and the other a Racer.

Was chasing a guy on a Raleigh International on the way to middle school both times, he was so mad that a guy on a "pedestrian" bike could stay on his wheel, little did he know I knew how to ride in a pace line.

Sold both to pay for various bike parts (after the frames were warranty replaced), one bike became a set of Campagnolo race wheels, the other a Phil Wood Bottom Bracket.

I ride my 73 yellow Continental daily. It is stock except for the no-brand alum. rims. I have $100 into it inculding the price, new rims, new tires and tubes. Fun to ride, very solid on the road. A new Schwinn Continental in 1973 ran around $125. Today a good road bike is in the 700 to $1000 range and up.
I paid $20 for my Continental from a second hand shop and $8 for a blue 1980 Traveler still rides with it's steel rims.

It's odd what people will value/not value at any given time.
Hopefully, if we have a bike that we can't sell or barter, perhaps we should give it away to someone
who will use it and use it out of necessity. I was waiting to get off the Metra commuter train yesterday;
next to me was a guy with a beater Schwinn connie. Checking out his ride, I realized he had no brake pads on the front or rear arches-yet, he was still using it to get around. Wanted to say:"hey-wait here! I'll run home and get some brake pads and install them so you don't have to do the
Fred Flintsone thing!" And in the rain, no less.

I wonder, is there any validity to these aspersions cast on the poor Varsinentals? Does anyone have empirical evidence of these bikes being used as anchors for small watercraft or lobster traps? Or better yet, crime scene photos?
While there is lots of talk about how heavy this family of Schwinns are, the weight factor is not all in the frame. When I restored my '66 Collegiate this summer and stripped everything apart, I was amazed at the weight in the one piece crankset. The crankset, chainring, and the steel wheels, combined, weigh more than the frame (minus the fork).

I can't wait to tear apart my '71 Varsity this winter. Rescued it from the dump. First year for a Varsity in Kool Lemon. I plan to have a little fun with it.;)

Bob,

I've always valued Varsities and Continentals for what they are: perfectly respectable and practically indestructable entry level "lightweight" bikes that introduced a couple of generations of young adults to the pleasures and health benefits of cycling. As a youngster, I watched them being built at the Chicago factory, sparks flying everywhere.

In the late seventies, some of my co-workers who commuted by bike to work started making disparaging cracks about "Schwinn tanks" and "boat anchors", but the lug framed imports they were riding were just as heavy and were ripe for the scrap heap after two or three years, while the electro-forged Schwinns just kept going.

They've gotten a bad rep that they don't deserve.

I saw your post and was sorely tempted.. but going back to school for a second degree has left me with little money and less time for the next few years :(

Here in the flatlands of northern Ohio, you only notice the Schwinn's weight when you are lifting it onto the bike carrier. On the road, the electorforged frame is like riding in Grandpa's old Buick.

I've read this entire thread and find it incredible that Schwinn Varsity bikes in working or semi-working condition are being thrown out. Last week I picked up a beater Columbia Calais 10 speed at a yard sale. These bikes were low lever with turned down bars and chromed steel 26" wheels. At about 35lbs, they are about as heavy as a Varsity or Continental. I had picked up a ladies version of the Calais earlier for parts. So I combined the two and came up with one men's version that I posted on Craigslist for $25. I could have sold a half dozen at that price based on the e-mail response I recieved. I would rate the Columbia way below a Schwinn Varsity. My guess is a Varsity in good working condition would bring about $40, maybe more. I'll gladly pick-up any used Varsity bikes in my neighborhood, but I doubt that anyone is giving one away.

So, I've posted a "For Trade" ad here offering a Schwinn Varsity (shameless promotion). No bites in two days. I'm thinking of moving it to the "Pay it Forward" thread elsewhere on the forums.

I thought I was doing a noble thing by saving it from a dumpster, but it seems this bike is an albatross in the cycling world. What happened to all the sentimental fools who had these as kids and want to rekindle lost innocence (or is that just it - it would take naivete to ride a Varsity again?)

What is it with this bike? I think what captivates people about it is the place it occupies in cycling history, but they would rather the bike itself be history.

One thing's for sure: I've been tinkering with it a bit, and the thing is rock solid. Also heavier than most rocks.

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/nopics.gif

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/nopics.gif

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3035893&postcount=398

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/dissident75/varsity_full.jpg

I always wanted a Varsity or a Continental but back in '73 all I could afford was a World Traveler. If I ever come across a Varsity or Connie with a big enough frame (I'm 6-3), I will gladly pick it up. I viewed the lugged frames as ugly in comparison the the electro-forged Schwinns. Of course, there was nothing beautiful or artistic in the lugs of the World Traveler. The Chicago Schwinns were beautiful, swoopy, orgranic. I'd love to have one. Burgundy, please.

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/nopics.gif
And my '71 :D Kool :) Lemon!

I always wanted a Varsity or a Continental but back in '73 all I could afford was a World Traveler.

In 1973 I rode an old midle weight with no badge, put together with pieces I could scavenge. It lasted me until I graduated high school in 1975. I too would have loved a Varsity or Continental, or World Traveler. :)

My first 10 speed was in 1979 or so, it was a Schwinn LeTour IV purchased in Oceanside CA.

After looking several times to the details of the Varsity in each picture I cannot see any difference between the Varsity and the Continental. Please can the experts explain me the difference between the Varsity and the Continental?

After looking several times to the details of the Varsity in each picture I cannot see any difference between the Varsity and the Continental. Please can the experts explain me the difference between the Varsity and the Continental?

I am not an expert, and I think it varied by year, but the Continental had a few better components.

In 1979 for example, QR front wheel, and Center Pull brakes on the Continental II...

http://www.geocities.com/sldatabook/detail7579.html#1979

Please can the experts explain me the difference between the Varsity and the Continental?
Frames were basically the same. The Continental had better components, bars, seatpost, saddle, DRs, etc. A good way to understand the differences is to consult Bob Hufford's and Eric Aimlee's SLDB. This is the page for 1966. I have the Collegiate at the entry level and the Paramount P-13 at the top level. Click here:http://www.geocities.com/sldatabook/detail6569.html#1966 (http://www.geocities.com/sldatabook/detail6569.html#1966)

EDIT: OPPS! Looks as if Darwin and I are on nearly the same page!

The decals, silly!! lol!! JK man. My 71 Continental which I picked up at Salvation Army for $10. It cleaned up very well, and I love the sierra brown!! Yes it is heavy, I am thinking some aluminum rims will lighten it up. Maybe a set of three piece shimano cranks I have too.,,,,BD:eek:

Sorry that first pic looked like azz, lol


http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n267/Kustombyker/wwconti2.jpg

Dammit, I keep forgetting to put the British bars back on it. It's difficult to find SB bar tape though:-(,,,,BD

Dammit. I wish I'd never read this thread. This really was the bike I wanted when I was in high school. I'm going to keep my eyes open at the thrift store for a 26 inch Varsinental if only to strip it down and hot-rod it. I will become that a-hole who passes you on your $3500 titanium posercycle.

Damn you! Damn you all to h*ll!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&item=150031178181&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The right size, the right color, it's local, and the auction will end before my desire to acquire one of these passes.

Damn you! Damn you all to h*ll!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&item=150031178181&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The right size, the right color, it's local, and the auction will end before my desire to acquire one of these passes.

If you're lucky you can even get into a short bidding war for it!

:D

JYB's Varsity will soon have a new home, and to be honest, one of the LAST things I need right now is another bike, but it will be loved, and consume what little time I have!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3035893&postcount=398

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/dissident75/varsity_full.jpg
I'll take it off your hands! I have nothing to trade for it..other than the need of having a road bike. You could rest assured it would be taken care of and not be a dust collector in the garage.

How much to ship it to Chicago?

Pfft! Come to think of it...I know Trenton, New Jersey is just a 9 hour drive...I'd consider picking it up myself and making a road trip out of it.

If you were serious about paying it forward...let me know...I got alot of room...

If you were serious about paying it forward...let me know...I got alot of room...

It's found a home with Little Darwin (see above). Although, I must say, your willingness to drive 9 hours does demonstrate impressive dedication to the bike.

But this gives me an idea: perhaps the bike can be "paid-forward" clear across the contininent, passed (or better yet ridden) from one BFer to another, with the requirement being that at each stop, there be an upgrade made, or an improvement of some kind, approved by a committee vote. Perhaps Schwinn would sponsor this.

I better end this and start my training. 85 miles on a Varsity with a flat and no front derailer. It oughta be a challenge.

It's found a home with Little Darwin (see above). Although, I must say, your willingness to drive 9 hours does demonstrate impressive dedication to the bike.

But this gives me an idea: perhaps the bike can be "payed-forward" clear across the contininent, passed (or better yet ridden) from one BFer to another, with the requirement being that at each stop, there be an upgrade made, or an improvement of some kind, approved by a committee vote. Perhaps Schwinn would sponsor this.

I better end this and start my training. 85 miles on a Varsity with a flat and no front derailer. It oughta be a challenge.
Its alright...one day, the bike gods will allow me to own a suitable road bike! :D

I like your idea...maybe I'll get lucky and LittleDarwin will get bored with it or feel like its a curse to his life or something.;) (I am just kidding...I would wish that on no one...I hope he gets much enjoyment out of it)

As a couple others have said, Varsities were hot in the early seventies. I had a '72. At the time you had to be put on a waiting list at both OKC dealers to get one.

SB

JunkYardBIke, that is one hot looking Varsity. I'm glad Little Darwin will be able to use it. That bike deserves to be saved.

Damn you! Damn you all to h*ll!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&item=150031178181&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The right size, the right color, it's local, and the auction will end before my desire to acquire one of these passes.

You're in Minnesota? Take a trip to Minneapolis and visit One on One Studio and the Sibley Depot. Both have junkyards =full= of EF Schwinns. Take your pick. Sibley might even =give= you one.

Just for the heck of it, if and when one of you guys with a Varsity or Continental has everything off of the frameset for a repaint, how about weighing just the frame and fork and posting the weight?

The idea that the one piece Ashtabula cranks, steel wheels, steel stems and bars, etc., may bear much of the responsibility for the reputation of these bikes as "tanks" has me wondering just how much the frame and fork contributes to that reputation.

Just for the heck of it, if and when one of you guys with a Varsity or Continental has everything off of the frameset for a repaint, how about weighing just the frame and fork and posting the weight?

The idea that the one piece Ashtabula cranks, steel wheels, steel stems and bars, etc., may bear much of the responsibility for the reputation of these bikes as "tanks" has me wondering just how much the frame and fork contributes to that reputation.

I'll bet with better "old school components", you could get a sub 25# varsity. Edit; that includes a different fork.

You're in Minnesota? Take a trip to Minneapolis and visit One on One Studio and the Sibley Depot. Both have junkyards =full= of EF Schwinns. Take your pick. Sibley might even =give= you one.

I might just do that instead....

I'll bet with better "old school components", you could get a sub 25# varsity. Edit; that includes a different fork.

I'm very skeptical. Maybe if you got a really =small= one and used a carbon fork and 20mm tires... naah.

I might just do that instead....

I got my Japanese Bianchi frame at Sibley for $10. There's no reason to pay ridiculous prices on ebay when these things are sitting around begging for a home.

Too many glam photos of paramounts, not enough of pedestrian Schwinns:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/dissident75/headbadge.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/dissident75/shift_lever_crop.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/dissident75/decal.jpg

Just for the heck of it, if and when one of you guys with a Varsity or Continental has everything off of the frameset for a repaint, how about weighing just the frame and fork and posting the weight?

The idea that the one piece Ashtabula cranks, steel wheels, steel stems and bars, etc., may bear much of the responsibility for the reputation of these bikes as "tanks" has me wondering just how much the frame and fork contributes to that reputation.
Stan,

I'll weigh my '71 Varsity this winter when I restore it. I wish I had thought to do so when the Collegiate was in pieces. I was watching the TdF while I was working on it and was distracted by Landis. The fork might have weighed as much as the frame. :eek: When I work on the Varsity I might need your guidance in how you touched up the paint on your Kool Lemon Paramount. But this can all wait until January.

Just for the heck of it, if and when one of you guys with a Varsity or Continental has everything off of the frameset for a repaint, how about weighing just the frame and fork and posting the weight?

The idea that the one piece Ashtabula cranks, steel wheels, steel stems and bars, etc., may bear much of the responsibility for the reputation of these bikes as "tanks" has me wondering just how much the frame and fork contributes to that reputation.

Well, I got that frame on eBay. There WAS a bidding war for it but old age and treachery won out over youth and skill. I waited until less than 30 seconds were remaining and picked it up for $11. Better luck next time, mllander and and chavanne12345!

I'll pick the frame up Saturday evening. The guy lives only about 10 miles from me. I'll weigh it and report back before hanging anything on it. Also I'll be scoping out those two junkyards and the thrift stores for the ever-present but inexpensive girl's Varsity as a donor.

Bob

I'll weigh it and report back before hanging anything on it.
Bob, that'll be great! I just need to safisfy my curiousity; I've been wondering about the weight of those frames for years.


The fork might have weighed as much as the frame. :eek:
I'm sure the fork represents a substantial part of the weight of the frameset, but that forged fork will be straight and true long after we're all gone, no matter how many crashes it's subjected to.


When I work on the Varsity I might need your guidance in how you touched up the paint on your Kool Lemon Paramount.
Bob, I bought a small bottle of Kool Lemon touch-up paint from Pete at Hyper-formance (http://www.hyper-formance.com/paints.htm). The secret - if you can call it that - is to use 400 wet-or-dry to get the frame down to bare metal in the touch-up area, then apply the touch-up paint directly with the bottle-cap brush (I don't use primer on small areas). After the paint has cured, sand the area with progressively finer grit wet-or-dry, finishing up with 2000 grit (available at auto repair body and paint supply houses) to eliminate any surface ridges and get the old and new paints level. Finish it off with a little rubbing compound. It takes a little patience, but when you're through, the touched up areas are hard to spot from a foot away.

I'll bet with better "old school components", you could get a sub 25# varsity. Edit; that includes a different fork.

My "before" varsity weighed 43 poounds. My "after" varsity weighs 29 pounds. I'm sure you could shave another pound or two off it but getting below 25 might be tough.

Here is a pic.

My "before" varsity weighed 43 poounds. My "after" varsity weighs 29 pounds. I'm sure you could shave another pound or two off it but getting below 25 might be tough.

Here is a pic.
Wow! You managed to shave fourteen pounds off of that baby! I've been thinking that a Varsity or Continental would make a nice single speed, and you've shown the way.

What kind of fork did you use?

A good use for old Schwinn bikes:

there is a fellow in my town who cleans and does some light fixing on found Schwinns (3-5-10 speeds), as well as other similar models/Makes (Firenze, Huffy, stuff like that) and does a tidy bizness selling to University Students, usually selling for $45-85 a pop. Studenst like them cause they are *rarely* stolen due to their rusty, non-glamorous appearance. Better than ending up in the recycle heap