Cyclocross - Made a Fixed/SingleSpeed Varsity--good for SS CX?

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murphini
08-06-08, 01:56 PM
I'm a newbie to Cyclocross. Watchted the National Championships here in Kansas City last year. What a blast. I'm a 45 year old lapsed Cat5 roadie, I do mostly group rides now and I commute about 1x per week. I average about 200miles/month in riding.

Last year I converted a 1976 Schwinn Varsity to a Fixed Gear/Single Speed.
http://http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=233051891/PictureID=5288865733/a=14551203_14551203/t_=14551203
It went from 43# to 29#. Put 700c wheels on it, kept both front/back brake. Chopped/flopped the handlebars so like bullhorns now. I ride more miles on my Specialized Tarmac pro, but I ride my fixed gear more often, and really like the simplicity of the fixed/single speed.

Question:
If I want to try a race Single Speed division for Cyclocross this fall/winter, would the Varsity on the Single Speed side be functional?

I'd put CX tires on it
Current setup for the single speed is 39/16 (or 17?) Fixed is 39/15.
I know it's heavy, but would it really make that much difference for a short novice race?


justinb
08-06-08, 02:15 PM
Your bullhorns may not be allowed in a mass-start race. Other than that, go for it, and wish for a lighter bike on the last few barrier sets. :thumb:

one1speed
08-06-08, 02:34 PM
agree with the other poster. i do wonder how tough it would be to swap bars, you could even use a flat bar. you'll note the weight, but if you are just looking to try it, you could get some style points.

your post reminded me of the varsity deluxe i had back in the 70s, thought that was pretty cool at the time.


jfmckenna
08-07-08, 09:03 AM
you might not be able to use the flat bar at Nat's but the bull horns will not be allowed for any race. Otherwise it will make a fine bike to race indeed IMHO.

BTW I still have nightmares about KC Nat's last year. I froze my arse off ;)

Bee Job
08-07-08, 09:06 AM
Heres mine with a flat bar: 1973 Schwinn Continental

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l192/mikeforesta/1aa1973SchwinnContinental.jpg