jmraspa

Hi everyone! I'm building up an old '72 Schwinn Varsity with my sister for when she goes to college as a graduation gift. I've got most of the parts down, but the one thing that is still confusing me is the headset size. Unfortunately, I do not have the original cups and bits, which I would have otherwise reused.

Sheldon's explanation makes it seem as though I have to buy two or three different headsets, then mix up the parts so that everything fits. Do I need to do this, or can I just buy a BMX 1" threaded headset? Or a standard 1" threaded headset?

Help please. I am totally confused by all these silly Schwinn anomalies!

oldbobcat

If you aren't sure a standard 1" headset won't work, try one. Older shops will often have used and NOS ones lying around. Schlep the frame and fork. If the threads work on the fork and the head races look like they will go into the head tube with some force, you have a winner.

EatMyA**

me too I also need help with these things. MY problem is headset cups and Bottombracket cup sizes.

jmraspa

I think that my real problem is the cups. Apparently, the diameter on them is very large. I was more curious if anyone had a similar experience with not having original cups, and succeeded in fitting a standard sized headset on.

I'm actually planning on converting the bottom bracket to a standard English sized bottom bracket. Truvativ makes a BB adapter that bolts into the BB, and then has threads on either side for a cup/cone or cartridge BB to be installed.

Honestly, I just don't want to be messing about with one piece cranks. For me, they never seem to be adjusted quite right like regular BBs.

EatMyA**

Ok WOW! Ok I am searching right now. thanks man. truvativ hu?

jmraspa

Here's a link...

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=2634

Hope that helps!

pastorbobnlnh 

jmraspa,

The old Schwinns used a headset size that was eventually adopted by the original BMX crowd. They are 1" headsets but have different dimensions. If you can find what is commonly refered to as "OLD SCHOOL BMX" sized headset, it will work. But they can be expensive.

I used this Chris King on a Super Sport. It was overkill at $100+ but the bike had a new paint job and lots of nice pieces on it, so was worth the investment. It would be extreem on a Varsity.

Try typing "Schwinn Headset" in the search engine at ebay. You'll find plenty. The ones for the Krates and Stingrays will work.

gr23932

Wow! That leather bar tape looks awesome! Is it from Velo-orange? I'm think of getting the white ones but afraid they'll get dirty super quick.

pastorbobnlnh 

Velo Orange is the place.

jmraspa

That is exactly what I needed to hear! I did some reading of spec sheets last night, and saw that BMX headsets had the same dimensions as the Schwinn ones; it was the outside cup diameter that mattered: 32.7mm.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it, and my sister will too. And of course, your Schwinn looks excellent!

EatMyA**

yes it does you just saved me $7 thank you.

PBR Streetgang

Here's a cheaper BMX headset:

https://www.amazon.com/Tioga-Beartrap...4881820&sr=1-1

stringbreaker

That would be elkhide from Velo Orange. I put some proofide on mine and they matched the honey color Brooks nearly perfectly,now that I have some miles on them they are shining up and getting aged looking very nicely

EatMyA**

Thank you! You guys fixed all my problems. I did not expect this at all.

THANK YOU ALL!

pastorbobnlnh 

The challenge however, is that while it is designated a "BMX" headset, is it an "Old School" sized BMX headset? Newer BMX headsets, while using the 1" standard, match modern threading, inside diameter, etc. The original BMX size was the same as the Schwinn sizing on all their '60s through early '80s bikes, with the exception of the Paramounts.

I don't believe this headset will work.