mrtidy

Okay, maybe not so crazy. Before you try to talk me out of it, it's too late, I've already done it.
I got back into bikes about a year ago and spent a lot of money upgrading a Raleigh Grand Prix, which , while not cost effective, was a lot of fun. Then I purchased a nice Raleigh Competition GS and spent too much upgrading it also. The much bigger Competition made me realize the Grand Prix was too small, so I removed all the expensive goodies and sold it for a $10 loss.
This spring we had a really nice classic bike show in Ann Arbor Michigan. They had a ton of Schwinn Varsity's in a range of conditions. I know the Varsity has a lot of detractors (and fans too!) but I always wanted one. So by the end of the show, the dealers were practically giving them away. I bought a 1974 with a really nice original paint job for $30 bucks. The tires were bad,the chrome wheels were a little rusty and the original speedometer didn't work, (so maybe it wasn't the greatest deal ever!), but it looked nice and I figured I'd be replacing the wheels.
Instead I shined up the wheels (they look great now) - Free
Replaced seat with Brooks from Grand Prix - Free
Added Fenders from Velo-Orange - $55
Replaced tires with tires from Grand Prix - Free
added water bottle from dollar store - $1 (cage already there)
added lights and bell from Grand Prix - Free

I LOVE this bike! It seems a hundred time heavier than my Raleigh Competition, but we have no hills here in Michigan, so once I'm rolling I don't notice the weight.
I'm keeping the heavy steel wheels, they are true, and look good. I don't ride much in the rain, but the brakes work "okay" when wet. I'll be careful!


Here it is with it's older brother... Speedy!

avmech

Very nice! I had a Varsity way back when, great bike, green too

jeepr

I personally think they ride great. Nothing like sporting a tank around town. It looks wonderful.