I_Lind

Schwinn Varsity Road bike


Hello everyone:

I'm seeking advice on a Schwinn Varsity Road bike that I found on craigslist but am not sure if it is worth the money that the seller is offering (actually the seller offered to knock down the price to $70 instead of $100). I am looking to commute to school and tour around town with it. Please advise and thank you in advance:]


Here is the picture:

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/2555328055.html

Soma Roark

$70? A definite yes for me IF 1.)it fits you 2.)overall functional 3.)frame is solid (no rusts and beyond)... esp in SD. Aesthetically loving the green with white lettering, and a good bike to learn to wrench on.

Beach Comber

It is a small bike. Probably good for someone around 5' to 5'3".

Couple of other things to keep in mind. Its an older bike, and may very well need new tires, tubes, rim strips, and brake pads. It also might need cable adjustments and the bearings re-greased. All in all, it could cost you another $100+ at the bike shop before you can feel safe riding. Unless you feel you can do all the work yourself.

Varsities are tanks - heavy tanks. You probably won't win any races, but once you have put the money into any repairs, it should be very reliable.

Soma Roark

O and check if you can adjust the seatpost and stem, and make sure that they're not stuck, unless it fits you then try to knock off another $20 =P Still a deal I think! I am picturing what it CAN look like...mmm...yum

To others, it says the wheels are 24"... is it easy to find tires/tubes in that size?

I_Lind

Thank you for the feedbacks, much is appreciated:] Thanks Soma, those are a few factors that will help me:] I'm 5'2 and figured that it will fit me. I'll check it out first and see if everything is in working order and what. Beach comber is right on the repairs and replace and that's what I'm sorta afraid of.

Soma Roark

Depending on where you live, there are bike co-ops or kitchens that offer next to free help and repair stands. Some schools and colleges may have them too. Good way to learn and keep the costs down. Let us know how it turns out and if we can help.

edit: duh you're in SD ok, i found this... https://www.bikesdelpueblosd.blogspot.com/ ... but with such a big cycling community there must be more...

I_Lind

VERY helpful:] THANK YOU !

monsterpile

I had one of these 24" bikes in a different color that came out of a barn. It was great and it sold pretty quick. The seller seems to be a flipper so it may be in ready to ride condition. If thats the case $70 is pretty reasonable. I would say its more unique than rare, but the 24" size road bikes seem so fun.

sailorbenjamin

They're out there but you can also convert to skinny tires on 26"MTB rims. The rim diameter is almost the same.

I_Lind

SOMA I'll keep that in mind and will update you when I go check out the bike tomorrow morning:]