rhenning

I own 3 orange SSs and have seen quite a few Varsities in orange but have only seen one Continental and that is currently on a local Craigs List beyond mine. That doesn't mean there are not hundreds more of them but they don't seem to be in south central WI. Roger

verktyg 

Can't help myself....




verktyg

Chas.

cqlink 

Tempting to reply with a barb but I'll be nice. Guessing you didn't see my previous post.

cqlink 

Can anyone here post a link to a set of headset bearings for a '74 Continental or tell me what size I should look for?

Thanks!

noglider 

You just need 5/32" balls, 25 per race or maybe just 24 each. Better to err on the side of too few than too many.

Metacortex

The Continental that year used the Schwinn "Deluxe" headset, which had bearing retainers with 3/16" balls (lower) and 5/32" balls (upper). You can use loose balls, install new balls in your existing retainers, or get new retainers with balls such as this set on eBay: Schwinn Phantom Autocycle Stingray Bicycle Deluxe Headset Bearings Style A | eBay

You can see an example of a Schwinn Deluxe headset here: 1972 LH SCHWINN VARSITY 1" THREADED HEADSET

cqlink 

Thanks! I have some 3/16" bearings. Merry Christmas!!!

cqlink 

Just pulled the fork and headset. Some of the upper bearings fell out of the retainer. As expected, they were in bad shape. Using a Park template, they appear to be 1/8" (they dont drop through the 1/8 hole on the Park template but are smaller than the 5/32 bearings I have on hand. Do either of you know if I can ditch the retainer and grease up the upper cup/rail real good and use the 5/32 bearings I have?

Metacortex

Yes, as previously mentioned one option is to replace the original ball retainers with loose balls. Note that 1/8" balls were not originally installed, the original upper bearing balls were 5/32".

cqlink 

Thanks again! Hopefully you've been good all year and Santa takes care of you tonight!

3AmigosRacing

After deciding to go after a bucket list event, the Rosarito to Ensenada 50 mile bike ride, in Baja Mexico May 2018 and after shopping new and used road bikes I decided to go old school. I picked up a 1969 Varsity from the original owner, un restored condition. While I prep the bike for the ride I am hoping to gain ideas here and complete the bike as a restomod ride.

The ride is 50 miles on rough roads with one big ass ascent and decent midway. I have 5 hours to finish. I have not rode in 25 years, I am 55 230lbs and 6'1. Looking to make this an annual event in between fun rides here in AZ.

How would you all fit the bike out for the ride, spares and tools, plus some keep it in the spirit of old school rides with a few solid upgrades?

Hudson308 

I'm approximately your age and size (30 lbs lighter) and have been riding regularly for the last five years. I would NOT suggest you use a Varsity for this ride, especially if you haven't been riding long distances. 50 miles in 5 hours is around my typical time, counting stops for fluids going in and out. The first thing you would notice is that your back and neck have changed dramatically in the last 25 years. You'd be sore and miserable after the first 10. If you insist on riding this bike for that ride, do yourself a huge favor and put some riser bars on it. All new grease, cables and maybe a chain would be next on my list. The next step would be a set of aluminum wheels and Kool Stop Continental brake pads. Now bolt on two or three water bottle cages. Then I would start training on it. It may take you all winter to get to riding 50 miles comfortably. Living in the southwest you'll likely be aware that packing lots of liquids and some sunblock are no-brainers. Spares and tools are a good idea, but actually a bit further down the list.

Murray Missile 

62 Yrs. young; 6' 1-1/2" and 225 Lbs. here. I did Narhay's Triple 100 Challenge this year on a '74 Varsity Deluxe (It's here in the C & V Forum). The parameters were pick up and fix a vintage bike for $100 or less and ride it 100 Km in less than 100 days. I accomplished the task but immediately retired the beast to my stationary trainer, it was a definite workout every time I rode it and makes me appreciate my lighter bikes SO much more! Had I not had a $100 limit I would have replaced the steel wheels with aluminum and fit the fattest tires I could on it (700c X 38) and replaced the derailleurs with something a bit newer like a set of SunTour Vx or ARX, I did fit it with a 6 speed freewheel. If the brakes are the same as mine they have enough reach for 700c wheels. At 41 Lbs. mine was no climber but it DID soak up the bumps fairly well, if you'll have much of a climb you might want to fit it with a Shimano 7 speed MegaRange freewheel and an 8 speed chain, they're fairly inexpensive and the extra low gear could come in VERY handy although it would most likely require a rear derailleur change. In addition the ramped teeth on the freewheel for SIS and the narrower chain will make it shift smoother.

This is "Big Bird".......



I don't necessarily agree, I'm doing more and more gravel road riding and I'm finding this setup EXTREMELY comfortable..... much easier on my lower back and neck than riser bars.



I initially did this World Sport for gravel riding and it works equally well. An old Varsity set up like this would probably do nicely.

Hudson308 

I knew I'd get some heat for the riser bar advice.
The suggestion was prompted by his admission that he hasn't ridden in 25 years. I can identify with his desire to jump on a bike like the ones we rode in our teens and go 50 miles, but drop bars are no longer practical for me for that distance. I wish I was still as limber as you apparently are! Another advantage I've found with risers for riding on gravel is leverage. I have no issues with rocks or grooves pulling the bars where I don't want them. I know that many of my fellow C&Vr's wouldn't dream of grinding gravel with anything other than drops, but I have much more confidence going "off trail" with a wide, horizontal hand position.

Gorgeous "bird", by the way!

Classtime 

What a fun goal to do on a classic bike. Lube it up some and if the tires are good , start riding. In between rides, remove the cables and lube them and you will learn how to adjust things when you put them back. You should be able to rebuild the headset and bottom bracket with tools on hand. Im envious. You are gonna have a blast from now through May and beyond. Of course you will be eating smart while you train for your ride and you and the bike will be much lighter and faster.

3AmigosRacing

Bearing, cable and brake prep is the plan, first upgrade will have to be wheels 700 or 27's not sure yet,,I will look into the 700x38 option.. what would be a good tire choice? What would work for flat prevention and ride ability?

Getting back on a bike and putting miles on will be a challenge for sure. I am used to the beach cruiser life,luckily AZ weather will be good to go from now until May and I have a basic training plan that includes increasing mileages each month to peak at 50 miles in April. I appreciate the older body concern. Feel it every day now lol.

I am looking for an increased height and reach stem and a BMX stlye set back seat post to go along with the new wheels and tires as first mods. Hopefully after a month of training rides I will learn more about gear options.

Hudson308 

Good, sounds like you've got a plan of action. Panaracer Pacelas are a good tire at a decent price. Their Tourguard option offers decent flat protection. Wishing you the best, and keep us updated on your fun!

Salamandrine 

Panaracer Paselas are a good for the cost, as are the Panaracer Gravel Kings. 32 (or 1 1/4") is a good compromise width for you size, and would have been standard on the original Varsity. Aluminum rims, new modern tires are the number one priority. Also new brake pads. If you are really going to ride it on long rides, I'd get an Ashtabula BB conversion kit, and install a modernish BB and aluminum cotterless crank to replace the ashtabula. Also get some SPD pedals and shoes. Not purist but way better for longer rides.

Main thing is fitness. Start riding long now. 50 miles are rideable by a generally fit person with no prior training, but it won't be that much fun.

Yeah a Varsity isn't necessarily sensible, but I did rides like that on worse when I was 12. It's doable. Might consider something lighter to start with.

SquidPuppet

It's great that you have a physical training plan. Sounds like you'll be very well prepared.

My 2 cents about the bike itself...

I'm 58 years old and ride a lot. I have a 1977 Varsity and I love it. I did a full blown retro-modern nostalgia passion build. Every component has been replaced with modern spec and aluminum. I converted it to single speed and stripped it of everything that doesn't propel it forward. It still weighs close to thirty pounds. It's great for putting around on. Putting. 25 miles or so. Are you sure you want to ride a Varsity for fifty miles? On thrashed roads? Up a big ass hill? I love old Schwinns. I love long distance rides. I'm just not sure they were meant for one another.

Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun.

9volt 

1960 Schwinn Varsity that I'm working on getting back on the road. It came with cruiser bars, those were swapped out for this alloy SR stem and rando bars. I need some appropriate rat traps and a period correct RD if one turns up.

Murray Missile 

I was running 700c X 47 Continental Kevlar belted Touring tires on the World Sport gravel bike and they performed very well, I ran XLC thorn resistant tubes with them. I'm also very happy with the GEAX Evolutions on the GT but they're kind of hard to find.

First, "The Bird" thanks you. No "heat" intended, I just "kind of" disagree LOL. I have some back issues from time to time and had gone the riser bar route for awhile but the more I ride I find the drop bars becoming more comfortable for longer rides. The GT has a cheap set of 430mm wide bars, plenty of leverage in gravel. I'm also a fan of trekking bars.

3AmigosRacing

I appreciate all the info, ideas and such.. Old VW's and old Schwinns are kinda my thing. I am reading all posts and getting a bike plan together.

SquidPuppet

I had a 58 rag top that I restored back in 1980.

Then, like a genius, I sold it.

3AmigosRacing

yepper know the feeling.

Hudson308 

That '60 is pretty sweet. Does it have the original 4-cog freewheel? Can't quite tell.