murphini

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.

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

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.

one1speed

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

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

Heres mine with a flat bar: 1973 Schwinn Continental