Originally Posted by
waphz
I'm currently riding a Schwinn Deluxe Varsity, but I want to get a lighter frame. I want to build up the frame with brand new parts. My frame budget is around $120. I ride a 53 cm frame. I want to know what model of frame would you recommend for me? Also where would I buy the frame at?
Since a Varsity weighs approximately 44 pounds, complete, which is a pound more than a relatively low-tech 1980s entry-level Santana tandem weighs, the good news is that just about everything else will be lighter than a Varsity frameset.
I would agree with much of the good advice already posted here, and also say that a complete bike might be your best bet. If you are budgeting perhaps $250-350 for the entire bike, there are often quite a few good buys in that price range. Make sure that whatever you do, you get a bike that fits you properly. Proper fit is about 80% of the battle, so to speak....