ya a battery one for a backup and maybe an extra bulb or 2 sure isint a bad idea. im thinking about getting a full dynamo setup for my mountain bike as batterys just never last long enough especially in the colder weather that is approaching.
for my old bikes i prefer to keep them period correct if i can, i know a schwinn varsity is frowned upon in the bike world but theres something special about the one i have. it looks rather nice draped in chrome period correct fenders and the fact it has the same speedometer and headlamp that were put on it when it was purchassed new in 1973. its in the same condition now as when i bought it off its original owner and is in overall amazing condition. its been garage kept, and routinely maintained through the years. the only real rust anywhere on the bike is the headlamp, the low quality chrome that came on it is rusting and flaking in places.

the bike still had all its original bike insurance, aaa , and saftey course and inpection clip in wheel decoration that it has picked up over the years.

and well the fact its by far the heavyest bike i have ever tryed to pick up, it is a varsity afterall haha. think it weighs in at around 46 pounds it was heavier then a tandem beach cruiser whos owners thought it was the heaviest bike ever made . now that i have added the fenders and leather springback seat .

not the best bike but it has an undeniable character.