Originally Posted by
Aubergine
If you really must have a Varsity, you can improve it by replacing the wheels with Aluminum ones. I have an old Schwinn Speedster with aluminum rims (and a triple crank!) that is at least pleasant to ride.
Back in college I had had a nice Raleigh Competition (Lavender! A Carlton-built 531 frame - later stolen - sob) with a nice setup of wheels, and my friend Gary had a Varsity with aftermarket aluminum wheels. We went out to ride and went about 60 miles. Five miles outside of town he said "I'm sprinting in: anyone wanna come?". In short, he kicked my tushie with that alloy-wheeled Varsity.
That said, I have a Superb and its head and shoulders above the Varsity. Trust me, I worked in a bike shop in the 70s and set up 100s of Schwinns. A Le Tour or Superb will come with the aluminum wheels and will give you an even nicer ride that the Varsity.
But hey, if you like the Varsity ride, go for it!