Originally Posted by 70sSanO

It has been more decades than I can remember since nice I had a Schwinn Varsity. But here is something to think about. Does your rear derailleur has enough travel, and are the pivots tight enough for cogs that are spaced closer together?

You can kind of check derailleur travel by attaching it to the frame, backing out the limit screws, and moving the derailleur by hand to measure the distance it moves.

Personally, I would ask this sub-forum for period correct rear derailleurs that will work with 7 or 8 speed cassette width. It would be cool to run an old Suntour, (Campy if you want to spend the money) or other RD with the bike.

John