Fix your brakes. Change your rims to alloy (helps a lot). Mend your dangerous riding habits. Take the good pastor's words of advice to heart. In the nearly 3 years he's been posting here, this is the first time I've heard him admonish someone - it isn't like he's a grouchy old fellow who likes to scold kids.

p.s. - welcome to our little corner of Bike Forums. We await pictures of your Varsity.