Varsity headset/fork/ step help
 

Hi,

I've recently acquired my dad's old schwinn varsity from when he was a youngin' and decided revamp it. I know a varsity isn't exactly the best bike to spend money on but I kind of want to keep it and remake it as a tribute to my dad. Anyways, amongst other things to shed some weight off of the bike, I wanted to replace the fork/ stem as both a considerably heavy for what they are. I wanted to replace the odd sized 21.15 quill stem with something more modern (22.2) like a nitto technomic and the fork with something like the link down below. Now the trouble is the headset. I've been researching and noticed that the only type of headset I would be able to use is a bmx headset due to the 32.7mm sized headtube. My question is would any type of bmx headset work for this type of setup assuming the frame cup outside diameter is 32.7mm? Would the fork/ stem combo work on the varsity?

Thanks


Fork
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_6608wt_992

anyone?

Use a different bike. It can be done but there is no way to do it cheaply. You are still going to end up with a very heavy bike. If you are only looking to use aluminum use the stem, handle bars and fork off a Continental and they will save some weight and bolt in. Roger

Yes, that's the right thought on the headset, I've used many BMX headsets on Schwinn lightweights. You can use the stock Varsity headset and replace the top nut with a 1" headset top nut that's 22.2 instead of .833 (or ream/dremel the stock nut). The fork you picked is a common replacement over on the Schwinn forum, it'll work fine. Niagra Cycles on Amazon might have a better price. Best weight loss will be the rims, they weigh a ton. 700C wheels will fit, you might have to file the brake calipers a little bit to make it work.

I think it's a nice idea to use your Dad's old bike. Great reuse and those old Schwinns ride nice. A few extra pounds is nothing when you're young, hell, your Dad was able to ride it :)

I have a quill, 100mm, .833 stem that could be polished up listed in C&V:

http://www.jaysmarine.com/833_stem_2.jpg

Just use the stock Schwinn headset, and substitute the locknut if necessary. Might be good to get a Schwinn headset without the domed Varsity/Continental/Super Sport/Sports Tourer/Sport Limited/Superior top raceways if you are subbing the Twin-Stick shifters for stem shifters, brifters, or barcons.

-Kurt

Yes I realize a varsity is heavy but the whole point was to remake my dad's bike from when he was a kid. I have a lot of the parts I already need to lighten the bike; aluminum wheel, 3 piece crank in which I already ordered an adaptor for, and aluminum drops and I have found a few things on ebay for relatively cheap ( found an 21.15 alloy stem off an old SR and the fork I listed) so price shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Thanks for the help! Yea, weight isn't really an issue as I already have a nice roadie that I take around. I just wanted to have a nice project to work on to ride for the summertime and I figured what better than my dad's old summer bike?!