Old Schwinn Varsity
03-31-11, 02:31 AM
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Old Schwinn Varsity
hi all, first post here. I apologize if i'm in the wrong forum, there are so many subforums...
anyhow i'm interested in getting into the road bike world and happen to come upon this CL ad, and wanted some of your input.
https://pullman.craigslist.org/bik/2295788055.html
First, is it worth the current price? how much would replacing the tires and wheels cost? I'm aware that there are crazy expensive wheels out there, what would the standard run of the mill replacement tires/wheels cost? The University has a bike shop here and I would love to be able to work on the bike myself. I'm in the process of arranging a meeting to check out the bike.
Should I be looking for anything specifically?
I'm not sure its ridable so how can I check that the gearing and shifting works?
How much rust is a problem?
Would this be an ok platform to possibly upgrade later?
I have been thinking about getting a road bike for over 3 years now, so I appreciate any help you all can offer.
anyhow i'm interested in getting into the road bike world and happen to come upon this CL ad, and wanted some of your input.
https://pullman.craigslist.org/bik/2295788055.html
First, is it worth the current price? how much would replacing the tires and wheels cost? I'm aware that there are crazy expensive wheels out there, what would the standard run of the mill replacement tires/wheels cost? The University has a bike shop here and I would love to be able to work on the bike myself. I'm in the process of arranging a meeting to check out the bike.
Should I be looking for anything specifically?
I'm not sure its ridable so how can I check that the gearing and shifting works?
How much rust is a problem?
Would this be an ok platform to possibly upgrade later?
I have been thinking about getting a road bike for over 3 years now, so I appreciate any help you all can offer.
03-31-11, 05:31 AM
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I'd say $60.00 might be a bit high but it really depends on the condition of the parts that are there, if the paint and chrome are good then $60.00 is about as high as I'd go.
Odds are the wheels are fine but heavy, tires can be had for as little as $10.00 each if you go cheap but the big question is who will do the work? If you have to pay someone to do it you might spend quite a bit getting it rideable.
It could certainly be upgraded but no matter what you do the frame is still going to be quite heavy, on the plus side those old Schwinn frames are bulletproof so they really last forever.
Odds are the wheels are fine but heavy, tires can be had for as little as $10.00 each if you go cheap but the big question is who will do the work? If you have to pay someone to do it you might spend quite a bit getting it rideable.
It could certainly be upgraded but no matter what you do the frame is still going to be quite heavy, on the plus side those old Schwinn frames are bulletproof so they really last forever.
03-31-11, 05:45 AM
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How serious are you about road biking? If you plan on doing some long rides with groups, the Varsity is not the best choice. They are well made bikes, but are very heavy. If it is just for riding around campus it will be fine. Buy it for $40, change the tires tubes and brake pads for $40 and you will have a great American made bike. But I would not take it on too many rides over 15 to 20 miles.
Looking at your Craigslist there is not much in the lower end. For a campus bike and longer rides this Schwinn CrissCross would be my choice. Much lighter,more gears and since it is newer you may not need to replace as much.
https://pullman.craigslist.org/bik/2276430780.html
Again, it depends onthe type of riding you plan to do.
Looking at your Craigslist there is not much in the lower end. For a campus bike and longer rides this Schwinn CrissCross would be my choice. Much lighter,more gears and since it is newer you may not need to replace as much.
https://pullman.craigslist.org/bik/2276430780.html
Again, it depends onthe type of riding you plan to do.
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