1960s Schwinn Varsity
 

I'm looking to get a daily commuter bike and have a price range of about $200. Went into a local bike shop, and they had what was presented to me as a 1960s Schwinn Varsity in very good condition. The sales guy said he would meet my $200 budget and that this bike was "worth way more" since it was from the 60s when they were still quality made in USA bikes.

I looked around here and saw that 70s models aren't worth nearly that much so wanted to see what I was getting myself into w/ a 60s one.

Is it worth the price here?

increase your budget. buy something modern.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

Well initially, I was hoping for something used but modern within my price range. But then found this....

Unless its in perfect condition, I'd say $200 is more than what its worth. It'll be incredibly heavy and probably not the best for commuting, though its possible. With a budget of $200, I'd just keep checking craigslist like a hawk (depending on the amount of activity of your local craigslist) and pounce on something Japanese from the 80's.

Schwinns enjoy a nostalgia premium, and tend to sell for quite a bit more than better vintage bikes that do not share that premium.

While a Varsity may well bring $200, its one of the heaviest road bikes ever made, has bottom end parts, steel rims, etc.

For the same budget, you should be able to find a bike that is 12 pounds lighter or better, alloy rims, three piece alloy crankset, better components, etc. Learn what makes one bike so much better than another, then pounce when you see a deal.

We talk about affordable bikes that make good commuters all the time, at least once a week. Do a google search of the forum, and you will find endless recommendations, well within your budget.

Would need to see pictures as well as the serial no. (on the RH dropout) in order to assess the condition as well as to determine the model year. A "Sprint" year ('64-'66) Varsity with all original components for example can easily be worth more than $200 depending on condition. However if it is missing original components and has poor paint and decals it might be worth only $50 or less.

Not worth paying $200 unless you are buying from some charitable bike co-op or something...

Check out a couple current CL ads, one is supposedly *mint*(ya I know) and the other has fenders that would poss sell on ebay for the asking price. $45 and $75. They can't unload them, posted many times over the past month or two.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/3897101638.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/3886225676.html

For $200 commuter look for a decent steel frame, like chromolly, and downtube shifters, plenty of 80's road bike's would work well. Much lighter and much better components.

I have a Schwinn Premis I am selling for $139, minus wheels, freewheel, and pedals.
It is soooo much better than the Varsity at $200.
If you can find a set of wheels for $60, and get both from Dayton to you - you're in business.
The frame - however - is 25".

You can probably find better deals on the for sale ads on this forum as well.
I have purchased many Le Tours - including a 12.2, for $100, and put another $100 getting them in perfect riding shape.
Those would make a much better bike. Although I would, and do, stick to the 4130 Cro-mo models.

I will admit that a Varsity can probably be ridden through a brick wall w/o much damage to the frame. (I recently sold a Varsity frame for $15 that weighed more than a complete bike. I knew if I dropped the thing on my foot, there would be no dings in the frame and I would be in a cast. Heck, I may have been able to get more $$ if I took the frame to the metal recyclers.) I would personally choose another way to spend a $200 budget. (For example, my neighbor picked up a nice Continental at a thrift store for $20.) There are loads of better deals for the patient.

A $200. Varsity should be perfect and the right size for you. And then, not as an only bicycle. If you find you enjoy cycling the upgrade path is challenging on it and the "bones" are heavy. Chicago Schwinn's do carry a nostalgia premium though.
I would find out what the local shops are charging for a service, lubing cables, minor wheel truing, cleaning of the chain... Around here in SoCal it runs between $75 to $100. I would build that discount into your budget.

A side note on a Schwinn Premis, I saw one yesterday at a garage sale, looked serviced. Younger woman (way too short for the bike) wanted $300 Stated she had $400 in it and was selling as it was too big. If it did not sell she was going to ebay it. It was a 22" or so frame.
I do not think on ebay is will achieve that. You might look out for it.

Thanks for the note on the Premis. And believe me when I say I revere vintage Schwinns. I used to sell them (when they were not considered vintage - but new), so they have a soft spot in my heart. I did not mean any disrespect to the Varsity. That said...
There is a little difference in markets from So Cal to Dayton Ohio. I honestly wouldn't pay more than $75 for a complete Varsity, or $250 for a pristine Premis.
At a garage sale, I would expect to pay somewhere close to half of the above. I came within a whisper of picking up a complete and almost unridden Univega for $58 last night.

(BTW - I am not really a bike flipper. I like to ride vintage bikes for a while, then send them on their way for no great loss, or no great profit. The bikes I like I keep.)

I saw an orange ridable 1965 varsity with a $95 price tag on it just a few hours ago. Thats like two dollars a pound.........

While I do appreciate the Varsity for what it is/was, there are far better choices out there today. Any lugged steel bike (even hi-ten) from the '70s or '80s with alloy rims and components will be miles ahead in weight, braking, and drivetrain components compared to a Varsity. The only thing it won't have is the bombproof frame factor. But really, if you plan on crashing that hard you probably have more to worry about than your bike. Straight gauge hi-ten or chromoly frames are plenty strong for most riders/conditions.

If you are looking for a short trip commuter a rigid frame MTB from the 80s or 90s can be had cheaper and will make a MUCH better commuter than a Varsity.

I paid $200 for this

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps4bbf2336.jpg

Though better bikes have been scored for less, I'm really happy with it. I would definitely hold out for something from the '80s if you're looking for a commuter bike. I also have a fondness for old cruisers but they're so damn heavy that cruising is about all they're good for, and when you encounter your first real hill you'll be wishing you had spent that money elsewhere.

What is your commute going to be like? Are you simply cruising a few blocks or do you have to travel more than say 5 miles each way? Unless your only doing a few blocks I agree the '60s Schwinn (while overpriced unless pristine) is too heavy and low end for heavy use.

Raising your budget, if possible, will get you a lighter bike suitable for longer commutes and more importantly commutes in bad weather. Unless you commuting more than 5-6 miles look for a decent used mountain or hydrid bike, you can sometimes score a good deal on one.

Lastly where do you live? Lost of members here fix up and resell bikes for fun and little extra money for their own bike habit. Buying from one of these guys will ensure a decent deal and sturdy well functioning bike.

I almost spit my coffee through my nose when I read this. Nice post!

My first road bike was a late 1970s Schwinn Varsity 10-speed (5x2). My sister and I got matching ones from the folks. She still has hers and I got to ride it a bit last summer just for fun. Heavy as heck.