Velo Mule

When I was young, before the "Bike boom" I thought so too. Then weight became the dominate differentiator.

Now, weight doesn't matter as much. The kickstand will go on. And, your right, it is the best kickstand. Bolt on kickstands can loosen, and become twisted when moving the bike backwards and the crank hits it. Not so with the Schwinn built in kickstand. It is a simple elegant design.

At the Schwinn dealership we rarely replaced kickstands or their parts.

Velo Mule

It is 0.998 lbs., 0.45kg, 450 grams. This is the kickstand with the spring, cam, bushings and grease. And of course, a baggie to keep the grease from getting on everything.

dddd

Note that the Schwinn Varsity and Continental kisckstands came in at least two different configurations, the later ones having a different angle and length.
This might result in a heavier weight for later versions.

noglider 

Damn, that's heavy, like the rest of these bikes. But they are the world's best kickstands.

Velo Mule

Not the scenic pictures yet. But I have more pictures.


Compare this to the first picture in the thread. Post #1


SunTour ARX with a Suntour 14 - 30 freewheel


The Huret front derailleur has been cleaned up retained. It fits the 1" seat tube and it shifts pretty good, especially considering how old the design is. And it says "Schwinn"


I wanted to use the original cable hanger, however, it was not working well with the new cable. This is a Surly adjustable cable hanger. I tried to keep the cable run below the seat clamp bolt but it did not want to bend nicely. It doesn't even like this bend. I think the old cable housing is more flexible than modern cable housing. Or maybe it is because it is just new.


The iconic "Twin Stick" shift levers have been retained. I used a brake noodle on the front brakes to keep the cable below the handlebars for a cleaner look.


For now I have the Wald Handlebars on. I like the cork style grips.


Yes, those are Kool Stop "Continental" brake pads.


You may have noticed that I still have the original "rat trap" Schwinn pedals on the bike. They were in reasonably good shape. I'll see see how I like them before changing them. They have a distinctive feel and sound that I remember from years ago.


The original fork was all chrome. It was painted the same as the frame with the fork crown and fork end masked off to show off the chrome.

Pcampeau

Consider me a happy convert. When you began this thread I really wasn’t sure why anyone would bother with all the trouble when you could just buy another continental for like $20-$30. I love love love your paint work on this! Now I’m envious of all the paint experience you’ve acquired that I haven’t. Really nice work on this Velo Mule, your Continental looks great!

FBOATSB

Bravo! Great build.

Don't think that was ever intended with centerpulls, but easily doable if you wanted to swap in a side pull with the stop on the left side. Won't sully your awesome thread with pics of my old beaters though

Swampthing 

That is beautiful.
I can’t wait to see the whole thing!

Velo Mule

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. Yes, I had something else in mind when I started. But I asked the galley what they thought and I think this is it.

Of course, at the end of the project, (what project ever ends) it is my bike and I have to be happy with it and I am. This is an iconic looking bike. It brings back memories for lots of folks including me.

And the bike is a smooth ride. It doesn't encourage me to go fast. It does encourage me to enjoy the ride and the scenery. I also like the the look with all the chrome set off against that Campus green paint.

So far, I have only ridden it around the neighborhood. I can't wait to get it on some paths and trails.

Velo Mule

Thanks for the thought on side pull brakes. It has been fermenting in my mind since you mentioned it. I wanted to keep the centerpull since they are original to the Continental model and were in good condition. Changing to sidepulls would solve a few problems. I may keep an eye out for a pair of Schwinn Approved sidepulls with the proper reach.

It is odd that back when Varsiy's and Continental's were sold, the centerpull was considered the better caliper. That is why the Varsity got the side pull and the Continental got centerpull.

As far as beater bikes, I love them too.

Do we have an old beater thread? I wouldn't mind starting one if it is warranted? As much as I like looking at beautiful bikes, I also enjoy seeing bikes that are ridden and have acquired patina and modifications over time.