I just bought a 1980 Women's Varsity for the handlebars and stem because I think I want to swap to drop bars on my Suburban, and perhaps stock up on a few spare parts... and maybe even use the crank to replace my front freewheel.

While I was unloading it, I realized that it had a solid blade fork.

I am curious, in my searching, it seems that this was the lower end way to do things, and one of the things that sets the Continental/Suburban ahead of the Varsity.

However, I find myself intrigued by the looks of the forks... and the steerer length seems to be about the right length for my suburban.

How are the solid forks when compared with the hollow forks in the areas of durability/strength, ride and handling? Any significant weight differences? Are they interchangeable?

Thanks for whatever information or comments you can provide.

They are TOUGH. I remember when I was a kid - we used to jump curbs, ride the dirt trails and take jumps, ride wheelies and come down HARD, all on our Schwinn Varsities. And we never bent or broke one - never.

But they do weigh a bit more....

They should be interchangeable with other forks, assuming the length is good.

Somehow on my particular bike, I don't think an ounce or two will make a difference... Probably not even a pound or two.

As I stripped the parts off the varsity, I realize I will be saving some weight as well... It has an alloy seat post.

Now I just have to figure out if I am in the mood (and want to take the chance) of painting...

BTW - I remember the days of mountain biking before there were mountain bikes... Lots of fun!

Strong in the normal direction, but easily bent sideways... but easily straightened, also. They do not absorb much road shock. Very aerodynamic!

After I posted my question, I realized if there was a weakness it would be to lateral forces... But as I thought about it, I figures they would be thick enough to do an adequate job... I'll keep this in mind.

The road shock issue may be enough to dissuade me since I am moving to a road bike from a bike with suspension, so I may want to minimize the road feel a bit by staying with the hollow fork.

The aerodynamic look appeals to me, but I don't know that I will be riding fast enough for it to be a factor, and if I did, at 300 pounds I would be afraid to apply the lateral forces needed to turn.

Thanks for your input!