The Varsity is ready to commute
 

I got the Varsity all pimped :D out with two cateye lights and the brightest double row blinky that Cateye makes its retina searing light I love it:) I got the water bottle basket mounted and she's ready for her maiden commute tomorrow (provided its not raining) I don't want to get it all gunked up on the first day. I must say its a right striking looking beast. Just under 3 tons dry:) I can't help but grin like a fool everytime I get on this bike and even if its just a couple of miles which is mostly what I have done so far trying to get the brakes and seat and shifting dialed in. I thinks its there, I have most all of the little nagging issues fixed and so now I'm just gonna ride it.

I grew up on EF Schwinns including a Varsity, and I'm riding a Speedster with a 3-speed AW now. I know lots of good strong bikes are made these days, and I know these old Schwinns have real shortcomings (esp. weight & steel rims), but somehow, maybe due to the memory of youth, this thing inspires complete & carefree confidence in me; I go bombing over the rough pavement, curbs, &c, without a single worry that the bike will break. Foolish?

Hey, man, how about a pic or two!

Happy trails.

I have some pictures in an earlier post 71 varsity shakedown cruise. I had such a hard time gettin them to post I was just fried. I'll try to gt some up when I get the Brooks on it and the Carradice zipped roll bag I'm going to order I promis

Got to work in one piece the old girl rode like a charm, smooth as silk took all the bumps like a cadillac and my time was nearly as good as it usually is on my much lighter commuter. One little issue with a slight rub on the front fender that I can't hear unless I'm on the bike, must be a weight issue, when I get home this afternoon I'll put it in the workstand and track it down but I'm satisfied with the ride grinning from ear to ear :)

I hope you replaced the original rims with aluminum and the brake pads with KoolStop salmons. With steel rims and Weinmann pads, I fear you won't be able to stop if in the rain, or even in a heavy fog.

I won't ride this bike in the rain. I didn't replace the rims but I do have the KoolStops. I just gotta have chrome man.