The Varsity is ready to commute
07-23-07 | 07:02 PM
#1
Thread Starter
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
The Varsity is ready to commute
I got the Varsity all pimped 
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.
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.
07-23-07 | 07:14 PM
#2
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?
07-23-07 | 10:08 PM
#4
Thread Starter
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
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
07-24-07 | 06:26 AM
#5
Thread Starter
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
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
Last edited by stringbreaker; 07-24-07 at 07:32 AM.
07-24-07 | 03:29 PM
#6
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
Likes: 1,864
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
07-24-07 | 04:48 PM
#7
Thread Starter
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
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.
