Schwinn Varsity "project" help
 

Hello all.

I've just "invested" in a very old (no clue year) Schwinn Varsity as my first Fixed bike project. I've come to realize this bike may have not been the best choice, but the price was semi-right and it came with new wheels & tires & flip-flob hub, so I've been riding straight out of the gate. So other than flopped & chopped original bars 7 alexrim on rear with surly 16t fixed & 16t freewheel it appears stock. Now, the frame is a smidge tiny for me - but it's more the stem & bars that don't fit me. New bars have been ordered & are on their way (some 44cm bullhorms to replace the ~38cm ones).

I want to make a few minor changes to the bike - I think. But I need some help on sizings for replacement parts.

How/where can I find a replacement stem & what size am I looking for?

What about the Cranks? I don't mind the single piece crank - it's that I can't swap out the chainring for something more than the 39 on it.

Your help is appreciated. I am not ready (or able monetarily) to just strip it for parts & buy a new frame just yet...partly because I want to enjoy the riding 7 determine how much I'll REALLY ride the fixie before I go dumping a ton of $ into one.

Thank you.

Sorry forgot to attach the picture :)

And wanted to ask if anyone knows how to take off the darned kickstand? I've tried everything I know, but can't seem to win.

I don't have much to say about everything else, but one-piece (ashtabula) cranks are widely considered the easiest to work on. Check eBay for some rings, there's also a few other webites around that sell them. Some BMX bikes also use rings like that, though they are often smaller than you're looking. Hope that helps some.
-Gene-

Link to stand removal
 

Here you go


http://www.bunchobikes.com/repair2.htm

I just posted this in another thread:

http://www.parktool.com/products/documents/KS_1.pdf

A tool for everything
 

Thank you!!!

If it a Schwinn Varsity from the 70's, remember that the threads on the Ashtabula crank are 28 tpi, not the standard 24tpi used on other USA made bikes. This obviously applies to the right and left crank cones and left hand locknut.

You can always switch out the ashtabula for a three piece alloy, just get an adaptor, thatll solve your chainring problem :thumb: