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Varsity question....

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Old 10-29-09 | 08:42 AM
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Varsity question....

What is the seat post size for a Varsity and did it change over years? Also are there any alloy post versions available?
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Old 10-29-09 | 09:03 AM
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How old of a Varsity?

on the 60's-70's Electroforged ones its super skinny, under 25mm.

**edit**

a little googling says 13/16" -aka- 20.6mm

I can measure at home after work if nobody else can confirm this.
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Old 10-29-09 | 11:32 AM
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Thanks for the reply...
The bike in question is the '82 model I was given a week or so ago.
It had no post in it and I am doing a mild upgrade and want to find a ally post for it.
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Old 10-29-09 | 11:37 AM
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Try carbon. If you want to lighten the tank-like ride, get alloy wheels. It will make a difference in how your Varsity rides.
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Old 10-29-09 | 11:42 AM
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Already there! I fitted a set of Alloys and also a alloy stem and bar set. I've ordered a kit to convert to a 3 piece bb/crank but need the post to complete. Can you point me to one?
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Old 10-29-09 | 02:56 PM
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I have a Varsity from about 1980 or maybe 1982. Want me to measure the seatpost?
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Old 10-29-09 | 03:17 PM
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Please if you would. I swear Schwinn was worse than the French with their odd sizes
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Old 10-29-09 | 03:41 PM
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Not 100% sure, but if it is steel thatn it is a 13/16" size. Don't know if they make an alloy post in this size, since it is less than 25 mm and less than Peugeot 24mm size.
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Old 10-31-09 | 10:14 AM
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I measured it just now. Sorry it took so long. It came to 20.5 mm, which I suppose is close to 13/16". My caliper isn't the best.
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Old 10-31-09 | 10:38 AM
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Wald makes a steel one, Wald Cat#s 940, 945, 950, 955. These fit a standard seat clamp unlike the OEM seat posts. See p. 19 of their catalog... https://www.waldsports.com/files/WaldSports/Catalog.pdf . These are available from retailers like Niagara Cycle Works and Bikepartsusa but the images shown are wrong; look at the Wald catalog for the correct image. I don't know where to get an aluminum one.

Good luck!
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Old 10-31-09 | 10:55 AM
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Here you are. I'm not sure how much weight you'd save, compared with a steel seatpost, since it's so narrow, but you do have the option.

13/16" is 20.63750mm, so I guess 20.5mm is the same size. And I probably didn't measure accurately enough, but I'm sure you could use the Truvativ I cite above.
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Old 10-31-09 | 10:56 AM
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Oops, never mind. That's not 20.5mm at all!

It seems your only option is the Wald. Do you have a seatpost currently and are you looking to replace it? Or do you need one because your bike doesn't have one?
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Old 10-31-09 | 11:05 AM
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Sheldon's database sight states 21.15 for the varsity....old peugeots (the carbolite frames) had a aluminum post (mast type) @ 23.4.....could grind down? Good luck
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Old 10-31-09 | 08:44 PM
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It seems your only option is the Wald. Do you have a seatpost currently and are you looking to replace it? Or do you need one because your bike doesn't have one?


Thanks for the reply's. 13/16" oh ok!
I don't have one for this bike so I need something..... I guess the Wald will be the one unless I do find a alloy to go with the rest of the deal
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Old 10-31-09 | 10:57 PM
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I'll send you one. I have a couple laying around The one I have is chrome and it's in good shape no rust. Its been cut down but its still 8 3/8" long should give you enough length I would say. PM me your address if you want it.
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Old 11-01-09 | 04:02 PM
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Thanks Stringbreaker!!!!! I've got a dozen various stems and none fit and the alloy I am searching for seems to be nonexistent....
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Old 11-01-09 | 08:52 PM
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Packed and ready to go. will send it out Tuesday
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Old 11-01-09 | 09:01 PM
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Thanks again! Another piece of the puzzle fit and squared...I'm getting closer!!
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Old 11-01-09 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by soonerbills
Please if you would. I swear Schwinn was worse than the French with their odd sizes
I don't think you can beat Peugeot for odd sized parts...
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Old 11-01-09 | 09:22 PM
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I don't think you can beat Peugeot for odd sized parts...

Possibly but I do have this Astra I've been told is a Motobecane built model that has a Swiss BB
but all the hardware is crazy sized as metric and standard size tools don't fit quite right...it's a adjustable wrench lover's wet dream
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Old 11-01-09 | 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
I don't think you can beat Peugeot for odd sized parts...
Scuze me, have you forgotten about Whitworth nuts and bolts?
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Old 11-02-09 | 07:40 PM
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Scuze me, have you forgotten about Whitworth nuts and bolts?

But isn't that a British system? The Astra is French... or did they just stop being homeys because they were made for the North American market?
I've heard that Astra's were a Canadian designated animal...
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Old 11-02-09 | 08:00 PM
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I just don't remember any odd-size parts unique to Peugeots.
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Old 11-02-09 | 08:40 PM
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Soonerbills: Post sent out this afternoon watch for it and let me know when you get it.
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Old 11-02-09 | 09:44 PM
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Thanks you a bunch!!!! I ordered a chrome clamp today... spent some time too at Fastenal for replacement stainless hardware for the brakes and such.... bit by bit!!
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