I tried searching the topic, but I didn't have much luck. If this has been covered (and it seems like it must have been) feel free to link me to an appropriate thread.

I recently picked up a frame from a Schwinn Sprint with the crazy curved seat tube. Came with most of the weird hard to find stuff (seat post, cable stops), but no fork. It looks like the usual electroforged setup, so I assume I could use anything from a Varsity or Continental. I'm not crazy about Varsity forks, and the odds of finding a cheap Continental fork just kicking around unused seem a little slim. I know some Schwinn sizes are kind of weird and specific, and I'm wondering of forks fall under that category. Would I have any unexpected problems if I tried to swap in a normal threaded fork from some old lugged road bike? I don't wanna throw much money at this, I just wanna get it riding.

Thanks, and sorry for the stupid question.

The fork thread on vintage Schwinns is 1" so any modern fork with a similar rake should fit. There are lots of good cro-moly forks around and a LBS mechanic can help you choose the right one for your bike.

Conti forks are a dime a dozen, just as easy to source as a Varsity fork. Perhaps more so, for folks are less prone to chuck them out in a rubbish skip

What color is your Sprint?

-Kurt

I know that Continentals are scarcely any different than a Varsity, but I see about 100 Varsities for every one Continental I pass around here. I have no problem improvising a solution using non-schwinn-approved parts, but I wanted to know if there was anything I should be looking out for. My Sprint is red.



Anyone got any advice on removing that kickstand?

To remove the kickstand, compress the kickstand flange into the tube holding it to the frame, and then pull the pin on the underside with a pair of pliers. There are several effective ways to compress the kickstand: I've done this with a large pair of channel locks.

Others have had success by slipping a box end wrench over the kickstand and move it towards the frame. The wrench should be just large enough to slide on the kickstand and then press up against the flange. By pressing in on the opposite side, the flange is compressed.

If you decide you would like to part with the Sprint frame, I'd be glad to make you a nice offer.

The Schwinn stem is a smaller diameter than the usual. Any old fork will fit but you'll have to get a different stem if it ain't Schwinn.
I happen to have a Continental style fork with crappy paint and chrome you can have (I replaced it with a shiny one). PM me if you want it.
What part of Maine? I just moved away from there and I'm not so sure it was a good idea.