Accidental cycling enthusiast
 

Hmm, I'm normally antisocial and don't introduce myself on new forums, but for some reason I felt compelled to say hi. I've been browsing now for a week or so, so I guess I'm tired of lurking. ;)

Anyways, I'm a college student who ended up with an old Schwinn Varsity, for commuting purposes. The bike was free at the local thrift store with a $20 purchase, so I couldn't refuse... and I've fallen in love with how smoothly it rides.

I really like the idea of going car-lite, so today I did all of my errands on the bike. It was so freeing! I also just purchased a rack and those folding Wald panniers so that I don't have to endanger myself trying to haul beer & groceries home on the handlebars. ;)

Unfortunately, the side-effect of getting a free bike is that then you have to spend a big chunk of change to outfit yourself. Bike: free, Bell Citi Helmet: $35, Kryptonite cable lock: $15, Eco Rack: $30, Wald Baskets: $30, etc... This is turning into an expensive new venture. ;)

...health benefits, priceless!

Welcome to BF, lots of good info here. And for a real good time, come visit Foo!

pics of the varsity? mine is green, oh, and heavy.

The benefits outweigh the cost of accesories you bought. Sooner or later, you will be upgrading to a better bike. Welcome to BF.

Trek 700
Dahon Speed 7

Here's a pic - excuse my messy room. I started installing my rack, and didn't have the right tools, so it's hanging out in my room until my bf brings over his pliers & hex tool.

And I don't anticipate upgrading for a while. I'm pretty happy with how this bike rides, and it's great for my purposes --> city riding, commuting, errands, and groceries. Oh, and the pocketbook. ;)

My Varsity's got a bit of rust in several places, so I need to treat that! Otherwise, it's holding up pretty well for a 27 year old bike.

looks great! IMO, I would replace the tape with something cushier, if you're gonna be on it alot.

Welcome, varsity_girl. That bike is a real cutie. I like this stuff for rust on chrome. I don't have to work as hard. :D

Yeah- my palms have been getting pretty sore. Next trip to the bike store I'll be picking up some more comfy tape.

No such thing! A Varsity is built like a tank, and virtually indestructible :) .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

:eek: There's a rat on your bike!

I rode through my college days on an early 70s Varsity. I lived in the student ghetto and I had to carry my bike up and down the stairs to my second floor apt. I'm surprised I don't have a permanent hunchback now.

One time I was headed to class and this guy started yelling at me...."hey, where did you get that bike" So I stop and he is convinced that I am the one who has stolen his precious green Varsity. I show him the decal from my hometown bike shop but he seems to think it's a fake and gives me the stinkeye as I pedal off.

That's what happens when you get stuff for free! It comes infested with vermin!

(Actually, he was really curious about this strange new object, and it took much effort to dissuade him from nibbling on my tires.)

He was probably amazed at how well built that Varsity is :D .

East Hill

Hi,
I rode a 1970 Schwinn Varsity back in the bad old days. As I remember, that bike has a reputation
for shimmying at speed. You prob won't be going over 30mph anyway, just a FYI. It's a fine bike, just don't pass Lance ;)

Hmm, that's good to know that some have that tendency, though. But I shouldn't have to worry, since I'm riding around the city, mostly, and don't want to end up being run over.

Oh, and now that I'm in-tune to the Varsitys, I'm seeing them *EVERYWHERE* - on my tiny campus, I've spotted 5 in the last few days! There's something really compelling about the frame, and sitting in a bike rack with all of these crazy-huge mountain bikes it looks very purty and sleek, in a old-school way. Ahhh...

You know, people spend good money for retro-style cruisers to get that 'old-skool' look! Did I mention that they are built like tanks and will probably still be around when you are not :D ?

East Hill