Hi! I've been posting in the Classic and Vintage sub forum for a few years, so while I'm not new to BF, this is my first post in the SS/Fixie section.

I've had a bad case of winter boredom. Instead of spending time in front of the computer or TV, I headed to the basement and built my first single speed. It's a Varsity that I found at the dump. It was in bad shape so I decided to just have fun. I tried to hang a crankset with a 64 tooth chainring, but it rubbed the chainstay. So for now it's more mountain friendly.

I'm open to your opinions and suggestions. Thanks for the feedback!

Those sure are some uppity bullhorns

Looks like a good bike.

put the crank in the background onto the bike, then we'll talk.

What's with the homeless angle on those bars.

Hey pastorbobnlnh! Nice to see you made the trip over! dont feel bad if some of these guys knock your ride, they mean well your bike looks great! Would I be correct to say that the crank in the snow is the 64 tooth chainring that rubbed the chainstay? If the angles on the bars works for you then stick with it! I cant wait to see what East Hill comes up with in the way of a SS or FG! Im sure shes secretly working on something!

I don't know about you but I love using my clips in winter cycling so my feet don't go everywhere with the snow on em. treaded tires might help some too (i use cyclocross ones) and maybe fenders. but whatevs.

aside from those possibilities and the somewhat awkward tilt of your bars it looks comfortable. i feel like i can whip my bike around a lot more when the horns are pointed more at the floor.

LOL @ "homeless angle." Tis true.

i think this is the first kick stand i've seen on these forums.

good looking bike though. some serious handlebars but that frame looks nice specially since you saved it.

Looks good to me. Is that the original paint? Are those the original components? It sure looks good for a dump bike.

I like the bike - I am a singlespeeder, too, and I like the yellow colour! I am amazed at how good shape the frame is in. I am not a great fan of those very heavy frames, I must admit, but your bike does look very cool.

Enjoy your new ride, man!

It's the original paint. Bars and stem are different but the rest is original. Here's what it looked like the day I brought it home from the dump.

I wish it would fit. My plan was to break 50 mph on an 8% hill not far from here. Here's a closeup of the two rings.

perky...

Bob.........Bob........<shakes head>

Your Varsity drops are crying

What are the other Schwinns supposed to think?

this sounds crazy but i'm lovin' the kickstand!!!

The original Varsity drop bars are safely stored in the basement, along with the stem, shifters and derailleurs.

What do the other Schwinns think? Idonknow, but possibly, "There goes that fool riding another one of our EF brothers that was bound for the smelter."

I'd pop for one of the American to Euro adapters and as Sheldon Brown says

"Be the first kid on your block to put a Dura-Ace crankset into your Schwinn Varsity!"

https://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1335

Nice looking bike. I like the original paint job, and the kickstand.

It looks like your chainline could be a little tighter, though.

Still, I'd ride that.

"Been there. Done that," as they say. In my case I used a '62 Continental and a Campagnolo crankset (plus a few other bits).



I'm waiting on the frameset from the painters, but I have a simular plan for a '73 Super Sport.

I believe before I ride it (sometime after the snow melts ), I'll swap the QR for a nutted axle. Also the dishing is not right so that needs work as well.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions on my first SS in 40+ years (and that one was equiped with a coaster brake). I'll make some adjustments and changes based on the wise and sage advice I've received here. Happy riding!

wow--that cleaned up really nicely (Hallelujah bars be damned)