highwayzero

So, question for the Varsity gurus...I want one...just because. What are the good/desirable years to look for, and why due to ease of upgrades, or better stock components, etc. Just looking for opinions!

Thanks!

dedhed

I don't know there is a "desirable" year or model. Fit, condition, preferred color, price would be my guide if I was looking for one.

rumrunn6

happy hunting! the old one I refurbed was the quietest bike I ever owned. most enjoyable while it was in my possession

daverup 

I had a Varsity about 50 years ago and many upgrades I would like on that era would already be installed on a mid 80's LeTour. Alloy rims, 3 piece cranks, with the lighter 4130 frame. The ride will feel very similar, and hills will be easier.

grant40

I do know that the purple ones are more rare than all the other colors. The other ones that are more desirable are the 1963 and 1964 models with the rod operated front derailleur and 4 speed freewheel.

bikemig 

Trade up and wait until you find a Super Sport, Sports Tourer, or a Superior:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/schwinn-braze.html

grant40

If you want something that you can really upgrade then I'd recommend getting something nicer with a threaded bottom bracket and standard width tubing. The skinny tubing and the one piece bottom bracket really hinder what you hinder what you can do in terms of upgrades. There are a subset of people that do upgrade them but but they still have to use the original front derailleur because of the skinny tubing and the the frame will still be heavy and flexible.

Tomm Willians

We have a nice stable of bikes including Mapei’s, Ramato’s, Pinarello’s, C40, Wilier Imperiale, etc…. AND two matching his/hers 1971 Varsities in outstanding condition. They are a pleasure to ride ( not expecting them to be something they are not) and they get more attention from other riders than any of our other bikes. If you want one, get one.

schwinnderella

rod operated front derailleur are the 1960 and 61 models

dddd

My favorite model would be a mid-60's lime green one, but it was a silver mid-70's model that I kept mostly stock (because it was in like-new condition).

Although the popular upgrades are alloy wheels and cranks, I left mine alone but did upgrade to 6-speed (with some difficulty), better saddle,, lever hoods, longer 9cm stem, clipless pedals and lighter tires (kept the kickstand).

It's a great-riding bike (though takes some getting used to on the road after riding true lightweights).

Kabuki12

My Schwinn Varsity was heavy but fairly comfortable on shorter rides. It was too heavy to ride more than a 20 mile ride. It was about a 1969 or 1970 model in root beer brown. It had safety lever brakes and stem shifters. I put a lot of time on that bike and was delighted to give it to a friend after getting my first light weight racer. I would agree with those that say a Le Tour may be a better option for upgrading . Like the Varsity, they have that heavy bike smoothness to them but climb better IMHO. The nice thing about my Varsity was the option of jumping curbs , something I got quite good at as a teenager!

Velo Mule

highwayzero also consider the Continental, which has a tubular fork and some slightly better components. Fit is the most important thing, then condition.

These are polarizing bikes. You either like them or you hate 'em. You may get some of our member that will tell you to get something else, however, stick to what you want. Give it a try and see how you like it. If you didn't over pay for it, you could sell if and get something else.

Schwinn colors were always nice. I would caution that the only thing to avoid would be the last year or two with the Front Freewheeling System. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either and getting parts for it is difficult. There are plenty of other Varsities and Continentals out there.

The rims on both of these bikes is chrome plated steel. If the chrome is in good shape, great ride it and get new brake pads to get more stopping power. If the rims are rusty or bad, make sure that the selling price reflects that. Replace the wheels with something with aluminum alloy wheels. The bikes ride a little nicer with these lighter wheels. I picked up a Fuji Espree and swapped the wheels and rear derailleur over to my Continental.


Here is my Continental after paint and restoration:



If you are going to use upright handlebars, look for a Suburban. These can sometimes be inexpensive and were also available in 5 speeds and 3 speeds with a Sturmey Archer internal geared hub.

Let us know what you come across and what you get.

John E

The most valuable Varsities are arguably the 1960 8-speeds and 1961 10-speeds with the obsolete Simplex derailleurs. Try to find one that hasn't been upgraded to a Huret rear derailleur, if you care about collectability over functionality.

highwayzero

Appreciate all the comments and experience! So I've got a couple other decent '70s vintage bikes that I really like to ride...I'm not a racer/endurance type of dude, and live in Dayton, so hills really aren't an issue...but we do have some great trails that are awesome to hit and get lost in nature and my thoughts.

I'm finding in my 'net research that the Varsinentals always seem to get talked town in one breath (heavy, low end components, handles like a tank), then praised in the next (but rode great, indestructible, best memories ever)! I understand upgrading may be a little tough to modern components, but I think it'd be so much fun to take an early frame and mirror that with later '70s gear...hot rod it keeping the Schwinn heritage. And I'm a dork that does likes me some stem shifters and turkey levers! I'm almost finished doing a Peugeot project the same way...dressed '72-73 UE-8 with '79 Stronglight crank and Simplex shift group.

Does anyone know if the early 4-speed Varsity frames will accept 27" rims/tires? I know they came stock with 26"...