1971 Schwinn Varsity - *The Varsity Valencia*

[GTCOMA]

ok, this looks awesome!

but, the one thing i would do to it is put a lower profile seat on it.

yeah, the seat is the only thing that might change. I got a great deal on it at my bike shop today, so i went with it. It is very comfortable though.

A nice black brooks would be cool.

I couldn't use the original seat. It was all bent out of shape

 

[GTCOMA]

I've had a couple people ask me about the bars, so I dug into the trash and got the tag out.

The tag says - Pyramid Downhill Bars with Cross Brace

I did a few searches, but I couldn't find anything. The tag also says Distributed by J&B Importers, so if you can find a bike shop with an account they might be able to help...

 

[Rat Rod]

Wow...that turned out nice.

That is one monstrous front hub too! :shock:

 

[GTCOMA]

Thanks!

The simplicity of your Violet Varsity build last year inspired me. I've been on the hunt for a frame all year. I almost used bars very similar to yours along with the dropped stem, but I thought these blacked out bars looked good with blacked out rims against the bright orange. I still love the tires you used on yours. I might have to swap out for a set of those...

 

[flip]

Helluva job there, you brought out the shine of the stock paint, kudos!

 

[Rat Rod]

Man...had to go and show me a pic of the Varsity didn't ya. :lol:

That's one of those....wish I didn't sell it bikes.

 

[Multipass]

Sweet! That turned out great

-Mp

 

[Quanah]

GTCOMA, I got a '71 orange Varsity too, got it about 34 years ago. I put mountain bike wheels on mine too, way back, with a 6-speed freewheel, shorty bars, mountain levers, calipers, I put it back the way it was, since. Mine has the original fenders also, will probably put them on someday, when I get it rideable, been sittin' at least 15 years. I like the black wheels, makes the orange pop!

 

[skoda]

One day I'd like to have a set of cars, Adidas tracksuits and bikes in the "Crayola" assortment of late 60's / early 70's colors. I think I might have to become the world's fruitiest looking supervillan to pull that off though. :lol: Getting started....

I just put this 73 Continental on CL to try to make some room and cash, but thinking about yanking it. I love that orange Varisty, I may have to do one of these with the next real beater I run across.

 

[skoda]

Man...had to go and show me a pic of the Varsity didn't ya. :lol:

That's one of those....wish I didn't sell it bikes.

Some salt for your wound?? :wink:

 

[GTCOMA]

That continental is in too good of shape to alter. That's why i was so excited to find one in such poor condition. Over the last year i came across a 74 Le Tour and a 79 Green Varsity, but they were in too good of shape, so i couldn't bring myself to mess them up. I ended up cleaning them up and selling them.

Kinda wish I would have kept them for a rainbow of fruit flavors!

 

[ish]

Looks great!

 

[GTCOMA]

A few minor updates...

This is probably the most fun bike I have to ride. It is so simple, but I love how it looks

 

[wallyp]

This bike looks awsome! I've been on the look out for a Varsity frame since I saw this post. The purple one is cool too. My question is what brand and size tires did you both use. I love the look of both bikes.