Schwinn Varisty crusier project

[rickpaulos]

in progress...

I have 2 of these red varsitys that are getting the same treatment. We'll see how they ride.

Removed: brakes, gears, large sprocket and pants guard, bars, wheels, all cables, shift levers, pedals, derailleurs.

Add flat bars, grips, red pedals, mtb wheels (26 x Knobby), coaster brake rear hub. I changed the hub out after the first photo. I put a longer axle in the hub with some spacers to match the frame width instead of bending the frame to match the hub. The welded on kickstand was broken off before I got the bike.

I did have to file out the fork to take the larger mtb wheel axle.

I'll be putting on a fatter front tire. That 1.5 is just too wimpy looking. As big as the fork clearance will allow.

rick

 

[slowriderz]

Looks great Rick

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Agreed! Keep it coming!
Not sure you will get much more than a 1.75 in the front though if it is anything like the ones I have seen...

Luke.

 

[rickpaulos]

About 7 tire changes later and I got a pretty wide pair of 1.95's installed. Two different brands, the front is wider than the rear. Took it for a short ride today on the ice coated sidewalks and streets. The knobs held very well. The bike rides very easy, mostly due to aluminum rims and a somewhat low gear. But it's just too small for me. Started on the 24" frame Varisty today. That will be too big but they will all be forsale locally.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Looks good!

Luke.

 

[Carbon]

Yeah, looks good, layback seatpost and longer stem and there'd be plenty of room. I have an older single speed Schwinn Racer, frame looks just like yours, that was the same color but mine came as a single speed, I did a real nice build on it, fun rider. I have the 1.5 tires on mine though, real nice fit.

 

[Bicycle808]

Lovin' the varsities, son.

 

[rickpaulos]

Here is the second I just finished up.
Larger frame, uh, too big actually. I fit on the bike fine but stand over clearance is in the minus range.

I removed the kickstand because I figured it would be too long after swapping the stock 27" tires for the 26" mtb wheels.

I finished it up after dark and took it for a spin around the block on the snow & ice. Rides okay. I did spend more time cleaning up the frame & parts. I particularly like the way the decals went to pieces. Like a broken ice flow.

$2 spent on the whole project. All that for the longer rear axle. Bike was $0. The doner wheels from box mart mtb were $0. The rear hub (36 spoke hole) from a kids bike ($0). Turns out the spoke length is close enough for the rear hub swap. 2.0" rear tire, 1.75" front although the 1.75 is wider than the 2.0. Truth in marketing at work.

Both are 1979 models in Cardinal Red.

I'll post better pictures when I have time and daylight.

 

[Araya51]

This came out pretty Kool looking..

 

[rickpaulos]

Thanks,

Sold it tonight. Guy came over to get the pearl orange Letour and opted for the Varsity too.

And I didn't get any more photos as it was pitch dark out again and way too cold.

I'm thinking I should make up instructions for Instructables.com on building one:

step 0: tools needed
step 1: parts list
> old varsity in your size
> modern boxmart mtb with aluminum 36 spoke rims
> any bike with a 36 spoke rear coaster brake hub.
> longer rear axle (you might be able to use the one from the mtb rear wheel.
step 2: disassemble everything
step 3: rebuild rear wheel using coaster brake hub, spokes and rim from mtb.
step 4: assemble.

Okay I'd need to add more details and step by step photos for Instructables. You guys sure don't need that.

 

[rickpaulos]

Number 3 done today.

yellow, big. Been around.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

That is nice! Looks like my size too...

Luke.

 

[rickpaulos]

I don't normally name bikes but I am going to call this one "Big Bird".

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I don't normally name bikes but I am going to call this one "Big Bird".

Fitting!

Luke.

 

[Joosh]

Awesome! I love me some Varsities.