Schwinn Varsity History

[cnighbor1]

Schwinn Varsity History

''We either had on or wanted one. But they were cool bikes back then....''

From a freind



http://www.cyclesportandfitness.com/the_varsity.htm

[fiamme red]

More here: https://bikehistory.org/bikes/varsity/.

I had a red, white, and blue 1976 Varsity. It was probably the bike that was most important in fostering my love of cycling.

[Ralph]

I had one. Continental also.

[rides2slow]

Bought my green Varsity in 1974. I think I paid $99.
Stolen Ann Arbor, MI 12/81.
Long time ago.......

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by rides2slow

Bought my green Varsity in 1974. I think I paid $99.
Stolen Ann Arbor, MI 12/81.
Long time ago.......

I got my hand me down Schwinn Varsity in 1974 when my older brother went off to college. It was eventually replaced by a Peugeot then a Raleigh and finally by a nice English racing bike the name I can’t remember now as I only owned the bike a week when it fell victim to bike theft in Ann Arbor in Sept. 1981...

[mcteague]

Back in the early 70s, while in high school, I bought my first 10 speed. The main choices in my price range were the Varsity, the Raleigh Grand Prix and a similar Gitane. The Schwinn was much heavier and had cheaper parts. I wanted the Gitane but got the Raleigh as it was less money; $112 if I recall correctly. The only Schwinn I liked was the Paramount but that was WAY more than my saved allowance would stretch.

Tim

[Bentley]

I was in 9th grade, 1972 Lemon Yellow, upgrades to a Root Beer colored Super Sport. Loved that bike but it was a boat anchor...

[crankles]

Originally Posted by Ralph

I had one. Continental also.

Ditto. Blue Stingray(new) to Green Varsity(used) to Brown Continental (used)...

[Hellgate]

I bought a used one per Consumer Reports recommendations because my mom insisted. Akin to a toaster I suppose. It was stolen from the arcade at the mall. Thank God. I bought a Peugeot UO8 and the rest they say, is history.

[Hellgate]

Man, they had the marketing schtick down!

"Frame: Schwinn designed and manufactured diamond style durable steel frame with forged steel fork.
Frame Finish: Chestnut, lime green, yellow.
Wheels: Schwinn tubular steel rims on Schwinn-Approved hubs.
Tires: 27" x 1 1/4" gumwall Schwinn-Approved Puff.
Handlebar and Stem: Drop style steel handlebar, forged steel stem.
Crank Set: Doubl-plateu Schwinn chain wheel assembly... lightweight one-piece crank. 39-52 teeth.
Pedals: Rattrap-style with reflectors.
Derailleurs and Gears: Rear cog: 14-17-20-24-28 teeth. Schwinn-Approved front and rear derailleurs.
Brakes: Dual position levers, side pull.
Saddle: Racing style.
Weight: 38 to 41 lbs. depending on frame size."

[93KgBike]

Electro-forged bikes rode well and looked like pricier fillet brazed models.

None-the-less, I don't miss mine. It was heavier than hell.

[pinkshogun]

My 1967 Varsity Tourist

Varsity History: https://bikehistory.org/bikes/varsity/

[ctcyclistbob]

Mine was a couple years newer, but I had the same blue Varsity Tourist.

Lots of good memories ...

Originally Posted by pinkshogun

My 1967 Varsity Tourist

Varsity History: https://bikehistory.org/bikes/varsity/

[Jeff N.]

Originally Posted by cnighbor1

Schwinn Varsity History

''We either had on or wanted one. But they were cool bikes back then....''

From a freind



http://www.cyclesportandfitness.com/the_varsity.htm

I remember BEGGING my Dad to buy me one when I was about 12...he just couldn't afford it. Now I have a whole garage full of bikes, so I suppose I've compensated a bit since then.

[rides2slow]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I got my hand me down Schwinn Varsity in 1974 when my older brother went off to college. It was eventually replaced by a Peugeot then a Raleigh and finally by a nice English racing bike the name I can’t remember now as I only owned the bike a week when it fell victim to bike theft in Ann Arbor in Sept. 1981...

A trend