Greg A’s 1977 Schwinn Varsity

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From it’s inception, the OTSG has boldly and unapologetically celebrated the beauty and simplicity of the ‘Old Crappy 10-Speed”. We have been an outspoken supporter and advocate of both derailers and brakes, not to mention spoke-mounted reflectors! That said, today’s entry completely violates all of these philosophies, and would normally be rejected on its complete disregard of these matters. However, Greg S, the owner of this now emasculated Chicago Schwinn was at least kind enough to include a ‘Before’ picture that shows the blue beauty appropriately appointed and appropriately crappy.

1977 Schwinn Varsity
Picked this old prize up at a thrift store (see “before” photo) for $19.99!
Spent a couple of days stripping, cleaning, restoring and reassembling the bike to a single speed track bike.
Everything on the bike is original except for the tires and tubes.
Greg A, MD

Thanks Greg

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  2. Eduardo V’s 1984 Raleigh Corsa
  3. Julie S’s 1972 Nishiki (American Eagle) International
  4. Patrick’s 1975 Columbia Lexington
  5. Jeff K’s Peugeot Record du Monde
  • David

    I love the sleek simple design, it looks great.

  • older1

    Looks super clean, Greg. You’re right, Cameron, Greg did a good job creating his appealing VSVSSB (Vintage Schwinn Varsity Single Speed Bobber); it looks like a great ride (even if it’s somewhat heretical to the OTSG)!
    Like most s-s bikes, thanks to the small chainring, it looks like it would be easy to ride, and undeniably extremely simple to maintain.
    To keep with the bobbed theme and save even MORE weight: delete the chrome fork-crown shell & pie plate! Regardless, that DuPont Imron paint is amazing stuff, though, isn’t it? A little elbow grease and it always polishes up nice.
    The good thing is, OTSG readers can relax: it looks like there’s been no irreversible damage that would prevent returning it to its original OTS configuration!
    At the risk of exhibiting pretentious and gratuitous critique, the last time I checked, a track bike probably wouldn’t have: chrome steel rims, schraeder valves, freewheel, brake, or an integrated kickstand, and would have retained the largest chain ring, but something tells me I’d STILL enjoy riding it!

  • jim

    Very nice Greg. I want to ask something. Is the brake lever comfortable over there?
    I am thinking to do something like that to my bike.