Schwinn beater conversion

Yeah so pretty much I wanted to try out fixed gear riding after i learned the joy of riding single speed bikes, so i coupled a spare frame i had with some spare parts, a new wheelset (thanks mandrew) and some other new parts to make a cheap beater to immerse myself in your sport and to have a cheap, yet reliable bike to commute to school(i go to SDHS so i can't bring my good road bike or mtb... kids have vandalized them before )

here's what i came up with:

frame/fork: 70's schwinn varsity
crankset: stock converted to 1 chainring
wheelset: idk what rims, but it has formula hubs and kenda tires
cog: 15t 1/8"
chain: KMC Z gold 1/8"
pedals: stock rat traps with some cheapo toeclips from another bike
brake: wienmann side pull
brake lever: tektro
handlebars: cinelli flopped and chopped with black cork tape
seat: vetta italian seat from an 80's cannondale

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so far i have only ridden the bike a dozen miles or so, but it is soon going to become my commuter and loaner bike. I'm starting to love fixies, and i'll probably get a legit one soon.

its good to hear youre enjoying the feel of fixed gear. keep on it man. hopefully you can make it to one of our rides or meet and greeets

nice man! It looks clean for something you just built just to try out. Ride with us soon!

Thanks guys... i went bike shop hopping today, met some people and went for a bit of a longer ride with some hipsters from school...
bombing hills is f*cking fun and i love the adrenaline rush and strategic nature of riding fixed in general, especially not relying on brakes, but leg strength and strategy

I'll definitely ride with you guys though.


as a legit bike though i was thinking volume cutter frame with riser bars, sugino messenger crank and velocity deep v's.
what do you guys think?

scmalex wrote:

as a legit bike though i was thinking volume cutter frame with riser bars, sugino messenger crank and velocity deep v's.
what do you guys think?

baller, as a trick bike, thats fine.

I didn't know the Schwinn Varsity came with a chrome lugged fork. Damn, that thing looks baller.

Paulo wrote:

I didn't know the Schwinn Varsity came with a chrome lugged fork. Damn, that thing looks baller.

Thanks man

Yeah... the ones from the early 70's had a lot of chrome on them... everything was chrome besides the frame, tape, seat and tires lol