Home >> Toys >> Bicycles

How to Take a Kickstand Off a Schwinn Varsity

Introduced in 1960, the Schwinn Varsity was destined to become the best-selling multigear bicycle in history. At one point in its 26-year production run, more all-steel Varsities were sold than all other derailleur bikes in America combined. Today, many of the stout 10-speeds are still in use, most with their original, industrial-strength kickstands firmly attached. A minor marvel of nonintuitive engineering, the Varsity kickstand confounded many who sought to remove it without the special tool or the secret knowledge. Nowadays, when you can find the rare, discontinued Schwinnή8 kickstand removal tool at an online auction, you'll pay top dollar. But there's an easier way with available implements.

Things You'll Need

Wide, slip-joint adjustable pliers
Needle nose pliers
Metal punch
Small hammer
Small nut

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the bicycle upside down and place it on supports.
- 2
  Open a wide pair of adjustable, slip-joint pliers far enough to span the kickstand housing
  
  tube.
- 3
  Place a folded portion of a rag between the jaw of the pliers and the outer end of the kickstand housing tube. Place a small nut on end between the opposite jaw of the pliers and the spring-loaded bushing where it emerges from the other end of the kickstand housing tube. This will focus the grip of the pliers on the bushing when you squeeze.
- 4
  Squeeze the pliers tightly to compress the spring-loaded bushing inside the kickstand housing tube.
- 5
  Use a pair of needle nose pliers to extract the retaining pin located on the upper side of the kickstand housing tube. If removal is difficult, relax the tension slightly on the slip-joint pliers compressing the bushing.
- 6
  Remove the slip-joint pliers after the retaining pin is pulled.
- 7
  Tap the bushing, cam assembly and kickstand leg out of the kickstand housing tube with a small punch and a hammer.

Bicycles