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1980 Schwinn Varsity Features

The Schwinn Varsity 10-speed bicycle was introduced in 1959. By the time production was discontinued in 1987, more Varsities had been manufactured than any single model of derailleur-geared bike in the world. The Varsity played a unique dual role in graduating growing baby boomers from "toy" bicycles into large 10-speeds and in luring adults who had left cycling behind back into the sport. As cycling evolved, however, the Varsity did not. Lighter, more exotic 10-speed models made of advanced materials arrived from Europe and Japan and the Varsity's hefty all-American, all-steel construction fell out of favor with consumers.

Frame
- The frame and fork of the 1980 Varsity are made of 16-gauge 1010 carbon steel. The handlebar is a chrome-plated steel drop style and the stem is chrome-plated forged steel.
Crankset
- The Varsity crank is a one-piece, forged steel design with double plateau 39-tooth and 52-tooth chainwheels.
Derailleurs And Chain
- The front derailleur on the Varsity is a Schwinn-approved GT-290 with a jam-free chain cage. The rear derailleur is a Schwinn Positron II. Both units were made by Shimano under license to Schwinn. The Varsity's chain is a Uniglide 3/32-inch by 1/2-inch.
Tires and Brakes
- 27-inch by 1-1/4-inch Schwinn Breeze Sports touring gumwall tires are standard on the Varsity. The rims are 27-inch chrome-plated steel. Front and rear brakes are side-pull design with extension levers.
Saddle
- The standard Varsity saddle in 1980 was a racing-style Schwinn-approved Comfort Form with a molded pad and vinyl cover.
Colors
- Available colors for the 1980 Varsity were sky blue, cardinal red and emerald green.
Weight
- The 1980 Schwinn Varsity weighs 38 lbs.

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