Can I upgrade the components on a Schwinn Varsity later? It seems to me that the Varsitys steel frame and lug construction would lend themselves well to component swaps, but Ive heard some argue that the bikes design and geometry are so outdated that upgrading individual components would be a waste of time and resources.
Isnt the notion that a bikes fundamental design is inherently incompatible with modern components a bit defeatist? With the right combination of parts and some clever problem-solving, couldnt we breathe new life into these vintage steeds? Ive seen some impressive custom builds that have taken older frames and turned them into veritable speed machines.
On the other hand, perhaps Im being overly optimistic, and the Varsitys limitations are too great to overcome. Maybe its better to view these bikes as charming relics of a bygone era, rather than attempting to force them into a modern mold.
But what about the environmental impact of upgrading versus buying new? Shouldnt we be encouraging riders to extend the life of their existing bikes, rather than contributing to the already overwhelming demand for resource-intensive, mass-produced carbon fiber wonders?
Where do you stand on this issue? Are vintage steel frames like the Varsity worth upgrading, or should we be focusing our attention on more modern, high-performance designs?
Isnt the notion that a bikes fundamental design is inherently incompatible with modern components a bit defeatist? With the right combination of parts and some clever problem-solving, couldnt we breathe new life into these vintage steeds? Ive seen some impressive custom builds that have taken older frames and turned them into veritable speed machines.
On the other hand, perhaps Im being overly optimistic, and the Varsitys limitations are too great to overcome. Maybe its better to view these bikes as charming relics of a bygone era, rather than attempting to force them into a modern mold.
But what about the environmental impact of upgrading versus buying new? Shouldnt we be encouraging riders to extend the life of their existing bikes, rather than contributing to the already overwhelming demand for resource-intensive, mass-produced carbon fiber wonders?
Where do you stand on this issue? Are vintage steel frames like the Varsity worth upgrading, or should we be focusing our attention on more modern, high-performance designs?