1963 Schwinn Varsity Tourist

[soddruntlestuntle]

As many of you know, I’ve been trying to find my wife a vintage bike so that she might accompany me on my rides. After several failures, I think I’ve finally found the one— a 1963 Varsity Tourist.

Bought it from a fellow who bought it from the original owners; he claimed it had been in storage for the past 30 years or so. No reason to doubt, as it’s very clean. But boy, I’m going to need some expert advice on adjusting these Huret derailleurs, as I can’t keep the chain on the ring. And tomorrow is it’s sixtieth birthday, imagine that. I just hope my wife approves. Stay tuned.

 

[GTs58]

Looks like a real nice one. And it even has the bow pedals still on it. Just noticed somebody switched out the brake levers. Maybe they didn’t like the eye stabbers and put some cheap ones on it with balls on the end.

 

[soddruntlestuntle]

Looks like a real nice one. And it even has the bow pedals still on it. Just noticed somebody switched out the brake levers. Maybe they didn’t like the eye stabbers and put some cheap ones on it with balls on the end.

I wondered about those levers, but this is my first experience with a Varsity, wondered if maybe they were model-specific.

 

[GTs58]

Nope, those are later aftermarket. I have a his and hers one owner 63's. As found.

 

[SirMike1983]

Nice find - she'll love it. Killer color.

 

[soddruntlestuntle]

Nope, those are later aftermarket. I have a his and hers one owner 63's. As found.

View attachment 1781515

Do the stock Weinmanns have a model number?

 

[60sstuff]

Love that color!

 

[GTs58]

Do the stock Weinmanns have a model number?

No they do not. Both Weinmann tourist and road bike levers went thru many changes over the years and sometimes they had one year only versions. In 1962 this piece came about with that oval piece next to the pivot pin. It was a metal piece and then in maybe 65 it was a nylon piece. This one is correct for a 63 model.

This is the later 60's lever.

 

[soddruntlestuntle]

No they do not. Both Weinmann tourist and road bike levers went thru many changes over the years and sometimes they had one year only versions. In 1962 this piece came about with that oval piece next to the pivot pin. It was a metal piece and then in maybe 65 it was a nylon piece. This one is correct for a 63 model.

View attachment 1781521

This is the later 60's lever.

View attachment 1781522

Well, that gives me something to go on at least, thank you.

 

[GTs58]

Well, that gives me something to go on at least, thank you.

I wouldn't worry about the levers too much. Just slide them back to the grip and adjust them to your wife's liking. They look new and will work just fine. That sure hasn't been used much, the freewheel teeth look new also.