Hi – I recently picked up a bike nearly identical to this one for $50: https://playitagainsports.com/locations/fishers-in/product/C000189500/Schwinn-VARSITY-1300
I bought it with the idea that it would be a junk bike on which I could learn how to fix up or maintain my other bikes. So, before I ask my question, I fully recognize these bikes are generally not worth upgrading.
However, I'd like to learn how to install brakes and shifters, and I hate where the gear shifts are on this bike. Because of that, I want to pick up some used brakes and gears to upgrade it.
What do I need to look out for when upgrading, besides making sure the number of gears matches the cassette? I was thinking something that combines the shfiters and brakes, like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/234055267783?_skw=2×7+shifters+brake+levers&itmmeta=01KFXAKMXGPGWGGQRABQNBA7FG&hash=item367ec7f5c7:g:f1wAAOSwpi1gy2nT&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8O7PUuNWmJ%2B%2BUShgI9tQz%2FpGAReFR0eIUdTX9hv5%2BLXiUatzRaxZyzHWk%2FP%2BN8JI4PLJwDVQ1AfqyNlCUO9QkHc%2Fd2myR5bjjkNZ%2Fn8Wil913hNsiBR3fLZM%2BjJ8KOPHv5EGFlne7JNd6fhZtQOnnoSeZE40iirn8BNtODPaonsJx0cPGC71j3IGhuN8BrhP0jxxUt2eY6rRJ18jNyEwHU9YtH6Bc0yCxFYXUe%2FwPmVWFC6gEQs7CclRmry6GQG9O5E6v9r2vvgQ6L0fUqijOVYnDXvChrGPg7k89Vufjg36jGgB6Tm8mLOBx90L1tcTUg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM8M7Oqv9m
by loljksure
1 Comment
You’re on the right track. Those Tourney brifters (brakes + shifters) should be fine. While the bike probably isn’t really worth upgrading, those brifters are relatively cheap, and it could be a valuable lesson for you to learn how to change them. Good luck!