Okay, I scored 2 free bikes that were going to be thrown out. I'd been looking for a cheap bike, and nothing beats free. They do need some maintenance, so I need to know if they're any good or just scrap.
The first one is a Schwinn Varsity, and the second one is a Trek 6000 (I think). It looks like both need some chain maintenance, and the Schwinn might need new tubes. The Trek looks like it needs a new seat. There might be some other unknown maintenance that needs to be done.
Any thoughts? Suggestions? Pics probably later today.
I'd say it depends on what you plan on doing with them. If you're planning on racing them, probably not. If they're just for exercise and/or cruising around the neighborhood, then both will do the job just fine. I assume they fit you OK? That's probably the biggest thing you need to worry about.
Both are decent bikes.
The car equivalent would be finding a Corolla with an automatic that needs tires. If you just need the car for transportation, it would work fine. But, if you want to race it, probably not what you want to start with.
-Rob
Schwinn Varsity is a cool vinatage option for leisurely road riding and cruising to the cafe. The Trek 6000 is a good entry-level option for more aggressive or longer riding - group rides, charity rides and etc.
My experience with chains is that once they've been badly neglected you're better off just buying another one. Ona single speed bike you can bring one back enough to be okay, but changing gears is significantly effected by chain quality. On the Varsity you probably have friction downtube shifters so you might be okay. On the Trek you probably have some sort of indexed shifting which is much less tolerant of worn or gummy chains.
If you don't have a local shop that covers cheap parts, Nashbar, Performance Bike, and Price Point are good sources for cheap parts.
Good finds!
There are people who will pay decent money for an original Varsity - possibly enough to fix the Trek 
Here's the bikes. Yellow is the Schwinn. Black is the Trek.
whoa...not the Trek 6000 I was thinking of...They used that number on a later road bike. THAT Trek 6000 is NOT suited for aggressive road group rides and long charity rides!
The Varsity has potential. I can see the rust on the chain from here. Replace it now and save yourself the work, it will be a cheap item. The trek will be a decent neighborhood bike but that's about it.
What are the first two letters of the Schwinn's serial number? It will either be just below the front badge or on one of the rear dropouts.
My guess is that the bike is a 1972.
Enyar
Dork
10/26/15 2:17 p.m.
ultraclyde wrote:
whoa...not the Trek 6000 I was thinking of...They used that number on a later road bike. THAT Trek 6000 is NOT suited for aggressive road group rides and long charity rides!
The Varsity has potential. I can see the rust on the chain from here. Replace it now and save yourself the work, it will be a cheap item. The trek will be a decent neighborhood bike but that's about it.
Still awesome bikes for free! And that Trek would hold its own on the trails.
Ive off and on looked for another old trek like i had as a teen. I love them. New chain and re grease all the non sealed bearings!
Crappy Schwinns get craigslist asking prices of $125-$150 around Chicago since this was the home. I used to pay $5 for those Varsitys in the early 1990's.
haha, I'm actually digging the yellow on the schwinn. We just got done with the big bike race in Richmond so folks were asking top dollar for any and everything, those would have been $200. If you're just looking for something to ride around town those look perfect, one for the road and one for off road.
Somebody just throws away a TREK like that? Dang.
I'm probably going to bring them to the bike place this week, but so far what I see:
1. Both need chain replacement.
2. I aired up the Schwinn's tires, I'll find out later today if they're reliably holding air.
3. The Schwinn needs its handlebars rewrapped.
4. The Trek needs a new seat and the handlebars need to be tightened down. There's quite a bit of wear on the handlebars from sliding back and forth in the mount.
5. The Trek looks like it needs shifter maintenance.
6. The Schwinn's left brake lever is bent a little bit, but I should be able to bend it back to normal.
