1970’s Schwinn Varsity rear wheel doesn’t engage but gears work?

[Npitch99]

I have a 1970’s Schwinn Varsity where the rear wheel doesn’t engage but gears rotate with chain and change gears? Went for a ride and 3 blocks later this happened.

[Criminal]

(01-29-2021, 10:45 PM)Npitch99 Wrote:  I have a 1970’s Schwinn Varsity where the rear wheel doesn’t engage but gears rotate with chain and change gears? Went for a ride and 3 blocks later this happened.

Are you "freewheeling" (no resistance) when pedalling forward? Your freewheel may be damaged or stuck where it is not engaging the hub. You would have to remove and disassemble it, or just replace it. Replacing is going to be less expensive than an overhaul of it (removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, installation) if even feasible. Also, you could replace with a used part vice new. At a shop, removal/installation should be quick and fairly low cost.