Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Converting '71 Super Sport

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sebjamesm
07-20-05, 11:34 AM
I just scored a fillet-brazed 1971 Super Sport that I'm working on converting to a fixed gear. For a first time project, I feel I may have gotten in over my head a little, since it's so old and some of the parts are whacky. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on fixing this thing. I've been all through Sheldon's site and done numerous searches on the board. Have a pretty good overview, I think.
I'm wondering specifically about the bottom bracket and crankset. The SS uses a 1 piece crankset, so I'm thinking that's going to have to get tossed, plus it weighs a ton.
For the BB, how do I know what size I need (diameter)? Just measure? Should I just overhaul the old BB?
I'm going to buy a new wheelset, because these are steel rimmed wheels and way to heavy. I was going to go with 700 cc wheels, but if I have them built by my LBS, should I keep them 27"?

I also want to try to do this as inexpensively as possible, seeing that it's my first project. But, I want something that I'm going to have to replace often. I've seen some wheelsets on ebay that are around 140--are these complete crap? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7170052257&category=36144&rd=1

Also NYCbikes has a set of foul weather wheels: http://nycbikes.com/item.php?item_id=399 would that be a better bet?

And finally here's a picture of the bike

Thanks guys
-Seb

wetjett01
07-20-05, 01:45 PM
You may be able to go to the Schwinn website and check the FAQs. they have a section for vintage bike fanatics. I'm in the process of building up a World Sport Fixie and i found some useful stuff in there. you may just have to dig around a little
el twe
07-20-05, 02:15 PM
I have a 1972 Super Sport that I restored to 10 speed riding order. My BB was fine, and I haven't had any troubles with the one piece crank. If your BB is really making a fuss, I'd just overhaul it. You can get a decent rear wheel for $100, and Harris (Sheldon's store, more or less) even has some prebuilt 27" fixed wheels. Personally, I'd have a 27" rear built by your LBS so you don't have to worry about a front one. The stock SS rims are alloy, so you won't run into that problem. I'm actually looking into rebuilding my original front wheel, and the rim and hub were still in good shape, I just had some stripped spokes. Those stock hubs are quite nice, I believe they're Normandy.

Hope that can help, feel free to PM if you need some details (I'm not saying I'll have all the answers, though ;)).