Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Converting to SS...

Yes I know its a old Schwinn tank.. 1972 Continental. But it will be SS by this weekend. I had 83 or so inches of chain for a few days in anticipation. I'm going 46-15 (81 inches I think), using an Odyssey Battle gear chainwheel, and whatever chain/ss 15T the shop is installing. I would have done it myself, but I didn't want to pay for all the tools, so $25 in labor will suffice. I just read the thread on the pedals breaking, think I will be ok with stock 34 year old pedals? I know what's next: a decent wheelset with flip flob hub (I have to stay 27", no 700c right?). Then it turns into the hunt for fixed parts, namely a frame to start with...

I will post back with new photos once I get the bike back, should be sunday.

you should be able to run 700's, just make sure the break reaches.

I know what's next: a decent wheelset with flip flob hub (I have to stay 27", no 700c right?).

It looks like your brakes could fit a 700c. There's only 4mm difference.

Dude whats with the one piece crank.....Maybe you should try to look for something a little bit more lightweight and better than the one piece. Out of this frame and something local you could be looking great. 700c will work fine but you gotta move the brake shoes or change brakes.

Look on local Craigslist for ideas or bikes!

Dude whats with the one piece crank.....Maybe you should try to look for something a little bit more lightweight and better than the one piece. Out of this frame and something local you could be looking great.
One-piece cranks can be fine for a beater bike, and with a tank like this that's kind of what I'd expect. They are easy to service (you just need a crescent wrench), and work well. The only real downside is that it can be tough to find good pedals for them. But, if you're willing to just go with BMX platforms, you're all set.

I have a 27" Schwinn from the same era that I want to convert. Should we really be so eager to switch to 700s? Is there any problem with 27in wheels on a fixed? As long as there's enough clearance, and we can make the front brake fit...you with me?

jonny pockets varsity on 700's

http://oregonstate.edu/~tudorj/bike/Day%204/1.jpg

cool. Hey, I have another question...in peoples' experience, is there a minimum clearance for pedals, after which you tend to have more pedal strikes? I want to see if I can use the cranks I have.

Did you ever get the problem worked out with the tires popping and your LBS "screwing you"?

ohhh yes. In retrospect, I could have been more adult about that. But all that happened was that the shop just twisted the tube, or otherwise installed the new tires wrong. The mechanic admitted as much to me. Remember, now, that I had to have them do it while I was at work, or I would have done it myself. I've been keeping them inflated to about 110, and they're fine. We're actually talking about the same bike.

I'm gald that everything worked out.

I'd run with what you have (cranks/pedals wise), and see how it goes. I ride almost exclusively on a touring frame conversion, with a low bb, 170mm cranks, and wide MTB pedals. No pedal strike.


You may find out that you don't have any problems at all, or you may have to go to shorter cranks.

Does those old road bikes (like ryang 1972 schwinn continental) have tire clearance for 700x28 or 700x32?

Thanks!

Let me remind you all that this is my first step into SS, and later on fixed, so I'm on a budget before I get a sense of what's good quality. I'm not dumping alot of money into a 35lb frame. I could convert it to a 3pc crank, but it's not worth it, I'd rather spend that $50+ towards a new frame/wheelset.

PS if you were wondering that staircase goes to a blocked off door, hence the stuff piled around the top of the stairs.:)

Here it is. I had them save the old parts, I think the bag weighed 7-9 lbs.... Looks clean, now to get a better wheelset!

Looks good.

One of the things that I like about 1-piece cranks is that you can get kick-a$s BMX chainwheels for them. Nice.

Are those 700 tires?

That picture is deceiving, they look like black wheels don't they? Those are 27x1 1/4" Perforomance kevlar tires. I'm looking out for a SunM3II wheelset, on the cheap.