Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Schwinn Peloton ideas

So I am new to this whole track bike scene, but I want to build my bike into a fixed gear for some extra exercise on my commute. I recently picked up a '85 Schwinn Peloton like this one...

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s61/Xlr8nphoto/531.jpg

I was planning on buying new wheels and cranks for her, and I have some mustache bars that kind of drop down a bit I was planning on using. Because the frame is black and white, I am kind of torn on what color wheels/cranks would go well. Now I dont mean for this to be a "match this bike to my purse post", but I must admit it is kind of lame to be asking this question. But because a wheelset is going to cost me a bit of money, I would like to make sure the bike looks nice in the process.

Also, I will have a black or tan saddle on the bike.

Ask the guys in classic and vintage (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=181) what to do with this bike. Got a spare $350? (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm) Let's not go killin' virgin bikes now.

I'd feel guilty converting that. It looks too hot as is.

Another thing, that bike isnt mine, it is just the same model. Mine is in good condition considering it is 23 years old, but that one is cherry.

If it looks anything like that picture, I'd ride it as-is... If there's something broken/wrong, replace the broken/wrong part and leave it...

please dont convert that bike. buy a $350 or so bd bike. you'll probably spend more than $350 to do a good conversion, anyways. also, more bikes = better.

leave it alone! do the right thing!

I've never understood the horror some people have when the concept of converting certain bikes comes up. Really, I'd much rather see the OP convert that bike and actually ride it than have it sit around unridden.

I would, however, not recommend shaving off cable-guides and whatnot in case at some point in the future the multi-geared option looks once again desirable.

I had no idea that this bike was a classic. Just picked it up at a secondhand store today. But mine is quite a bit more scuffed up than that, and I plan on keeping all the original parts so I could change it back if I wanted. I should change that photo out, as mine looks a lot more like this...

http://velospace.org/files/DSCF0461.JPG

Just unfixied.

Plus I already have a more than adequate quiver of bikes right now. I just need something to get around town while I am at college and feel OK about locking up while I go do stuff in town.

**** a bike cherry or not.
Just make it fun even if that means throwing it in the river or converting it.
Who cares?

Just make it fun even if that means throwing it in the river or converting it.

+1, dude. +1.

geemac- Saw this thread a few days late, but I thought I'd give you my .02 seeing that the top pic is my bike.:thumb:
The Peloton was Schwinns top line off-the-shelf bike that year, second only to the Paramount and is a quality piece. Complete Columbus SL/SP frame. The DiaCompe RGC brakes are one of the best side-pull set-ups made. If yours has the stock Suntour Superbe Pro components on it, they are worth quite a bit of money these days. It was Suntour's top-line gruppo and is considered by some as one of the best gruppos ever. You could easily fund your conversion entirely by selling off the Superbe parts, RCG brakes, and Cinelli bars separately on e-bay, but I'd vote to keep it intact as it is an exceptional riding bike as-is. (fwiw your bike is an '86, not an '85.)

Thanks for the heads up Xlr. BTW, your bike is a beauty, if mine was like that I wouldnt think twice about keeping it in original condition. Unfortunately, it looks like my bike parts have been replaced by a hodge-podge of brands.

Bianchi cranks
Gran-Compe Brakes
Corsa Levers
Shimano 600 rear derailer
Campy Front Derailer

So I dont really anything on it has any value anymore, and it isnt orginal anyway. So I bought a new rear wheel, cranks, the whole bit. I am still not sure whether or not I need to replace the BB, but I still love the way the frame looks and it will get more use as a fixie than as a geared bicycle. Plus, all of the components are staying with me if/when I want a geared bicycle.

Thanks for the heads up Xlr. BTW, your bike is a beauty, if mine was like that I wouldnt think twice about keeping it in original condition. Unfortunately, it looks like my bike parts have been replaced by a hodge-podge of brands.

Bianchi cranks
Gran-Compe Brakes
Corsa Levers
Shimano 600 rear derailer
Campy Front Derailer

So I dont really anything on it has any value anymore, and it isnt orginal anyway. So I bought a new rear wheel, cranks, the whole bit. I am still not sure whether or not I need to replace the BB, but I still love the way the frame looks and it will get more use as a fixie than as a geared bicycle. Plus, all of the components are staying with me if/when I want a geared bicycle.

Well seeing it has already been pirated of it's stock components, I totally agree it sure won't hurt anything to convert it and enjoy it as a FG ride. Enjoy. (btw- sent you a pm)