Bicycle Mechanics - Schwinn World ?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Schwinn World ?

Nashvillecat
07-30-09, 07:12 PM
I have a Schwinn Road/Touring bike circa 1979-80. It is a 12 speed. If possible, I would like to convert it to a 16 or (even better) 18 speed. I need steeper gears for the hills around here...the tall gears are ok. I know next to nothing about bike components and just found out yesterday what a cassette was. Can I replace the cassette on this bike with a 8 or 9 sprocket one? Are they made that would fit this bike? Would I still be able to use my originals shifters? Thanks

mzeffex
07-30-09, 07:14 PM
It uses a freewheel, not a cassette. The highest freewheels go is 7 speed. You would need a new rear wheel, 27 inch cassette or a 700c wheel. both have complications. the 27 inch would be rare, and the 700c would cause brake issues.
garage sale GT
07-30-09, 07:34 PM
You could probabaly find a freewheel with a 34 tooth largest ring. it ought to be a six speed or it may not fit in your frame. You may also need a megarange derailleur. You could also drop a few teeth on your front sprockets. You have to find sprockets with the same bolt circle diameter (BCD) and not let the difference between big and small rings get any higher than what you have now or your front derailleur won't work.

JanMM
07-30-09, 08:01 PM
1979 Schwinn Super LeTours had freehubs. A modern cassette wouldn't be compatible, though.

Pics of bike?
garage sale GT
07-30-09, 08:07 PM
How about a triple front crank? You could find a crank with three sprockets on the front.