Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrading from regular to 10-speed?

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DjArcadian
07-26-04, 12:23 PM
I just bought an old Montgomery Ward Hawthorn bicycle at a garage sale. I love the look of it but it's only a standard speed bike which you brake by pushing back on the pedals. I want to restore this bike and upgrade it to a 10 speed if possible. My friend said that the area where the gear attaches to the frame isn't large enough to support a 10-gear bike. I figured I could weld a larger bracket to take care of that. However, is this practical at all or am I in for a world of hurt trying to upgrade this? Would it be possible to upgrade to a lower gear bike like maybe a 5 speed?

AndrewP
07-26-04, 01:23 PM
I would suggest getting an internal hub 3 speed (sturmey archer or shimano). Since this bike probably has 27" wheels, you will have to search for them on Ebay.
DjArcadian
07-26-04, 05:02 PM
I see them on Ebay but what about things such as the chain tensioner and the gears connected to the pedal. No one seems to make a complete kit on Ebay at least. Can I use any tensioner or does it have to be specific to the gear hub?

John E
07-27-04, 09:25 AM
I strongly believe you should keep your bike as-is and look for a used vintage 10-speed at yard sales and thrift shops. A decent name-brand road bike (not another Montgomery Ward or *-Mart offering) will feel remarkably light, response, and fun to you. An old Peugeot or Raleigh is a great place to start.