Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - here I go.. SS conversion

This is my Schwinn World Tourist.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/594/bikeb.jpg

completed
1. no cable to derailleur
2. flipped handlebars for a better riding position - honest, it is better, for me at least
3. new pedals and clips
4. remove derailleur
5. shorten chain

to-do list
1. stem
2. handlebar (bullhorn maybe?)
3. cassette - due to FF system, will need new wheel, brakes, crank, bb - too expensive, going to pass on this
4. strip and repaint or leave original? thoughts?
6. thinking about bar end brakes, but these work for now
7. what else?

Ok, ok, I'll say it first. That wack bar setup needs to go.

bars look super sketchy

I know they look wacky. But they feel great, I have ridden approx 600 miles with them like that.

Sketchy how? Like unsafe or just odd?

This is my Schwinn World Tourist.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/594/bikeb.jpg

completed
1. no cable to derailleur
2. flipped handlebars for a better riding position
3. new pedals and clips

to-do list
1. remove derailleur
2. shorten chain
3. replace cassette (need advice)
4. replace wheels (need advice on size, type, etc.)
5. strip and repaint or leave original? thoughts?
6. thinking about bar end brakes, but these work for now
7. what else?

Why oh why isn't there the tarck thread when you need it???

just pulled off the derailleur and about 5" of chain after cleaning it. I wanted to rip off the cover to the crank, but couldn't figure it out. oh well, that's enough for 1 night.

that looks like a front freewheel crank, which will give you all sorts of fun if you try to go fixed. If it is, it also means that the 'freewheel' thing in the back might not actually be a freewheel. You might have yourself a fun project.

And the handlebars are odd, but if you really do like them, then go for it.

set of rims will take care of the cassette in the back... i would change the stem and get some decent bars... then later on get a track crank... after that, the paint and what not will come alot easier...

This is my Schwinn World Tourist.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/594/bikeb.jpg


My brain keeps telling me there is a set of jumper cables on that bike.

My brain keeps telling me there is a set of jumper cables on that bike.

HHAHAHHAA:LK;hf;salfdjhdklahfskalfjd...

that looks like a front freewheel crank, which will give you all sorts of fun if you try to go fixed. If it is, it also means that the 'freewheel' thing in the back might not actually be a freewheel. You might have yourself a fun project.

fuzz, tell me more about how this can be "fun" - please excuse my ignorance, I'm new to all this. my previous bikes were all ridden without any modifications. This is my first project bike and I bought it with no knowledge of what the FF system is. I'm intrigued that I may have stumbled upon something here.

here is a shot of the rear that is marked "for use on shimano FF system only" http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2802/ffwheel.jpg

In my honest opinion I don't think that bike is worth the effort of converting. I would just ride it as is. Why did you screw with the angle of the bars? That can't be comfortable anymore.

if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? ;)
looking at options online, it looks like the bullhorn style more closely matches what I have.

In my honest opinion I don't think that bike is worth the effort of converting. I would just ride it as is. Why did you screw with the angle of the bars? That can't be comfortable anymore.

I wanted something old, ugly and cheap that would not be stolen like my previous bike. This is my first project bike, so i'm doing it on the cheap and having some fun while learning. . Leaning too far forward hurts my back and the angle is good for climbing over bridges and highway overpasses. So, After trying different bars in various positions, this is the most comfortable for me.

here is a shot to better show what it looks like.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5351/wack.jpg

I wanted something old, ugly and cheap that would not be stolen like my previous bike. This is my first project bike, so i'm doing it on the cheap and having some fun while learning. . Leaning too far forward hurts my back and the angle is good for climbing over bridges and highway overpasses. So, After trying different bars in various positions, this is the most comfortable for me.

I don't quite understand how this is responding to my comment.

I'll reiterate. The bike isn't worth converting because you'd need to replace the crank, bottom bracket, and probably the wheelset (being that those are steel and use a weird freewheel in the back). Once again, it probably makes more sense just to use it as you found it. If you want something old, ugly and cheap, why throw money in it? It's already old, ugly and cheap.

Those bars aren't meant to be used like that. They're townie bars. They should flare out towards you.

if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? ;)
looking at options online, it looks like the bullhorn style more closely matches what I have.

Nobody suggested you put bullhorns on that bike.

yeah, i could use it as i found it. or i could make a few adjustments and have something that is more enjoyable for me to use everyday. I've gotten the message about the bars, but it doesn't change the fact that it makes my daily commute more comfortable and also faster.

i'm not really throwing money into it. I've spent maybe $100 total on this bike so far and future purchases will be made at the co-op used parts bin or yard sales.

Nobody suggested you put bullhorns on that bike.
true, that was my suggestion based on comparing my current setup to other bars that are available

[QUOTE=mustachiod;10823324]if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? [QUOTE]

Not a chance. We make fun of everybody no matter what they do.

If you're happy with the wack, jumper cable handlebars, leave 'em. That way at least one person will be happy with the bike. If you change them you might not like it as well and we're still going to make fun of you.

[QUOTE=mustachiod;10823324]if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? [QUOTE]

Not a chance. We make fun of everybody no matter what they do.

If you're happy with the wack, jumper cable handlebars, leave 'em. That way at least one person will be happy with the bike. If you change them you might not like it as well and we're still going to make fun of you.

Objectively pointing out the logistic flaws in someone's investment does not constitute "making fun of".

Dude, you came to the wrong place if you want useful advice. People come here to trash on others to make themselves feel better about something or other. Sorry man.

yep, i fully expected a good dose of trash talk and having some fun. I also know there are dbags and trolls on every forum. I just haven't figured out who to ignore yet.

I'm still hopeful that there will be a few bits of relevant info to help me along. This seemed like a well-rounded forum with alot of experience to learn from.

blicks ur being kind of rude. just sayinnnn

blicks ur being kind of rude. just sayinnnn

I'm just being straightforward and honest.

No hostility intended mustachiod.

none taken. no worries.

BTW- it looks like I may be able to sell the FF crank and rear wheelset. I'm watching a few on ebay to see if they sell first.

I thought this was the new jackass thread.
I was going to set the lock timer but then I realized this shiz is for real.

Leaning too far forward hurts my back and the angle is good for climbing over bridges and highway overpasses.

You'll probobly like bullhorns then. I ride 90% on the flats with no back pain. And my back is as whacked as your bars. lol just playing. I'd check the crank like a previous poster said it looks like a freewheel crank. IDK a helluva lot about bicycles but that seems like it would make or break your project. Are you buying wheels? I've seen people posting links to $100 wheelsets.

none taken. no worries.

BTW- it looks like I may be able to sell the FF crank and rear wheelset. I'm watching a few on ebay to see if they sell first.

Try craigslist, not ebay.

I've seen people posting links to $100 wheelsets.

where can i see those? I'm not buying anything yet, but i want to see what is out there so i know a good deal when i see it. thanks

See this is a classic example of why the $150 walmart fixies posted on other threads in this forum is such a great idea.
Upgrade a brick or buy another bike ready to go for about the same cost.

Enjoy

I don't see a problem with converting this to a single speed. But I wouldn't toss money into it, unless you really just like the look or idea of it.

The 'ghetto' ss is always an option.

Just take the derailer/shifters/mounting bracket thingies off, and just pick the best chain line for throwing your chain over.

You can mess around with the chainrings on the spider (assuming you can) to pick the most comfy gear for yourself.

Buying new wheels/new cranks/new bars/etc etc is just going to a lot of money.

Now I converted an old bike and put new wheels on and the like, but that's cause I am silly.

powers2b, from the reviews i've read, the walmart fixie is pile of poo. I like ugly bikes, but not ugly ones that are trying to look cool. there is a difference.

your logic reminds me of people who look at classic cars and ask why the owner didn't just buy a new one.

where can i see those? I'm not buying anything yet, but i want to see what is out there so i know a good deal when i see it. thanks

I'm not sure on what thread, but someone posted a $100 wheelset the other day. Just search for "cheap wheels" or something. But......


See this is a classic example of why the $150 walmart fixies posted on other threads in this forum is such a great idea.
Upgrade a brick or buy another bike ready to go for about the same cost.

Enjoy

I forgot about that. You'd probobly be better off going that route and keeping your bike how it is, unless you want to tinker. Which I understand that too.

powers2b, from the reviews i've read, the walmart fixie is pile of poo. I like ugly bikes, but not ugly ones that are trying to look cool. there is a difference.

your logic reminds me of people who look at classic cars and ask why the owner didn't just buy a new one.

Yea, I agree, it probably is but it is closer to the end goal than this bike.
I have nothing against ugly, it is function and cost I am pointing out.
This bike is a schwinn with the freewheel mech in the bb shell, the bb shell is american, the rear cogset is fixed, the wheels are steel, the frame is heavy (I have worked on a few).
To get close to a decent bike with replaceable parts the owner needs a new crank (american), new chainring, and new wheels.
A Wmart bike may need some adjusting and truing (time and tools) but it does not require new parts.
And yes, there are people that collect old Lada cars but that does not make them collectors items.
I fully support rebuild, conversion, restoration when warranted.
I'm just stating that in the long run the Wmart bike is probably a better bang for the buck.
Enjoy

gaah. now i'm actually thinking about buying that walmart bike and repainting it.

gaah. now i'm actually thinking about buying that walmart bike and repainting it.

That's what I'm doing. I bought one of those Gavin jobs, probobly should have looked around a bit more but I was anxious. Even though it was fairly cheap, it rides real nice and is pretty light. I'm going to repaint it, new seat and bar tape in a coupla weeks.

powers2b, from the reviews i've read, the walmart fixie is pile of poo. I like ugly bikes, but not ugly ones that are trying to look cool. there is a difference.

your logic reminds me of people who look at classic cars and ask why the owner didn't just buy a new one.

If we were talking about restoring a vintage Cinelli track frame you might have had a point.

But anyways...Walmart is a terrible corporation. If you care about sustainability, a conversion makes a better bike.

If we were talking about restoring a vintage Cinelli track frame you might have had a point.

Right,
A guy comes to me and says he wants to put an automatic transmission and AC in a Yugo. I tell him it's a bad idea and he should buy a new Kia with said features and somehow I'm being unreasonable.

Enjoy

like i said, i'm still learning

thanks for all the info so far, this is good

bars look super sketchy

Sketchy, or sexy?

I see no problem converting that. Yeah you can buy a bike from Wal-Mart or BD but it will be the same p.o.s as everyone else's. Strip the Schwinn to a bare frame and build it the way you want to man. They make an adapter for the bottom bracket shell that makes it so you can put a Euro sized bb in there and opens up your options for crank sets.

I see no problem converting that. Yeah you can buy a bike from Wal-Mart or BD but it will be the same p.o.s as everyone else's. Strip the Schwinn to a bare frame and build it the way you want to man. They make an adapter for the bottom bracket shell that makes it so you can put a Euro sized bb in there and opens up your options for crank sets.

The costs are building......I forgot new cog and lockring, chain...........I don't recall if the original had 27 or 700 so brakes may be in your future as well, probably needs new headset..... But, what the hell, you will have the most expensive brick on the block...think of how cool the other kids will think you are when they pass you on their Wmart bike and say "He's so Ironic".

BTW, I ride conversions so don't think I'm jus' hatin'

Enjoy

He might have the most expensive brick but he built it the way he wanted to. I have an expensive brick too. I know your not hatin'. Your giving your opinion and I'm giving mine. Yeah financially its better to buy a complete bike, but I personally like the joy in building it myself.

I had the walmart bike in my cart, but there is no place to select frame size

the review says " I would estimate to be about a 49 cm frame, 52 max from the way it fits me. ......, a 5'9" 140 pound adult."

being 5'11" and 180 lbs, this would probably be too cramped for me. but i may be able to grab the wheels, stem and bars and give the other parts away for someone else to start a project with.

He might have the most expensive brick but he built it the way he wanted to. I have an expensive brick too. I know your not hatin'. Your giving your opinion and I'm giving mine. Yeah financially its better to buy a complete bike, but I personally like the joy in building it myself.

Yea, me too. My fav bike is a dumpster frame. But all the parts are standard and I built it up with spare parts so no big $$ invested.
But I hate to see someone new spend a lot of time and $$$ on something that may never be the right bike (because you have to buy adapters, non-standard parts) and then end up going out and buying another or worse giving up.
Plus, even completed the bike will not have much value and the non-standard parts will not play nice with other bikes.
I would rather see that person buy a entry level, develop maint. / adjustment skills that will be handy on the next bike or upgrade.

Enjoy

I see your point. I had to get the bb adapter for my Aerowind. It had that weird Shimano AX Adamas crank and bb that was American. I'm an entry level rider and builder and luckily everything worked out for my build, but I'm still messing around with it and changing things up. Going to try a new set of bars next the 1/8th inch mini drops aren't really working out.

Yea, me too. My fav bike is a dumpster frame. But all the parts are standard and I built it up with spare parts so no big $$ invested.
But I hate to see someone new spend a lot of time and $$$ on something that may never be the right bike (because you have to buy adapters, non-standard parts) and then end up going out and buying another or worse giving up.
Plus, even completed the bike will not have much value and the non-standard parts will not play nice with other bikes.
I would rather see that person buy a entry level, develop maint. / adjustment skills that will be handy on the next bike or upgrade.

Enjoy

I have to say that I agree.

Logically speaking complete SS bikes can be bought so cheaply that it's pretty hard to spend less money by converting an old bike. On the other hand, converting an old bike is a lot more artistically satisfying. My general advice is: if all that you want is a bike to ride, buy something from BD; if at least part of your motivation is doing it yourself, then you have to build a conversion.

That said, if it was my bike, I'd be looking for a better candidate to convert. That front freewheel and one piece crank BB shell would be deal killers for me.

110 bucks at VeloMine:

http://www.velomine.com/EbayImages/machsilver1.jpg
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_89&products_id=587&zenid=i9io0ifuu7sjvs7rfhqb8oho56

I have to say that I agree.

Logically speaking complete SS bikes can be bought so cheaply that it's pretty hard to spend less money by converting an old bike. On the other hand, converting an old bike is a lot more artistically satisfying. My general advice is: if all that you want is a bike to ride, buy something from BD; if at least part of your motivation is doing it yourself, then you have to build a conversion.

That said, if it was my bike, I'd be looking for a better candidate to convert. That front freewheel and one piece crank BB shell would be deal killers for me.

This is exactly what I had in mind to write as well. Converting is fun, but don't start out with the handicaps inherent to that frame. I'd add that, if you do go new and cheap, go entry level with BD and not sub-sub-basement level with Walmart.

i'm torn between
1. being stubborn and finishing this bike as planned. it works great now, i could slowly replace parts as a learning experience
2. buying a cheaper bike that is ready to go. but that would likely need parts replaced within a few months anyway
3. researching other bikes that would be better candidates for a conversion