Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Schwinn World Sport single speed conversion

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elkfuzz
07-19-10, 12:10 PM
I recently bought a Schwinn world sport and after riding it for a while I think it would benefit from a single speed conversion. The main purpose for this conversion is to reduce weight and make it a faster/simpler machine for getting around the city. I was thinking about replacing the wheels on this bike and stripping down to a single speed. The bike looks identical to the one shown below in the link.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/36485053_a2b9bd0d83.jpg


I believe it is a 84'-85', cro-moly, 700cc wheels, and in very good shape.


Is this a good idea on a bike like this? Are older Schwinn bikes like this good to convert? If so, can anyone recommend good 700 replacement wheels? Also, how much would the parts for this conversion cost?

dsh
07-19-10, 12:26 PM
You can buy a set of wheels from BWW:
http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=45

Then get a cheapie BMX freewheel from ebay or wherever:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Freewheel-16T-MX30-Single-Speed-Silver-BMX-/360281050169?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e26c8c39


Take off derailleurs, pick which front chainring you prefer, shorten chain so it fits, youi're done.


Your rear dropouts are almost definitely going to be wider than the 120mm rear hub on the wheelset, but it's old steel so just crank down on those bolts and crush the frame. No biggie.
hairnet
07-19-10, 05:50 PM
You say World Sport?


edit: err... current photo
http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu132/gavriel_bucket/DSC_2479.jpg

The drop outs are a little wide, I just added spacers (washers) to my hub

squeegeesunny
07-19-10, 05:51 PM
you are HUGEEEEEEEEEEE
TejanoTrackie
07-19-10, 06:05 PM
Spoke cardzzzz!
seau grateau
07-19-10, 06:08 PM
you are HUGEEEEEEEEEEE

That's what she said. Seriously though, you could make a seat-tube out of that head-tube.
dsh
07-19-10, 07:14 PM
Good lord that must be, what, 66cm?
hairnet
07-19-10, 07:24 PM
close, but no cigar
dsh
07-19-10, 07:30 PM
Am I over or under?
hairnet
07-19-10, 07:35 PM
under
squeegeesunny
07-19-10, 07:36 PM
How tall are you?!
hairnet
07-19-10, 07:38 PM
so much for the OP, sorry dude

6'5" and it's 67cm c-c
squeegeesunny
07-19-10, 07:40 PM
Wow, I want to see you next to Tejano.
dsh
07-19-10, 09:08 PM
67cm c-c
Not even half a cigar?
hairnet
07-19-10, 09:14 PM
you get a cigarillo