Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Converting my Schwinn Le Tour to a fixed gear

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Mousseau
03-19-11, 12:48 AM
Ive always snooped around this forum but this is finally my first post!

Here is my bike.

http://tinypic.com/r/f3dz85/7

What kind of trouble would I have to go through to convert it to a fixed gear? Would it be cheaper to buy a new fixed gear as is? Or is it a DIY kind of thing that an average Joe can do?

Thanks.

hairnet
03-19-11, 01:20 AM
That frame isn't something really worth putting money into, but it could be fun anyway. I think you will be better off with a nice new bike. Hey, two bikes instead of one.
Build your own
03-19-11, 05:42 AM
It depends what you are looking for.If all you want is this bike fixed, then all you need is a wheelset and a crank with matching BB.That should be ~$180 with parts from Bike Island,maybe less if you take your time and shop around.If you plan on going all out with new saddle, seatpost, stem,bars and brakes, then you're better off with a new bike.

ianjk
03-19-11, 09:30 AM
donno why you would need new crank and bottom bracket.

Just slap a wheel and new chain on it and call it done.
hpmcardle
03-19-11, 12:48 PM
Don't buy a new fixie! I had a Le Tour that I converted a while back and honestly, it was a piece of crap but the process was SO much fun! I got a wheelset for around $160 and spent another $100 on a crankset, chain, pedals n stuffs. That's basically all you need. Plus all your pals without fixies will still think it's pretty cool.
FastJake
03-19-11, 01:04 PM
Don't stick a ton of money into it, it's really not worth it. But to make it fixed gear isn't unreasonable. You don't need a new crankset and you definitely don't need a new bottom bracket. A fixed wheel, cog, and lockring are all you really need.

This will help: http://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/how-to-fixed-conversion.html