Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - fixed gear hub for 72 schwinn continential

I picked up a 72 schwinn continential single speed I would like to convert to fixed gear. The original rims were replaced with 27x1.25 alloy rims at some point.

What do I need for hub size? Is 120mm the standard for road bike rears? Do rims have a standard number of spokes or do I need to count them sometime when I am at home?

Road bike dropouts are typically 130mm, but the best way to find out is to measure it yourself. Provided the axles are long enough, all you need are spacers on your new hub to fill in for the extra 10mm, since track hubs are usually fitted for 120mm dropouts. Different rims have different spoke counts, so your choice of rim will depend on your choice of hub, or vice versa. Easiest course of action is to measure your dropouts then order a prebuilt wheel that will fit in those dropouts.

Almost all older 10spd road bikes have 120mm rear spacing and most older 12spd road bikes are 126mm. It is cheaper and better to just get a new rear wheel with a fixed hub or flip flop hub.

Road bike dropouts are typically 130mm, but the best way to find out is to measure it yourself.

They are now, but back in 1972 when the OP's bike was built 120mm was standard on a derailleur-equipped bike. Unless someone spread the stays in the years since it left the factory, a standard 120mm track or flip-flop hub will fit just fine.

Damn guys! my bad. Now I realize why so many people make conversions out of the oldies; I was never really for it myself. Good lookin out. :thumb:

If it is 120mm (I'll measure when I am at home) then it would just be an issue of getting a hub and lacing it into the rim? Are flip-flops the ones that have a fixed gear on one side and a free-wheel on the other?

You would have to get a hub that has the same or similar hole circle diameter (otherwise you'll have to get all new spokes also) and the same number of holes . Most likely 36 hole.

I'd rather just get a whole new wheel, actually probably a whole new wheelset, so I can have 700c front and rear. Hopefully brakes reach 700c rims.

You would have to get a hub that has the same or similar hole circle diameter (otherwise you'll have to get all new spokes also) and the same number of holes . Most likely 36 hole.

I'd rather just get a whole new wheel, actually probably a whole new wheelset, so I can have 700c front and rear. Hopefully brakes reach 700c rims.

Are the $90 wheel sets worth owning?

Sometimes. I got some Sun 0° Lite laced to LX hubs for $89 once. Totally worth it.

If it is 120mm (I'll measure when I am at home) then it would just be an issue of getting a hub and lacing it into the rim?

Or you could take the easy way out and buy a pre-built wheel with a flip/flop hub.


Are flip-flops the ones that have a fixed gear on one side and a free-wheel on the other?

Yes, exactly. Although some may be able to take a fixed cog and lockring on both sides:

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/steel-hub.jpg

Local bike shop was able to help me out. I have a 126mm rear, they said they can bend it to 120mm no problem. My rims were for 27x1.25 tires. For the cost to replace the hub it made more sense to get wheels.i have 700c double wall rims with a free/fixed hub with sealed bearings on clearance for $99. Rear brakes reach fine and they are going to put on a long reach front. I should be riding it wednesday or thursday, i am looking forward to trying it out.

an option to having that shop reset the rear spacing on your frame is to have them install a couple spacers onto the axle...