McGeorge

Hey there, first thread here but have been lurking.

Anyways, I was wondering if this package looks like a decent deal to convert an older schwinn Le Tour to a ss/fixed gear bicycle.

I grew up on bmx bikes where riding brakeless made more sense than having gears. I cant handle them so I need to convert.

Here's the deal, it is at a local bike store so I am able to pick it up without paying for shipping...
https://cgi.ebay.com/700C-FIXED-GEAR-...QQcmdZViewItem

Here is the bike btw.

ModernDivo

That's a pretty decent deal, I got a similer set of parts off craigslist for $115, slightly used, but what I bought only included crank arms, not the BB and chainring though. I think you found a pretty good deal there, I'd go for it. You could also look here: https://stores.ebay.com/The-Bikesmith...QQftidZ2QQtZkm
they seem to have some really good deals, especially if you want deep Vs.

solly81

you might need to swap out your front wheel too as it is prob 27" not 700c. getting those cranks off might be a lain in the ass too, but its doable. are you going to be doing this yourself or getting it done at a shop?

McGeorge

I have a buddy who is a bike tech who I need to bribe with Qdoba.


https://cgi.ebay.com/27-FIXED-GEAR-TR...QQcmdZViewItem
They also have the kit for 27", should have really checked into that...

Im still debating between the conversion and just getting a pista or fremont but this bike does have some sentimental value.

edw

the bike looks fine.

When looking at the parts. you need to consider. Are these the parts you want. Are you ok with a 27 in front and a 700 c rear. What about the ratio that is in the package, is that what you want to ride or will you need to change that as well.

edw

i would go with the 700c as if you upgrade to a new frame at a later point you can still use the wheels. If you use 27 in they maynot fit in your new frame

McGeorge

Bascially at this point I am trying to do the conversion on the cheap. I would love to spend the money and build it to exactly what I want but being a poor college student it's not too smart to invest a lot of money into anything. I see what you are saying about the 700, makes sense to me.

Judge_Posner

if the 27' front wheel is fine, then get the conversion kit that comes with a rear 27' wheel and ride on matching 27's. Theres no reason to buy two new 700cs when the front wheel works fine. I've done this on friends' conversions. Another upside is you don't have to worry about your existing brake levers not reaching the extra 3mm to grab on smaller 700c wheels, which potentially saves you another $30 or so.

edit to add:
if you were going to buy a nice set of new wheels, i'd recommend getting 700c wheels so you could use them on future bikes. but we're talking about weinmann lp-18 rims here -- not exactly something you plan on using for 10 years anyways.