Originally Posted by
rival85
I was planning on buying an auto-mini folder for my girlfriend for christmas
Well hey!!! No pressure here.
Originally Posted by
rival85
...but the only ones I've found are single speeds with coaster brakes. How difficult/expensive would it be to convert it to a three speed with hand brakes? Could I do it myself (I'm a complete hack with limited experience)? Is it better to go to an actual bike mechanic?
A good test is this, if you know what the hell they mean by getting a 3 speed hub wheel with a coaster brake, then I think you can handle it. Having a good LBS or bike savvy friend or relative to help or point you in the right direction, also helps avoid costly mistakes and delays in completion.
However, like any potentially large expenditure, weigh in the pros and cons. Ask for an estimate for the work and compare it to what you would be spending in turns of time & money. Also consider the quality of the work. You can't have brakes that half way work or a three speed that only works on 1 & 2 but not necessarily well on three.
Another option to consider is to do some of the work yourself but have the LBS handle the more complicated/costly part.
Originally Posted by
Russcoles11
If you find all these on an old bike you will be able to study how they attach easy enuff. Just try and resist fixing up the old bike afterwards
But...but that Old Broadwalk I now have ain't that bad. It just needs new front brakes, new cabling, new brake levers, new handlebars, a new saddle, new seatpost and yeah the gears and latches need a little work - but beyond all that - it's as good as new.
