Originally Posted by Nightshade

The simplest thing to do is to have a bike shop lace in a 3 sp (or 7/8 speed) into your wheel and change the front chain ring to a 36 tooth and ride the dickens outta that bike. I did this for my wife and she now rides her Schwinn girls bike all the time. (Tip: DON'T forget the front chain ring to make the gearing work better. )