Originally Posted by reich17
So, Sheldon, would you make a suggestion as to what type of wheel I should replace that rear one with? A better 3 speed or maybe a single speed????Any other upgrades you would recommend? Please keep in mind I am not a wealthy man and bought this bike as a novelty for my children and I to ride.
Please forgive my ignorance but, it is possible to use a coaster brake in conjunction with a 3 speed hub?
P.S. Can you tell if this is an old Schwinn or Huffy or neither? What year?
Depends on your terrain. These bikes can be quite dangerous in hilly terrain due to their poor braking. They're mainly made for slow riding in flat terrain.
The bike would originally have come with a one-speed coaster brake, 559 mm size most likely, same as a typical "beach cruiser." If it's flat where you live/ride, this would be the most practical way to go.
I can order you a suitable rear wheel, aluminum rim, 36 stainless spokes:
JB65312 with Shimano single-speed coaster brake $39.95
JB66055 with Shimano three-speed coaster brake $89.95
This would not include tire or tube, uses the same size as mountain bikes/beach cruisers
http://harriscyclery.com/559
You might be able to bolt on a BMX style caliper brake
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brakes.html#calipers
The bike is almost certainly a Huffy, definitely not a Schwinn.
See also:
http://sheldonbrown.com/tandem
Sheldon "Two Wheels, Four Legs" Brown
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