Originally Posted by
3S1M
That is super duper cool. Only thing is that your sprocket seems smaller than a normal cruiser. Does it keep up with other bikes? Seems like you'd have to pedal more. I'm still learning how they actually work and what does what though. But I thought the smaller the sprocket on front the lower the gearing.
Good catch.
The front sprocket has 38 teeth. With the original 19 tooth rear sprocket and 700x35 tires, that bike was set for about 54 gear inches. Yes, a low speed gear for sure.
As seen in those photos, I installed a 16 tooth rear sprocket and 700x42 tires which happen to have a noticeably larger diameter than the 700x35s. In this configuration that bike is set at about 66 gear inches. A much better flat ground gear, IMO.
By the way, I've "winterized" it by putting the chain guard back on. However, I really didn't like the original white color or the name Willy on it.
So, I painted the chain guard black, installed some Speedster decals from eBay, and covered it with a satin clear paint. No, it's not a
real Schwinn Speedster, but the Willy mimics one, so therefore the homage to a Speedster.
Below is a photo of when I bought the bike a couple months ago, and of it with the refinished chain guard, plus different tires, pedals, brake pads, and handlebar.
Willy when purchased. Willy after changes. Homage to Speedster.