Originally Posted by Liquidfusion
Fixed gear is a definate possibility. Or the Sheldon Brown 2 speed fixed gear (Flip the rear wheel around). Right now, I still want to see how I can make this work as a 10 speed.
Makes sense to prepare replacing the wheels when I have $$$: spokes are rusting; the hub/freewheel seem to wobble when spinning the rear wheel while holding the bike up - in addition to the shifter refusing to enter 1st gear - not a great tragedy, but I like things to work right how they are supposed to be.
I didn't see this post before, I feel the same way 99% of the time. If the parts are there, do what you can to make them work. If they're broken or worn out, replace them as needed. I can't bring myself to find a complete vintage bike, and then yank all the parts off to build a single speed or custom fixed gear. I will build a custom if the bike is a bare frame, and it would take years to build it up with original parts. The shifter refuses to enter first, as in the biggest or smallest? Could be as simple as adjusting the limit screws
on the RD, or replacing or retensioning the shifter cable. Friction RD's are by far the easiest to adjust.,,,,BD