Originally Posted by
UnsafeAlpine
I recently got 3 junkers, a Columbia girls bike, a Schwinn Varsity? Collegian? something, and a Huffy three speed. I want to turn the Schwinn into a grocery getter using the Sturmey Archer 3 speed. Being totally anal, I've cut the spokes on the hub and want to clean and resurrect it. Is this a stupid thing to do? Will I ever get it to work right? Should I just buy another one for $3? Will Superman ever get Lois Lane? oops, wrong Forum
Ha ha ha. Funny writing style. Like it.
Yes, you have embarked on a crazy mission. I can't see much advantage to the Frankenbike you are creating, but you will either learn a lot about bicycle mechanics or you will make the scrap collector happy - or both.
You "CUT" the spokes? Shiver me timbers! You know, you can use a power drill with a screw-driver bit to quickly unscrew the spoke nipples from the inside rim. Then easily unthread the spokes and voile' you have 36 spare spokes for your next project. 15 minute job tops.
If the Varsity spokes are the correct length to fit the 3-speed hub, you will be one lucky mad-scientist. Otherwise you are going to be buying new spokes that fit (good luck with that), and spending more money on spokes than you did on all the bikes combined.
Just a thought... did you slip the 3-speed hub/axle into the Varsity drops to make sure it fits before you started this project?... Argh?
My answer to converting any of these bikes to a shopping freighter would have been to spend my money and time to buy a big WALD sidesaddle rear basket, wash, wax, maybe new grip tape or grips, spend the gas money saved on flowers for the wife, have a coffee, contemplate how sweet life is.
On the other hand, you will have something unique that is sure to confuse future bicycle collectors.