roflmaoxx

so, I know almost nothing about bikes, and by "almost nothing," I mean ABSOLUTELY nothing at all.

So, I bought this schwinn beach cruiser. It doesn't have any gears, it's pretty rusty and I think I got ripped, but regardless...
I live in a very hilly area. On a college campus. And, I totally overestimated my strength with these hills, so I was wondering if it's possible to tack on some gears to my bike to help me out a little.

Would adding gears be less/more/as expensive as a possible electric conversion?

thanks, yo.

genericbikedude

Whattsup, 'yo.'

If you know nothing about bikes, make friends with someone who does. My advice (get a 3-speed hub and build a wheel) is probably not the place to start learing about bikes.

Otherwise, get a geared bike, new, or from a reputable used shop.

Grand Bois

I think this is the best solution to your problem:

https://tinyurl.com/9g6uy

genericbikedude

nexus hubs are great, but old singelspeeds have smaller OLD. Nexus with roller brake is 135. Sturmey Archer is 120.

urban_assault

The cheapest thing to do is to use it and build your strength. Second choice, buy a different bike.

Seriously, how much money are you willing to spend to get this bike set up to your liking?
Being a "rusty old beach cruiser", I'd presume not much. Check around the campus, students are notorious for leaving old MTB's behind, see if you can find out who is responsible for cutting the locks off the orphans and find a cheap bike for your needs.

roflmaoxx

well, honestly. I didn't pay for the bike itself.
I had delusions of working these hills on my own, but they were just that--delusions.
Being that it was an impulsive buy, not of my money, I'd like to turn this into my project.
So, I can throw down a little bit and get me some speeds for my bike.
I just don't know if it's possible or how. But, this is a big biking campus, so I'm sure I can find someone around here.

MichaelW

Putting gears on a cruiser is a mechanical problem and like most problems, can be solved at a price. I think this is more effort than it is worth. Singlespeed cruisers do a have a value and used multi-geared non-suspension MTB/hybrid style bikes are common.
My inclination would be to sell the cruiser and buy something more appropriate. For daily transportation, make sure it has gears, fenders, a luggage rack and lights and is the correct size for you.

SpokesInMyPoop

I second selling the cruiser and getting a geared bike. If you're tight, I'm sure you could find an older 10 speed with road tires, or you could get a mtb with slicks.

good luck

edit: I felt like going an extra mile for you
https://monterey.craigslist.org/bik/95942585.html

these are the kinda sellers you need to find

genericbikedude

Daves recycled bikes at the end of Pacific Ave gave me a used Bianchi Advantage for $200 back in 1999. Still rides great, though I've also kept it up.