One piece crank -> three piece
 

I have an old Schwinn bicycle that thirty years ago had a three speed hub, hand brakes, fenders and etc.

Over the years as parts broke, etc. it has turned into a simple cruiser and it would difficult to restore because so many parts have been replaced.

At this point I'd just like to get it rideable for now. The current problem is that the single piece crank has cracked. I thought about replacing it with another single piece crank because a nearby Schwinn retailer says they have both types of cranks in stock (both types of threads).

I was thinking of replacing it with a stronger three piece crank set but when I asked a local shop about that the person there was sure it was impossible.

I recall it was possible to find a three piece crank set that would fit that frame at one time. Does any one know if those parts are still available and where I would get them? I would prefer not changing the threads in the bottom bracket (if it comes to that I'll try another one piece crank).

-R5

You need an adapter which reduces the dimensions of the one-piece bottom bracket shell to a standard 68 mm BB shell: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/opc.html#conversion

Once you've put in the adapter, you can install a standard bottom bracket and crankset of your choosing :)

But before you do that -- which will cost some $$ for the adaptor, crank, and pedals, ask around for people in your area that may have an old 1 piece crank that you can have for free.

Fer instance, I just parted out an old Schwinn Varsity. All that's left is the frame with the crank still in it. If you are in the Minneapolis area it's yours for free. Heck, I'll even deliver it. I'm sure someone around here has something like that taking up space in their garage.

Good advice reverborama. I don't see any advantage of going to a three piece crank on an old Schwinn.

I think that a single-piece Huffy crank will work on a Schwinn as well, although the bike might have a spontaneous meltdown out of sheer rebellion.

FYI, some fellers call the single piece cranks ashtabula cranks - right or wrong, using the term might help you locate one. I have a spare if you need and cannot find a crank.

Mike

i might still have a one piece crank out of a varsity with 2 chainrings, and i deffinetly have a one piece unit from a free spirit cruiser with a single ring.. bearings and all that love... im in philly... free for local pick up or pay shipping and away you go
let me know!
-pete

If it has an american sized bottom braket you could get a cheap BMX one peice crank (should only be £10 -£15) or find a BMX three peace crank with american sized bottom braket but that would also be pricy. Be cearful if you go down the BMX root as modern BMXs have American, Euro or Spanish bottom brackets. I love standarisation.

Drop by your local thrift store and look around there old donated bicycles. If nothing is available with the crank you need just check it several times a week and let the store manager know what your looking for. A bicycle with the required parts will show up. I purchased an old bike with a Shimano 3CC 3-speed hub and coaster brake in excellent shape for $1. The bike might have had 5 miles put on it!