I just picked up a schwinn 700c tourist for practically nothing. I did some research, its a target bike that sells for about $230. Anyways I would like to switch over to a drop bar, I like the way drop bars look and I would like the option of hand placements. I was told that I would have to change quite a bit of parts out. I would also like to change it to a single speed, as it will be a campus bike and a light weekender. (relatively flat in oklahoma). Now would changing it to single speed eliminate the parts that I wouldve had to change. Sounds right, right?

Yes. Switching from flat bar to drop bar (and vice versa) usually means changing the shifters and front derailleur. Going single speed means you'll need to change the handlebars (duh), stem, and brake levers, and then convert the rear cassette to a single cog and add a tensioner.

Personally, I think you'll spend less money and time if you flip the Tourist and start over with a drop-bar single speed bike like this: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_202614

I agree with Jeff. While anything is possible in theory, you'll probably come out ahead by starting with a different bike.

It will take about the same amount of effort work and parts money to change to either a single speed with drops or a geared bike with drops. Either way there will be significant problems difficulties that will prove costly to work around. I agree that it may be cheaper and better to flip sell the bike and buy a single speed you can find fairly nice used ones starting at about $125 and new from about $200.

Thanks for the input fellas.