Convert it! I bought this Schwinn from a flea market, complete, but with rotten steel rims and cheap-o components. I put a set of alloy wheels on it, with a new Shimano Tourney set of derailers and a MTB triple and intended to ride it like that, but it had a really obnoxious tick that I could never find, and couldn't eradicate, so it got stripped to the frame and abandoned in the shed.

So I post about wanting to get a 3 speed hub for my Super Course project, and MParker was kind enough to trade me this AW laced into a 40 hole CR18, with cable, pulley, cable stop, and shifter for a nearly-new B17N that I couldn't ride (can you say a$$ hatchet?), and I spent the weekend building it up. Apart from not snugging the wheel in enough and having it slide slightly on my way to work (causing it to rub on the fender and driving me insane in the process), it works flawlessly and will probably become my favorite go-to bike for cruising about town.

BTW, gearing is 52X20, giving me almost exactly 70 gear inches in 2nd (70.4, I think). It's a really nice spread, and I'm a fan of the way it rolls, although with drops, I could use another gear between 2 and 3.

awesome. how do you shift btw? (sorry, just hard to tell from the photo).
is the cable routed through(i mean on) the seatstay to the toptube and to the top of the bar?

Very nice Mickey85.
I had a LeTour much like yours, and I really liked the ride character just as it was - but with the SA hub and the fenders, you certainly have made for yourself an excellent adaptation.

Look closer. I see it.

That's the idea.

How are the hills in your area?

Look under the right brake lever. I've got it rigged up Clubman style. It's really a handy place to have it. And yeah, the cable runs up the seat-stay to the top tube, then has the housing clamped off at the middle of the "LeTour" decal on the top.

Tom, it's really pretty flat here. I haven't found a use for 1st gear except for starting, but then again, I've only taken it about 15 miles to work and back. I'd like to get it out this weekend to stretch its legs. Honestly, for a "throw together" build, I'm really pleased with it. Not many bugs to sort out.

And the AW is pretty trouble-free.

I love being able to shift down while waiting at a light. Take off like a greyhound and then shift up after only a few feet. Whee!

Yeah, this one is a bit stiff, but it's working itself out.

Covet it!

Very nice! I am happy you could use the wheel.

By a bit stiff, do you mean it is hard to shift to a lower gear at times? If so just back pedal a little bit to get the planets and sun aligned better and it will shift great.

I'm finding that there's a rough spot when coasting. not noticeable when riding, but there's a metal on metal sound at one point in the rotation.

thanks, got it! my question was more on the routing.

Hey mickey85, that is a great way to convert a LeTour. As you likely know my 1950 Norman Rapide, which has a Sturmey FW hub, is my favorite rider. When I go out on club rides, there are always tons of folks asking questions about the bike and asking about the gearing. When I tell them I'm running a 4-speed hub, they are always amazed and especially so when I pass them climbing a hill in top gear.

I'm looking forward to hearing of more exploits as you have more opportunities to ride the bike in the future.