cheap Commuter/Cross/Campus cruiser bike build
 

Hey bike forums. I'm building myself a bike out of used bike shop parts. Today I got my frame, a 10 speed 62 cm Schwinn traveler. It was red, but has faded to orange with age. It's actually pretty cool looking. Also, it has large flange hubs, which kinda look sweet Here's what I'm kinda thinking doing.

-Replace cracked tires with either Panaracer Pasela Road Tire 27 Inch, or Kenda K161 KrossCyclo Tire.
-I'm kinda thinking about getting new 27" rims as the old Schwinn came with steel ones (this would likely mean the loss of the hubs)
-replace grip tape (put some padding underneath as well)
-newish handlebars in the 56cm size class (they are 43cm and feel a bit narrow)
-switch out old stem style with newer clamp on stem to make for more adjust-ability
-switch out straight seat post with a more swept back one to give me a little more reach (free)
-replace brakes with tektro RX6 and the tektro levers designed for them
-maybe put quick release skewers in front and back (free)

any recommendations on what will give me the most riding enjoyment/performance benefits for my buck?

I'll try to post picks soon

Your list looks pretty good. Getting wheels with alloy rims would be (IMHO) your best bang for the buck.

Oh, also, probably will want to install bar end shifters. If I buy these, http://www.amazon.com/Jagwire-BarCon.../dp/B002SR1ET4, would that allow me to convert my stem shifters to bar ends?

again won't do all these mods, the bike isn't worth it, but which ones would you guys recommended the most

yeah, I was thinking that, alloy or aluminum?
or is there no diff in the wheel world

the more I look at 27'' aluminum the more I want to just swap over to some 700c's everything is just more available. we'll see, I have a week to agonize over it.

Did you get that Schwinn at FMCBW?

Wheels: Convert to 700c. As long as the brake pads have about 4mm of downward adjustment you won't need to change anything. You'll have a lot more tire choices this way.

Shifters: Those Jagwire ones won't work, you'll need proper bar end shifters to convert. Check ebay/classifieds, you should be able to find some suntour ones like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SUNTOUR-...#ht_1424wt_907

Bar Tape: If you're going for a classic look, check out Fizik. You can find this in a kit that has gel padding to put under the tape.

Bars: Whatever you can find at FMCBW.

Stem: Getting a quill adapter will be the easiest/cheapest route. http://cgi.ebay.com/1-1-8-INCH-THREA...2#ht_674wt_907 But measure first, some of the older Schwinns had odd/rare quill diameter.

You should be able to build one heck of a bike for minimal cash, and even if it does cost a little more, it'll be just how you like it and worth it in the end.

Agreed on the 700c conversion. Since you're talking about replacing the brakes anyhow, you can get a pair of Tektro long-reach calipers to accomodate the smaller size on the rim. You'll also gain some tire clearance and might even be able to run some 32 - 35mm rubber on there.

For bartape, I just build a bike with Lizard Skins DSP wrap, and while it's a little pricey on the front end I think it's going to balance out in the long run. No need for gel kits underneath because it's a fairly cushiony tape all on its own. Very grippy, even when wet. Spend a few extra bux on expandable plugs, because the Lizard Skins barplugs kinda suck.

Indeed I did JAG, thanks guys/gals for the advice and links. I'll be digging around FMCBW for some aluminum 700c wheels. (may Oliver have patience with my tinkering nature) I'll see if I can find a road stem, but I'll probably need to buy the quill. I'll also for looking for any bar con style shifters, but I doubt I'll find them around FMCBW.

I'm with the above on doing a 700c swap.

Though, I was looking at your list and noticed the Tektro RX6 brakes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't they brakes that need a mounting point on either side of the wheel, instead of a centered hole above the wheel like regular road brakes? (not sure of the correct English terminology here)

your right freddy, I'm brand new to to the little details on bikes, building this is a learning experience if anything.

Hey guys, I'm having problems finding bar ends for less than $50 online. could I use a product like this.
http://www.jagwireusa.com/index.php/...hifter_mounts/
to convert my stem shifters to bar ends?

You would be better off spending the $60-$70 on a new set of bar end shifters. Even with shipping these are pretty good and this store has alot of good stuff at very good prices for other things on your project.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=6124

EERrrrrggggG! I'm having a time of finding an aluminum rimed tire that fits the rear hanger of my Schwinn. Very frustrated. Beyond that, I found a double walled 27" rim for my front tire. had to make som custom spacers to get it to work but hey, that's half the fun of making a bike out of old parts. Orange Lizard skins DSP tape arrived in mail today. I eagerly await the suntour bar-cons and tektro brake levers that are also en-route.