Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/)
-   -   conversion to single speed (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1153643-conversion-single-speed.html)

AHT2 08-25-18 12:50 PM
conversion to single speed
 

Hello, This is my first post. I am hoping to rebuild an old bicycle that I have been told is a Schwinn Varsity Junior. It is difficult to read what remains of the tire but I believe it is 27x1 1/4 Road Racer. I want to buy new wheels, tires, tape and tubes. I want to convert this bike to a single speed with a coaster brake and a front caliper brake, I will also need handlebars chain seat post and seat-you name it. Can anyone offer any guidance and good resources for the items I will need for this project? Thanks

fietsbob 08-25-18 03:08 PM
Have to buy a new back wheel , with a coaster brake hub.. seem to puzzling ,

Suggest Resources? a bike shop can help ..

wolfchild 08-25-18 03:36 PM
If you going to convert to single speed , I think it would be a lot better to use a flip/flop hub and run front and rear brakes instead of coaster brake. Get a rear wheel with a flip/flop hub, one side fixed cog one side freewheel. Make sure to measure your rear dropout spacing before purchasing the hub.

AlmostTrick 08-25-18 03:42 PM
Originally Posted by AHT2 (Post 20527108)

Hello, This is my first post. I am hoping to rebuild an old bicycle that I have been told is a Schwinn Varsity Junior. It is difficult to read what remains of the tire but I believe it is 27x1 1/4 Road Racer. I want to buy new wheels, tires, tape and tubes. I want to convert this bike to a single speed with a coaster brake and a front caliper brake, I will also need handlebars chain seat post and seat-you name it. Can anyone offer any guidance and good resources for the items I will need for this project? Thanks

Unless you can find all those parts for cheap or free, it would be much more cost effective to find a used bike closer to what you want.

dedhed 08-25-18 03:57 PM
Originally Posted by AlmostTrick (Post 20527327)
Unless you can find all those parts for cheap or free, it would be much more cost effective to find a used bike closer to what you want.
This

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...670399183.html

wipekitty 08-25-18 09:51 PM
Most of my single speed parts come from Ebay, and occasionally Amazon or Jenson.

It is likely that your new wheels will be 700c rather than 27" (unless you custom build both wheels, or keep the front wheel and get a custom rear wheel.) This can often (but not always) require a new brake caliper with a longer reach.

Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 20527314)
If you going to convert to single speed , I think it would be a lot better to use a flip/flop hub and run front and rear brakes instead of coaster brake. Get a rear wheel with a flip/flop hub, one side fixed cog one side freewheel. Make sure to measure your rear dropout spacing before purchasing the hub.
Agreed, on both points.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:23 AM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.