conversion to single speed
08-25-18 | 12:50 PM
#1
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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
08-25-18 | 03:36 PM
#3
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
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.
08-25-18 | 03:42 PM
#4
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
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
08-25-18 | 03:57 PM
#5
SE Wis
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
08-25-18 | 09:51 PM
#6
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Land of Angora, Turkey
Bikes: Yes
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.
Agreed, on both points.
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.
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.
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