I'm currently working on a new project. I just picked up an old road bike frame from a thrift store with no wheels and would like to make a singlespeed out of it. Since I currently have no wheels at all I am interested in just buying a set that are ready to go. Is there anything out there for someone on a budget? I don't know exactly what I want yet. I guess 26" is the standard size, right? I think I want my front wheel to be quick release. For the back I want a singlespeed hub with maybe a coaster brake. I'm not positive yet on the coaster brake. Does anybody ride a singlespeed with a coaster brake? And if so, do you run a brake on the front? After I decide on wheels I plan on buying some airless tires. I don't think this matters in my wheel selection but if it does please let me know. Thanks for any help you folks can give me.

27" is the standard for older road bikes, but if it's a 'newer' old road bike (IE 80s) it could be 700 wheels you need. Check your LBS, they probably have a decent 27" wheelset laying around for a good price (you'll probably spend $40-$80) and pick up a singlespeed freewheel (same thing as what's run on a BMX).

Don't buy airless tires. Pick up some kevlar lined tough tires (Armadillos and Gatorskins are nice) and tubes of course. I think they'd be less of a hassle in the long run.

Also, just run a front and rear brake. Better safe than sorry.

i am feeling nice today:
the old road bike probably came with 27" wheels but most today use whats called 700c.
If you are just doing single speed, go to your local bike store and see if they have an older road wheelset and get them to remove the cassette and put on a bmx freewheel. thats your best and cheapest option.
and yes people ride single speed with a coaster brake but you have to build a wheelset specifically for that.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into the Kevlar tubes. This might be a crazy idea, but has anybody ever used wheels meant for a lowrider bike? I've seen them as large as 26" but I imagine that they are rather heavy. From what I can tell they are just a single speed with a freewheel. I've even seen some that don't have excessive amounts of spokes. The one drawback that I can immediately think of is that they are probably wider than I will need since I don't plan on riding off pavement.

Most lowriders just use bmx wheels i believe. The 20" and 24" wheels are typical bmx sizes, and 26" is typical cruiser and mtb size. And, yes, they will probably be wider than you need and heavier than you want. It will depend on what kind of tire you want to run and what size tire the frame will allow. If you want to run typical road tires, you're looking 23-42mm (or 1 1/4") and they cruiser rims will probably be too wide since most cruisers run 1.75-2.5" tires. Unless the frame was made for wide tires, you won't have the clearance to use those.

Okay, thanks. I guess I will be heading to a bike shop this week to see what they have.

Sorry if my first post wasn't so clear. They're actually tires with a kevlar lining to resist protrusion (so less goatheads to pop your precious lil tube). If you want to eliminate having to ever change tubes, you can also throw down a couple more dollars and get thorn resistant tubes. Said and done you'll have some stiff tires and will tack on a couple pounds to the overall weight of your bike, but will never need to deal with flats.

Unless you ride through fields of glass, nails and mines.

Ah, gotcha. I am curious though, what are the downsides to airless tires? (Greentyre or similar.)

They are completely useless crap for biking according to God himself

(scroll down to airless)

Thanks for the link. I guess I will be looking at the Kevlar-lined tires and carrying an extra tube with me.

I'm very happy right now. I just scored some free wheels from a guy on Craigslist. The front one is even a quick release. And another person on Craigslist gave me some free Panaracer Kevlar tires. They are a little worn but should still be usable for a little while. It's always nice when a project goes along well.

You are the luckiest (wo)man in the world.

I ride through fields of glass and nails every day. With Panaracer T-Servs...and I must say they've been the most reliable tire I've ridden so far.

Man, and the guy who gave me the wheels also gave me a BMX rear wheel so I have the freewheel or whatever it's called that I need.