learning curve
 

Ok, been checking out all of the bikes on fixedgeargallery for a few months. I decided it was time for me to build my own. Bought a 87 or 88 Schwinn World. Got it cheap and it's steel. (cheapo steel evidently) Thought I'd just tear all apart and rebuild with minimal dollars spent. Wrongo.

First problem was the bottom bracket, no crank puller so I used a rubber headed hammer. Broke one of the races for the bearings. The cranks won't work, they're a solid Sugino 42 and 53 ring. Front brake is cheapo crap. Biggest problem was the freewheel hub. That thing is on tight, I still haven't gotten it off.

So looks like I'll need a crankset, a front brake, a hub for the rear and a seat.

Looks like this is going to be a long build, but so far it's been a blast. Kinda cool seeing the bike torn all the way down to the frame and trying to figure out what kind of parts to get to put it back together.

Also really makes me appreciate my old Vitus with the Shimano 600 stuff.

Education is never cheap.

It is if you learn from other's mistakes, and not your own.

I wish you told me that 4 years ago.
****ing debt.

if you had bought a crank puller, you wouldn't need new cranks. :) tools are a good investment especially things you know you'll use in the future.

i still remember the day i begrudgingly purchased my crank puller, i think it was 8 bucks, two years ago, i've used it countless times since and don't know what i(and many of my friends) would do without it

pick yourself up a cheap tool kit (for example: http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=556), a tube of grease, and a bottle of simple green.

assuming you have a basic tool set (socket set, channel locks, needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, and a screw driver set). You will be able to do pretty much everything you want to.

the tools are crap, and I wouldn't work on your rockstar roadie with them, but they will pay for themselves on your yard sale first build/overhaul.

LOL on the rubber mallet. I asked about that on this forum a while ago and decided it wasn't worth the risk.

Think about getting a new rear wheel instead of relacing. You'll need new spokes of the proper length, nipples (let's say alloy, but brass would be better), and the hub. If using reasonable quality parts, you're up to maybe $60, which is $20 shy of a Mavic CXP22 Rim/Formula Hub/32 spoke 14g DT Swiss wheel.