Schwinn Collegiate convert to Single Speed
 

Hi, I'm a new member here and new to the scene. I recently purchased a Schwinn Collegiate bike and want to do a single speed conversion. I have no idea where to start and what the cost would be. If this were your bike, how would you go about converting this bike? please give me some insight as i grow in this community thanks all!

(it is a 10 gear)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/...bc60ad2113.jpg

New single chainring up front, bmx cog out back with a redished wheel and thats about it.

it looks like that one may have already had some "upgrades", but nontheless, make sure you keep everything you replace and everything you remove.

those are heavy frames, but they're awesome!

what year is yours? do you have more pics?

That's really all that i need? Do you know on average how much all of this will cost?

This one is made in Chicago so I assume its a 1983 Collegiate. Can someone reaffirm this and school me on Scwhinn?

+ more pictures

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1168/...9db4e5fc12.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/...70b164bcba.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/...8d851139b9.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/...3477d3918f.jpg

Acually you may beable to unbolt the large outer chainring and it will leave a single chainring. You may not need to redish your wheel either, since those 1pc chainrings come in alot. Basically just pull off your 5speed freewheel and replace it with a bmx freewheel. Rip off the gearing things and shorten your chain. A bmx cog is what, 10-15$? You may want to buy a chain tool while your at it.

Yep, that's the way I did it.

Serial number "AF..." is January, 1970.

TCS

http://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/how-...onversion.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

hmmm, should i really do this myself? or take it to a bike shop.
and thanks all for the help! i really appreciate it.

wow so its from the 70's pretty good i guess

got it off craigs for 50$

I'd do it myself. Yes you may have to invest in a few tools [ freewheel remover, chain tool] but taking it to a bike shop will cost just as much or more. Its a very easy conversion.

however i would like coaster brakes. What do i need for that? Something about flip-flop hub. i am still a bit confused on bike parts and certain lingos

you will need a whole new back wheel for a coaster brake, and I dont think they make them in 27' [your size]

ooo damn. I think the best for me is to take it to a bike shop ask around and then get to work. I might just do it at a bike shop and watch to pick up edcuate myself and I realized its not a collegiate its a varsity. But thanks all

For starters I would just take off the chainring protector and then the outer larger chainring, which is probably bolted to the smaller inner one. That's what I did to my single speed when I converted it. You probably need a screwdriver and a big adjustable wrench to take apart the bottom bracket/crankset apparatus. Here's a picture of my Schwinn Continental so you can get an idea what it will look like afterwards. I was thinking about replacing the back cassette with a BMX freewheel as others have said, but after consulting with a LBS I heard it would not be worth the effort and money to free up a little bit of weight. Also, older wheels may not be able to be trued correctly b/c the spokes may be rusty/dirty and the threads stripped.

http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/178...3261076_rs.jpg

mmm got it. Thanks for everyone's effort and help You have no idea how much i appreciate it. The biking community is very close and informative and non-exclusive at all. Thanks all

or just remove them properly...that way they can be used later...