I was gifted a Raleigh Sprite 10 about a year ago. I rode it for a while as it was, (not handle bar grip, and only a front brake) till I bent the rear rim. So it sat. My girlfriend was gifted a Schwinn Collegiate Sport 10 (from the same guy) for her birthday. So we decided to build them into single speeds! We bought new wheels, got them dished, new tubes and tires. Found some awesome cruiser handlebars and brakes for hers, and bought a new seat and crank set on ebay. And after much confusion at the local bike shop we bought a new bottom bracket and adapter. She touched up the paint with model paint. Put on new chains and new freewheels. I found some used brake handles and wrapped my handlebars.

Now for pictures!

Her's-


The happy new owner-


Mine-
Before the handlebar adjustment and wrapping-

After (sorry camera phone pic)-


What do you think?

Nice work. I've got two project bikes as well. Oh, cute girlfriend too.

My girlfriend has a red Schwinn like that, but with fenders.

We took them out on Saturday for a nice ride. We left the house at 10, went and ate breakfast. Then went downtown to see a movie. After the movie we went to Oldtown for lunch, then rode back home.

https://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/bic...setRouteLocked

A little more than 14 miles.

looking good.

Thanks guys.

that schwinn would look cool with fenders

It would. But they won't fit. The bike originally had 26" wheels, but we put 27" on. It's such a tight fit that you have to deflate the rear tire to take it off.

Why not 700c? or 650b? or sticking with 26 in?

The 26" were not dishable for single speed, and we found a 27" wheel set for $15.

Why weren't they "dishable"?

I assume he means they had a freehub? Not the worst situation in the world for SS conversions, but if he got a 27" wheelset for $15 with threads for a BMX freewheel.... i can understand the attraction of that.

i am kind of blown away that it worked though.

The spokes were too short/long. It was doable, but it would take too much time and effort.

Both the 26" and 27" have freewheel hubs.

Also with the gearing she has (39x17) 26" would be way to low/slow. 39x17 is a low ratio, but she likes it for cruising around town.

post your bike thread is thataway bro ---->

Thanks. I didn't know there was one. I looked a little, but this forum is kinda confusing to me. And just when I was getting the hang of it, they go and change it.

It was less confusing not too long ago.

Cool!

I love project bikes. Here's hopeing that you have as much fun riding them as you had building them.

haha. So far it's been more fun riding them than it was building them. Less headaches.