I don't see a problem with converting this to a single speed. But I wouldn't toss money into it, unless you really just like the look or idea of it.

The 'ghetto' ss is always an option.

Just take the derailer/shifters/mounting bracket thingies off, and just pick the best chain line for throwing your chain over.

You can mess around with the chainrings on the spider (assuming you can) to pick the most comfy gear for yourself.

Buying new wheels/new cranks/new bars/etc etc is just going to a lot of money.

Now I converted an old bike and put new wheels on and the like, but that's cause I am silly.

powers2b, from the reviews i've read, the walmart fixie is pile of poo. I like ugly bikes, but not ugly ones that are trying to look cool. there is a difference.

your logic reminds me of people who look at classic cars and ask why the owner didn't just buy a new one.

I'm not sure on what thread, but someone posted a $100 wheelset the other day. Just search for "cheap wheels" or something. But......

I forgot about that. You'd probobly be better off going that route and keeping your bike how it is, unless you want to tinker. Which I understand that too.

Yea, I agree, it probably is but it is closer to the end goal than this bike.
I have nothing against ugly, it is function and cost I am pointing out.
This bike is a schwinn with the freewheel mech in the bb shell, the bb shell is american, the rear cogset is fixed, the wheels are steel, the frame is heavy (I have worked on a few).
To get close to a decent bike with replaceable parts the owner needs a new crank (american), new chainring, and new wheels.
A Wmart bike may need some adjusting and truing (time and tools) but it does not require new parts.
And yes, there are people that collect old Lada cars but that does not make them collectors items.
I fully support rebuild, conversion, restoration when warranted.
I'm just stating that in the long run the Wmart bike is probably a better bang for the buck.
Enjoy

gaah. now i'm actually thinking about buying that walmart bike and repainting it.

That's what I'm doing. I bought one of those Gavin jobs, probobly should have looked around a bit more but I was anxious. Even though it was fairly cheap, it rides real nice and is pretty light. I'm going to repaint it, new seat and bar tape in a coupla weeks.

If we were talking about restoring a vintage Cinelli track frame you might have had a point.

But anyways...Walmart is a terrible corporation. If you care about sustainability, a conversion makes a better bike.

Right,
A guy comes to me and says he wants to put an automatic transmission and AC in a Yugo. I tell him it's a bad idea and he should buy a new Kia with said features and somehow I'm being unreasonable.

Enjoy

like i said, i'm still learning

thanks for all the info so far, this is good

Sketchy, or sexy?

I see no problem converting that. Yeah you can buy a bike from Wal-Mart or BD but it will be the same p.o.s as everyone else's. Strip the Schwinn to a bare frame and build it the way you want to man. They make an adapter for the bottom bracket shell that makes it so you can put a Euro sized bb in there and opens up your options for crank sets.

The costs are building......I forgot new cog and lockring, chain...........I don't recall if the original had 27 or 700 so brakes may be in your future as well, probably needs new headset..... But, what the hell, you will have the most expensive brick on the block...think of how cool the other kids will think you are when they pass you on their Wmart bike and say "He's so Ironic".

BTW, I ride conversions so don't think I'm jus' hatin'

Enjoy

He might have the most expensive brick but he built it the way he wanted to. I have an expensive brick too. I know your not hatin'. Your giving your opinion and I'm giving mine. Yeah financially its better to buy a complete bike, but I personally like the joy in building it myself.

I had the walmart bike in my cart, but there is no place to select frame size

the review says " I would estimate to be about a 49 cm frame, 52 max from the way it fits me. ......, a 5'9" 140 pound adult."

being 5'11" and 180 lbs, this would probably be too cramped for me. but i may be able to grab the wheels, stem and bars and give the other parts away for someone else to start a project with.

Yea, me too. My fav bike is a dumpster frame. But all the parts are standard and I built it up with spare parts so no big $$ invested.
But I hate to see someone new spend a lot of time and $$$ on something that may never be the right bike (because you have to buy adapters, non-standard parts) and then end up going out and buying another or worse giving up.
Plus, even completed the bike will not have much value and the non-standard parts will not play nice with other bikes.
I would rather see that person buy a entry level, develop maint. / adjustment skills that will be handy on the next bike or upgrade.

Enjoy

I see your point. I had to get the bb adapter for my Aerowind. It had that weird Shimano AX Adamas crank and bb that was American. I'm an entry level rider and builder and luckily everything worked out for my build, but I'm still messing around with it and changing things up. Going to try a new set of bars next the 1/8th inch mini drops aren't really working out.

I have to say that I agree.

Logically speaking complete SS bikes can be bought so cheaply that it's pretty hard to spend less money by converting an old bike. On the other hand, converting an old bike is a lot more artistically satisfying. My general advice is: if all that you want is a bike to ride, buy something from BD; if at least part of your motivation is doing it yourself, then you have to build a conversion.

That said, if it was my bike, I'd be looking for a better candidate to convert. That front freewheel and one piece crank BB shell would be deal killers for me.

110 bucks at VeloMine:

http://www.velomine.com/EbayImages/machsilver1.jpg
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...vs7rfhqb8oho56

This is exactly what I had in mind to write as well. Converting is fun, but don't start out with the handicaps inherent to that frame. I'd add that, if you do go new and cheap, go entry level with BD and not sub-sub-basement level with Walmart.

i'm torn between
1. being stubborn and finishing this bike as planned. it works great now, i could slowly replace parts as a learning experience
2. buying a cheaper bike that is ready to go. but that would likely need parts replaced within a few months anyway
3. researching other bikes that would be better candidates for a conversion

I'd go for number 3, lurk around on CL and you'll probably find a suitable frame for around 50 dollars or you could lurk around in back alleys.

The Shimano FF system essentially swaps the free spinning cassette for a free spinning crank. You can go ahead and replace your rear wheel with one specific to track bikes and you'll be no further ahead.

The bike's a bit of an oddity and has some panache.

FF system is not a problem as I've converted them to SS in the past, pop out the BB and replace it with a regular BB, you're replacing thw wheels so there you go.

That's a question that only you can answer. Bottom line - it's your bike. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of your alternatives. Whichever one you pick, make sure that you have fun with it.

i was close to getting the walmart bike to ride as-is or use it for parts. but i kept thinking back to times when i have tried other bikes from kmart and sears, and the experience was bad. Mine rides well as-is and I can keep up with and sometimes pass other commuters on much more valuable bikes. so i'll just enjoy what I have (for now).

what some of you said here finally sunk in to my thick head as I discussed it with the guy at my LBS. The investment would not be worth it. However, i will be keeping my eyes open for parts at yard sales and craigslist. just for fun. :)