here I go.. SS conversion
 

This is my Schwinn World Tourist.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/594/bikeb.jpg

completed
1. no cable to derailleur
2. flipped handlebars for a better riding position - honest, it is better, for me at least
3. new pedals and clips
4. remove derailleur
5. shorten chain

to-do list
1. stem
2. handlebar (bullhorn maybe?)
3. cassette - due to FF system, will need new wheel, brakes, crank, bb - too expensive, going to pass on this
4. strip and repaint or leave original? thoughts?
6. thinking about bar end brakes, but these work for now
7. what else?

Ok, ok, I'll say it first. That wack bar setup needs to go.

bars look super sketchy

I know they look wacky. But they feel great, I have ridden approx 600 miles with them like that.

Sketchy how? Like unsafe or just odd?

Why oh why isn't there the tarck thread when you need it???

just pulled off the derailleur and about 5" of chain after cleaning it. I wanted to rip off the cover to the crank, but couldn't figure it out. oh well, that's enough for 1 night.

that looks like a front freewheel crank, which will give you all sorts of fun if you try to go fixed. If it is, it also means that the 'freewheel' thing in the back might not actually be a freewheel. You might have yourself a fun project.

And the handlebars are odd, but if you really do like them, then go for it.

set of rims will take care of the cassette in the back... i would change the stem and get some decent bars... then later on get a track crank... after that, the paint and what not will come alot easier...

My brain keeps telling me there is a set of jumper cables on that bike.

HHAHAHHAA:LK;hf;salfdjhdklahfskalfjd...

fuzz, tell me more about how this can be "fun" - please excuse my ignorance, I'm new to all this. my previous bikes were all ridden without any modifications. This is my first project bike and I bought it with no knowledge of what the FF system is. I'm intrigued that I may have stumbled upon something here.

here is a shot of the rear that is marked "for use on shimano FF system only" http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2802/ffwheel.jpg

In my honest opinion I don't think that bike is worth the effort of converting. I would just ride it as is. Why did you screw with the angle of the bars? That can't be comfortable anymore.

if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? ;)
looking at options online, it looks like the bullhorn style more closely matches what I have.

I wanted something old, ugly and cheap that would not be stolen like my previous bike. This is my first project bike, so i'm doing it on the cheap and having some fun while learning. . Leaning too far forward hurts my back and the angle is good for climbing over bridges and highway overpasses. So, After trying different bars in various positions, this is the most comfortable for me.

here is a shot to better show what it looks like.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5351/wack.jpg

I don't quite understand how this is responding to my comment.

I'll reiterate. The bike isn't worth converting because you'd need to replace the crank, bottom bracket, and probably the wheelset (being that those are steel and use a weird freewheel in the back). Once again, it probably makes more sense just to use it as you found it. If you want something old, ugly and cheap, why throw money in it? It's already old, ugly and cheap.

Those bars aren't meant to be used like that. They're townie bars. They should flare out towards you.

Nobody suggested you put bullhorns on that bike.

yeah, i could use it as i found it. or i could make a few adjustments and have something that is more enjoyable for me to use everyday. I've gotten the message about the bars, but it doesn't change the fact that it makes my daily commute more comfortable and also faster.

i'm not really throwing money into it. I've spent maybe $100 total on this bike so far and future purchases will be made at the co-op used parts bin or yard sales.

true, that was my suggestion based on comparing my current setup to other bars that are available

[QUOTE=mustachiod;10823324]if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? [QUOTE]

Not a chance. We make fun of everybody no matter what they do.

If you're happy with the wack, jumper cable handlebars, leave 'em. That way at least one person will be happy with the bike. If you change them you might not like it as well and we're still going to make fun of you.

[QUOTE=Retro Grouch;10823793][QUOTE=mustachiod;10823324]if i replace my wack, jumper cable handlebars with a bullhorn bar would that make everyone happy? Objectively pointing out the logistic flaws in someone's investment does not constitute "making fun of".

Dude, you came to the wrong place if you want useful advice. People come here to trash on others to make themselves feel better about something or other. Sorry man.

yep, i fully expected a good dose of trash talk and having some fun. I also know there are dbags and trolls on every forum. I just haven't figured out who to ignore yet.

I'm still hopeful that there will be a few bits of relevant info to help me along. This seemed like a well-rounded forum with alot of experience to learn from.

blicks ur being kind of rude. just sayinnnn

I'm just being straightforward and honest.

No hostility intended mustachiod.

none taken. no worries.

BTW- it looks like I may be able to sell the FF crank and rear wheelset. I'm watching a few on ebay to see if they sell first.