Another Conversion Question Thread
 

I got a Schwinn Varsity and I want to convert it (I have read all the negative things about weight, but I am ok with all that).

It came missing a front tire so I am going to get a new wheelset

This is the one I think I have decided on

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1814

Then
BMX 3/32" Single Freewheel Chrome

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1814

Bottom Bracket Conversion American-to-Euro Adapter

http://harriscyclery.net/product/tru...apter-1335.htm

Origin8 Singlespeed/Fixed Gear Crank Set 165mm 46T Black

http://harriscyclery.net/product/ori...black-2789.htm

The other things I need are tire/tube and chain

Am I missing anything? Is there a way to do this cheaper (better websites/similar parts for less)?

Aside from used, there's probably not a more economical way. You seem to have a handle on this.

Be prepared of the possibility that you'll have to file out the fork dropouts a bit to get the new wheel's axel to fit. It's maybe a 20 minute job.

Much better wheels here that will look a hell of a lot better with your Varsity
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=345

So I found, Deep Vs wheelset with fixed gear cog and single-speed cog (flip-flop hub)
for $60 dollars via craigslist with tire and tube

I picked up a crankset from a local used bike store for $10 dollars (also found out they sell the converter, I was expecting a higher price but it was actually on $18 dollars, so I will probably buy it there)

Still need front sprocket, chain, and BB. Then I think it can be ridable.

Spent all day sandblasting and grinding unnecessary pieces off the bike. took off the kickstand. going to paint it next monday probably (because my friend can do a better job than me)

currently at $80 dollars for the build would like to keep it under $150 (maybe not including the paint) I think I can do it

Post pics when its done.

I will :D

You're switching from 27" wheels to 700c so there's a good chance that your brakes won't reach. You'll need brakes with a freewheel.

What?

It came missing the front entire wheel, not just the tire. It was late when I wrote the orignal post.

@ Retro Grouch

Some one mentioned that to me, what types of brakes should I be looking for? Is it just a more modern brake are is it more special? I am trying to buy mainly used but new items are very helpful to understand what I need.

I was just planning on using the fixed gear set-up until I find brakes that work

Ah ok, fair enough. :thumb:

The difference in rim diameter between 27" and 700c is 8mm, so you need a brake with an additional 4mm of reach (assuming the original brakes dont have much additional room for adjustment). I have used Tektro 556 and 538 brakes on 27" to 700c conversions. 556 is long reach and 538 is more medium, you'll have to look at the numbers and measure and some stuff to see which will be best

So brakes like these?
http://media.nashbar.com/images/nash...-NCL-FRONT.jpg

You can use the stock brakes. Many, many people have converted their old varsities and have reported that the stock brakes are long enough. Just slide the pads all the way down.

My Schiwinn Le Tour took a 68mm BB without that adapter. You sure you need that?

from all my googling it says I need the adapter, but no I'm not sure. I look into it.

Smart money says his Le Tour is a decade or two newer than yours.

Apples and oranges.

Doubt two decades, both models were manufactured at the same time (Varsity ran before and after the Letour iirc), the Varsity, electro-forged in Chicago and the Le Tour hand-made in Japan.

Can't edit posts on my phone for some reason... LeTour 72-88. Varsity 52-82.

mines chicago '82. I do need the converter

No you don't. There is nothing wrong with the stock 1 piece cranks. The inside ring will give you a good chainline, too.

I gave the cranks to a friend who wanted them. but I could get them back.

I just remember having once piece cranks on an old bmx set up and how much I hated them so I didn't really want to use them

Ha, okay, I exaggerated. But it's not at all the same bike.