Single Speed Conversion
I really wanted to get a cruiser bike, but after looking around and taking a look at different bikes, I really took a liking to the clean look of single speed & fixie road bikes. I did a ton of research & talked to a co-worker who is well versed in the bike world and decided that I wasn’t hardcore enough to go with a fixie, but that I wanted a single speed road bike. I knew that I wanted to do this project and not pay a bike shop to do it; but how in the world am I going to do this? I have never really worked on bikes (apart from putting my chain back on when I was a kid). Kyle Brunger (my wife’s cousin) is a bike nerd and he agreed to help me with this project……now I need a bike!
I went to a few pawn shops and looked on Craigslist, but found “my bike” while at the Skul house. I saw an old (mid 70’s perhaps) Schwinn Varsity Deluxe hanging from the rafters in the garage. I inquired as to what the plans were for that bike as was told that I would be doing them a favor by taking it off their hands. After letting the bike sit on my back deck for a few weeks, I got off my butt and brought the bike over to Kyle’s house. We stood around and talked about what I needed to procure to make this happen.I know have my parts list and am in the process of buying all the parts and components that I need.
Bottom Bracket Conversion Kit
Cartridge/Bottom Bracket
New Cranks
New Chainring
New Wheels
New Tires
New Handlebars
When I buy each of these items, I will update this post with the cost of each.
Kyle sent me a few links to forums where people, in so many words, said that they wouldn’t waste their time converting this bike. The bottom bracket is not standard and the bike is somewhat heavy. After discussing this with Kyle, and with his urging, I have decided to convert this bike. I think it will be cool to make this bike unique and rock it with style.
At first, I thought it would be cool to paint this bike dark blue with all black parts/components. I still haven’t completely decided on color, but I am thinking that since I am a Bronco fan in Bronco country, why not pay homage to my beloved football team.
To Be Continued….
