1 speed to 3 speed Schwinn Grey Ghost

[Hitux]

Hello

It is my first post here on this great site. I currently have a reproduction Schwinn Grey Ghost. It is currently single speed, but I wanted to know if I could change to 3 or 5 speed? Do I have to buy a new rear wheel with a 3 speed hub or? I added two pictures of the bicycle.

Thank you in advance

[cny-man]

Yes, of course you need to replace the wheel. Because there are no hand brakes you would need a 20" coaster brake 3-speed wheel. That may be both expensive and difficult to find.

[nfmisso]

What is your budget?

If you have a lot of $$$ it would be a cool project.

Here are some 3 speed with coaster brake hubs:
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Nexus-SG-3C41-3-Speed-Coaster/dp/B00418XISS/
http://www.amazon.com/Sturmey-Archer-S30-3-Speed-Coaster/dp/B002AGDWW0/
http://www.amazon.com/Sturmey-Archer-Speed-Coaster-Brake/dp/B000BMT2PQ/

There are also IGH (Internal Gear Hubs) with more than 3 speeds, and the price increases dramatically.

I would just rebuild the rear wheel with new spokes - but I build my own wheels. Here in SJ there is guy that advertises on Craigslist to build wheels for $25- plus material.

I would seriously suggest getting a caliper brake for the rear wheel, and a drum brake front hub:
http://www.amazon.com/Sturmey-Archer-X-FD-Front-Silver/dp/B001GSQP36/
Many of the original Schwinn 'crate' series of bikes had front drum brakes.