Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


1 speed to 3 speed Schwinn Grey Ghost
#1
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
  Reply
#2
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.
  Reply
#3
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.
Nigel
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
POLL: Are non-recumbent riders looking a...
Yesterday 12:37 PM
Rusty chain inspite of cleaning,lubing
Yesterday 07:19 AM
New rider — happy to be here
Yesterday 05:01 AM
How did your cycling start?
06-10-2025 08:01 PM
What happened to Hövding?
06-09-2025 01:42 PM
"There's been better times
06-09-2025 10:41 AM
Is anyone riding with music?
06-09-2025 12:46 AM
Good morning form Alberta CA
06-08-2025 10:49 PM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
06-08-2025 04:31 PM
The great thing about trikes
06-08-2025 09:21 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Criminal
26 posts
no avatar 2. rydabent
18 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 4. Flowrider
11 posts
no avatar 5. enkei
10 posts