Adding gears to a single speed cruiser (Wal Mart OP Roller")

[vestaviascott]

I just picked up a 26" OP Beach Cruiser from Wallyworld. I'd like to add gears via a rear wheel kit. Prefer 5-7 speed, but might settle for 3 depending on cost.

I'm considering these two options:

Avenir Joytec/Weinmann AMUZ 36H Nutted Rear Wheel with 5-7 Speed Freewheel Hub


Shimano Nexus 3 speed Rear Wheel w/ Coaster Brake 26

Of the two, I prefer the Avenir, since its black and appears to be a 5-7 speed. But I'm not sure this is a full kit or what. I don't see where it has a coaster brake and there is no cable with shifter.

Any suggestions?

 

[Wildcat]

The first one had the wrong illustration, you would have to add a handbrake. And a derailler and shifter w cable.

 

[vestaviascott]

The first one had the wrong illustration, you would have to add a handbrake. And a derailler and shifter w cable.

Thanks for the feedback Wildcat.

I was under impression this was an internal hub. Why would it need a deraillier?

 

[vestaviascott]

Here's the third one I'm looking at. Any more info on this one?

Nirve Rear Cruiser Bike Wheel (Black, 26 x 1.75, 3-Speed Coaster Brake with Shifter & Cable)

 

[Bendix]

The first one had the wrong illustration, you would have to add a handbrake. And a derailler and shifter w cable.

....and a freewheel.... and a 3/32 chain.....and a 3/32 compatable chainring......

that's one of the 'wrongest' illustrations they could have possibly used!

 

[Anonymous]

I converted ZOOT from a single to a 5 speed...notice the coaster brake hanger rust on the frame.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5380&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=zoot+suit+riot

 

[Anonymous]

At the risk of sounding rude (and getting banned)...

Sometimes ya gotta spread the chain stays and just jam it in there.(talkin' about the wheel)

Thats how I did it.

It rides and shifts fine.

 

[vestaviascott]

I just saw this at Sams Club. I could get the entire bike for $130, use the rear wheel and shifter and have parts left over.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/produ ... rod1110509

 

[druggedonions]

Adding gears to a single speed cruiser (Wal Mart OP Roller")

You could use your old wheel on the new bike and build yourself a custom cruiser. And so the affliction starts.

 

[vestaviascott]

Re: Adding gears to a single speed cruiser (Wal Mart OP Roller

You could use your old wheel on the new bike and build yourself a custom cruiser. And so the affliction starts.

I like the OP frame and forward crank position way too much to build the bike around the Sam's model. I'd just use it for the parts (rear wheel, shifter and front fork)

To give me even more fuel, I stopped by the local bike shop today and priced an Electra "Townie" that has a virtually identical frame to this one, it was $550

All in, when I'm done, I'll have spent half of that and have a completely custom ride.

PS: I'm painting it up like an Army messenger bike.

 

[Wildcat]

I didn't know they had a crank forward bike at walmart. Can you post a pic?

Once you have it like you want it, won't there be enough leftover to make a one speed cruiser out of the other bike, to sell on CL to recoup some funds?

 

[vestaviascott]

I didn't know they had a crank forward bike at walmart. Can you post a pic?

Once you have it like you want it, won't there be enough leftover to make a one speed cruiser out of the other bike, to sell on CL to recoup some funds?

Great idea. I just might do that.

Here's a pic of the OP "Roller". Currently available at WalMart on clearance special for $79

Here's the bike it appears to be cloning, The Electra "Sparker"...

And here's what lots of people are doing with them...

And this...