dickendd

Hi, I'm new to the forums, have enjoyed seeing and reading about everyone's bikes and adventures, and have a bit of a decision to make. I would like to see if anyone out there has done something similar or would have any advice.

I have a 1990 Schwinn World Sport that I bought used a couple years ago for about $50. I have done nothing to it except ride it for a few hundred miles until I bent the rear wheel trying to avoid hitting a pedestrian. I took it to my LBS and they tried truing it but eventually said it was too far out of true and wouldn't be able to be done. I let it sit in my shed for several months and now want to try to get it back on the road. I have tried adjusting the spokes myself while on the bike but haven't made it any better, or possibly made it worse.

I'm now thinking that I need to just replace the wheel (27x1.25 rear wheel). That then got me thinking of converting to a different wheel size so I could possibly fit larger tires, but that seems like it might be more trouble than it's worth with having to replace brakes too. I really don't want to spend too much on this bike but I would like to get it riding again.

27x1.25 wheels seem to be few and far between used, and even if I did find one (new or used) I will likely have to replace the derailleur as well to match the new cassette (correct me if I'm wrong on that). Finding a new rim and rebuilding the wheel with the old hub/cassette on the new rim seems like it would be expensive.

What are my options? Thank in advance!

-David

bikemig 

27 inch tires are available as are built up 27 inch wheels. Here's a good one from velomine for $59 plus shipping with a Sun CR 18 rim:

Sun CR18 Road Bike Sealed Bearing 27 REAR Wheel 126mm 5/6/7 S [72758] - $59.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

Alternatively replace both and go with 700c. You will have better tire availability. The difference between 27 inch and 700c is pretty small but you will have to lower the brakes shoes a bit. They *should* reach but they might not. There are solutions to this though.

Sun CR18 700c 5,6,7 Speed Freewheel hubs Road Bike Wheels Silver [73474] - $119.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

bargainguy

For situations like this, I really like bike co-ops, as they are likely to have a used 27" wheel at a decent price, and could help you transfer the freewheel to the new wheel. If you have no co-ops near you, perhaps place a wanted ad (CL/FBM/etc.) saying you need a decent used 27" rear wheel, can anyone help?

dickendd

Thanks bikemig and bargainguy. I wish I had a co-op nearby, that would be perfect, but alas I'm stuck with Craigslist and Facebook. I have seen some used 27" wheels out there but they use a separate freewheel, instead of the combination freehub (not sure if this is the correct term?) that my wheel has. So I don't think they will be compatible with my cassette. Is this correct?

Edit: typo fixed

jpaschall

You don't really want to worry about the cassette you have now; from a financial standpoint you are better off sourcing an entire new rear wheel + new cassette/freewheel. The Sun CR-18 posted above is going to be one of your best values in terms of new products, along with a new Sunrace freewheel or the like.

dickendd

Ah I see, thanks. So if I go that route as long as I get a cassette with the same number of rings amd teeth, it should work with my existing derailleur?

Sorry, I'm new to this kind of stuff. Much appreciated

fietsbob

In the near by bike shop they get ready to go wheels for repairs. for reasonable prices, from their wholesalers.. drop your LBS..

The Golden Boy 

I didn't understand the difference between a freehub + cassette and a freewheel hub until I took them apart-

A freewheel is a bunch of cogs, all attached together- there's a little ratcheting thing inside- so the ratchet thing is attached to the cogs. The freewheel threads on to the hub as a unit.

A freehub has a big ratcheted barrel on the hub- so the ratcheting thing is attached to the hub. A cassette is a bunch of cogs- some of them are attached, but a bunch are not- and there are spacers that go between the cogs- so a cassette is a loose bunch of cogs.

A freehub has a big barrel on it

A freewheel hub has threads on it.






My *guess* is that if your bike is stock- your World Sport has a freewheel hub- and probably a 6 speed freewheel.

The cool thing about 6 speed, the spacing between the cogs is the same between Suntour and Shimano.

For a long time, I kept all my bikes at 27" wheels- I even changed a bike from 700C to 27" (to use a certain pair of brakes). I changed one bike over to 10 speed and 700C- and I spoiled myself. Now I want to do all my bikes up with 10 speed and the option to use 35mm+ cushy tires.

I bet if you put out a post on CL and ask for a 27" wheel, someone may just give you one- some people just have them hanging in their garage "just in case." Too expensive to ship, but too nice to throw away.

jpaschall

Phil_gretz

Identify the exact manufacturer and model of your rim (have your LBS help you). Then find a replacement on eBay with the same number of spoke holes. Have the LBS re-string your existing hub onto the new rim. They may re-use the spokes or replace them. Re-mount the existing tire and freewheel(?) and you're on your way. The new wheel will likely be better built than what you would have purchased, as long as your LBS has a good wheel builder on staff.

That's what I would do. Nobody likes mismatched wheels.

bikemig 

You also may want to check out the local bike shops and see if they have any old 27 inch wheels lying around. I scored a few really nice wheels lately at $5 each.

Bianchigirll 

dickendd

Thanks everyone, jpaschall is correct, it's a 7 speed cassette.

I did check one shop close by that rehabs old bikes, assuming that they would have a plethora of old parts but they didn't have a wheel of the same size and said it would be $90 to order a new built wheel/cassette. I will call around to a few more and see if they have anything, as well as trying a WTB posting on CL.

As far as having matching wheels, while I get the sentiment and agree, I'm more concerned about keeping costs down than continuity with this bike.

OTS 

We may have some BF members in your immediate area, and as nice as we are online I imagine we are all at least that nice in person.

I bet someone might have or could have an orphan wheel in their stash, or they could help you source a replacement.

I am in rural Illinois and have several members close to me.

It might be worth reaching out to a member in your area that can help guide you through the process and you would learn some valuable information, and skills to boot.

Just a thought.

The Golden Boy 

The Golden Boy 

dickendd

I don't have much to compare it to as far as road bikes go but i do enjoy the ride.

Funny you mention people bagging on schwinn even my Dad scoffed at it when I told him I got a schwinn, and I had no idea he had any knowledge of these bikes, but it turns out he had a Raleigh back in the day

cannonride15

@dickendd, you're right, Norfolk and the lower peninsula don't seem to have any coops, Richmond has a couple if you google same. Ran across this listing on Richmond craigslist if you're up to a road trip, this guy seems to have several rear wheels. No reason you can't use a 5 or 6 speed freewheel equipped wheel, just make the proper derailleur adjustment, if it doesn't index use friction, it is C&V right?
https://richmond.craigslist.org/bop/...794662344.html

Bad Lag

dickendd, Do you know how to build wheels? It's not that hard but if you don't already know, replacing just the rim is really not an option. You can order a new replacement rear wheel but it will likely cost $50-$100 when you include tax and shipping.

My Advice - Go to your local bike shop. Pay them the $100 asking price and get a new wheel.

Ride the hell out of the bike and enjoy the health benefits from your small investment. Your body and mind will thank you. It might prove to be one of the best investments you ever make.

jpaschall

SurferRosa

That's sorta crazy Schwinn continued to put 27" wheels on a bike that also got a cassette.

The Golden Boy 

IKR!?!?!





Seriously... Autocorrect is taking away all the caps- including the one needed for the smiley...

You actually have to type other things... go figure...

dickendd

Thanks for all the input everyone. They helped me get a bearing for what would be possible/reasonable to do.

I was actually able to finagle the wheel to where it rolls without rubbing and the brake still works...though it's definitely pretty wobbly. I will continue searching for a used wheel to replace it locally and ride it as is until I find the right one.

​​​​​

Pompiere

Once yard sale season starts picking up, you may be able to find a whole bike for less than the cost of a rear wheel. If it is better than the one you have, and it fits, then keep it. If it doesn't fit but has good components, then use them on the current bike and donate or sell the rest. I have bought more than one $5 to $10 bike, just to get the wheels for other projects.

jeirvine 

I have a spare one of those Sun 27" rear wheels if you're ever in the DC area. And you can get a 7s freewheel that would be pretty much functionally identical to your current 7s freehub for maybe $12.