Rebuilding a Schwinn Single Speed, Part Two

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Rebuilding a Schwinn Single Speed, Part Two

So once you have a good frame in hand, it is time to strip it and prep it for a new drivetrain. Many people believe you can reuse the crank and parts, and that may be so, but personally, I like a new, unique crank and clean, smooth bottom bracket an you just can't get that on a 30-year old bike.

Above, you see the bottom bracket shell which is dirty and grimy and needs a good degreasing.

It is imperative to overhaul the headset, seen disassembled above, to ensure smooth, clean steering. On older Schwinns, there are multiple lock rings and 'races' which house the bearings. The race is the silver cup in the middle left of the photo. The lock rings and bearings are drying at the right. Once I clean and degrease each of these parts, I then regrease them to make sure they roll smoothly. I prefer Phil's grease, myself.

Here is a long view of the frame with a new bottom bracket and an overhauled headset.

And finally, a close up of the new bottom bracket. Next up, install the crank and true and redish the wheels.

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Rebuilding a Schwinn Single Speed, Part Two