Converting 3 speed Schwinn Collegiate with 26 inch wheels

[Brambor]

Howdy. So I have this Schwinn Collegiate S, 3 speed step through bike in the basement. What would be my best options to convert this to an e-bike?

I thought about the Copenhagen wheel. They do list 26 inch wheel but they only mention single speed or 7, 8, 9 and 10 speeds.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Brambor]

I guess the fly kly would be a better option when compared to copenhagen wheel as the fly kly as described on their web site:

Yes, Smart Wheel is actually fully compatible with multi-geared bikes since the rear gear cassette gets removed together with your old rear wheel once you replace it with the Smart Wheel. This of course turns your bike into a single-speed bicycle but we don't see that being much of a problem since shifting is no longer necessary beause Smart Wheel is already doing most of the work for you.

Now it remains to be seen how these 'wheels' actually work but for comparison purposes the Copenhagen Wheel is 48V and the FlyKly is 36V.

OTOH ordering Copenhagen wheel as a fixed gear will probably achieve the same end result of the FlyKly

 

[JoePah]

Was on Kickstarter yesterday and couldn't believe all the negative comments on the FlyKly project.. People wanting their money back and can't get it...Don't know why people are so unhappy, except maybe there haven't been any useful updates on working models or any videos... The project schedule has delivery starting in May.

I'm glad I didn't pre order at this point, but if all their claims are true, I'm definitely a customer.

 

[JoePah]

Howdy. So I have this Schwinn Collegiate S, 3 speed step through bike in the basement. What would be my best options to convert this to an e-bike?

I thought about the Copenhagen wheel. They do list 26 inch wheel but they only mention single speed or 7,8,9 and 10 speeds.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I just restored an old Mercier French race bike that was hanging in my garage. So my advice to you is bring to a bike shop and have them restore/regrease/replace everything first. Then ride the bike and see how you like it



I spent over $500 getting new wheels, new Harley Orange powdercoat, new bottom bracket etc... And now I have a bike I'm quite proud of... (here's the picture on Facebook) I enjoy just riding it the way it is. I may electrify it down the road but not now...

 

[Brambor]

the Schwinn is used by another family member frequently in the summer and it got a CLA recently. It's good to go but I won't be the one riding it.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Both seem like great choices, Brambor.
Prospects are huge and hope it delivers. Have you ordered one already?

 

[Brambor]

not yet. will wait it out a little bit.

 

[Admin]

I'm really excited to see how the Copenhagen Wheel and Fly Kly perform. Planning to leave on my East Coast road trip later this week... If you have any suggestions for shops to visit or other bike makers East of Colorado please add them here.

 

[Chris Nolte]

Howdy. So I have this Schwinn Collegiate S, 3 speed step through bike in the basement. What would be my best options to convert this to an e-bike?

I thought about the Copenhagen wheel. They do list 26 inch wheel but they only mention single speed or 7, 8, 9 and 10 speeds.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Brambor - Make sure to measure the dropout spacing. I believe your rear wheel is 120mm wide where most conversions are 135 (rear standard) or 100mm (front and single speed). There are ways of stretching it to 135mm since it's steel, but it's a bit of a task. Feel free to reach out if we can help.