shift kit on a vintage bike

ruppster

ruppster

Member
Anyone ever put a shift kit on a Schwinn panther? I haven't seen anything on the subject and that's part of the plan on the new build.
 
ruppster said:
Anyone ever put a shift kit on a Schwinn panther? I haven't seen anything on the subject and that's part of the plan on the new build.
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Looking at old photos, you'll need to install brakes (coaster brake won't work), the chain guard will be in the way and you will need to convert the bottom bracket. The bike will no longer be an old timey bike, but you knew that when you planned on bolting on a 2010 HT Chinese engine. I think the vintage feel and look can be maintained, but that's a personal taste thingy.
 
:)

It's not a Schwinn tho heh

Still - the only "issues" are the rear hub (mutispeed), converting it to a 3 piece crank & making an extended front motor mount - none of which is particularly troublesome.

I will say it's worth every effort :D
 
Thanks for the help guys. Barely awake I think you sent me some pics. of one of your bike awhile back ago, does that have a kit on it?
 
ruppster said:
Thanks for the help guys. Barely awake I think you sent me some pics. of one of your bike awhile back ago, does that have a kit on it?
Click to expand...

You can find it in the Rustoration thread... nice photos and a full description of what he did. I looked into this myself, contemplating it on a 50 Panther. Once I started to add everything up it looked like an expensive enterprise, but a highly desirable one. If you go ahead, be sure to post photos as you go. Vintage cruisers (50's and older) are the cat's meow... and a shift kit gives it a whole new level of cool.
SB
 
That's a huge thread, I'll have to pick at it when I have free time. I skipped through it and it looks impressive. The biggest issue that comes to mind is a rear hub and brake choice.I didn't even think about not being able to use a coaster brake.
By the way, to any southern Mainers I found an old girls bike in Berwick that looks like the roll fast in that thread.It's got a gas tank,fender headlight, fork struts and a book rack. I didn't stop to check it out closely but it's sitting out front of the house like it's for sale.It's a little rough but looks to be very salvageable.
 
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