Flipping the Script: Men's Parts on Ladies' Bikes?

[OLD SOUL]

Hey folks,

We often see people taking parts from ladies’ bikes and using them to build or restore men's bikes. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons, fit, value, or just having parts on hand, it's a pretty common thing in the antique bike world.

But it got me thinking: has anyone here done the reverse?

Have you ever taken components from a men’s bike and used them on a women’s frame—either out of necessity, for a custom build, or just for the fun of it? I'm curious what kind of challenges you ran into, or maybe even some unexpected successes.

Would love to hear your stories, photos, or advice if you've ever flipped the script on a bike build like this.

 

[SJ_BIKER]

I took mens wheels to switch out the rusty ones off this ladies Schwinn 1946 bike.so yes...

 

[byke!punk]

Yep, working on one now. I found a new old stock fork with an uncut steer tube and plenty of threads to fit.

 

[SirMike1983]

Have not done it with a ladies' bike, but have done it many times in rebuilding previously parted-out lightweights with parts that I trade for or buy. The lightweights often get raided for parts for balloon tire bikes. I set them right again by finding parts and rebuilding them. It's a sure money loser, but I enjoy rebuilding the old lightweights just the same.

 

[SJ_BIKER]

Wheel swap!!