Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Specialized P1 Single Speed, Can i add more speed?

Hello all, Bike newbie here.

I have a Specialized P1 and as you all know, it is a single speed bike.

Well I am really looking to add some gears to it, cause the single speed thing just isnt cutting it for me anymore.

I ride to and from work, and i know this bike isnt made for it, but i would like to add some speeds so i can get to point A and B with knocking the wind out of me in 1 gear.

I dont know MUCH about bikes, but i do know a little.

I was curious if someone can help me out and tell me as to which PARTS i will need to do this? I will be buying them off EBAY, MAYBE. So a little help as to what i need would be great.

Once again, I am a newbie so go easy on me.

The cheapest and Easiest way to do it, IF IT is possible. thanks

Sheldon converted an IRO frame w/ similar horizontal drops to multi-speed using a Shimano Nexus hub:


http://www.sheldonbrown.org/iro/584/images/11.jpg (http://www.sheldonbrown.org/iro/index.html)

I suggest you just put a bigger chainring and skinnier tires on your p1, or trade it for something else....or maybe just buy a beater mountain road bike used for $50 and use that for commuting. Save the P1 for urban / trials / off road / whatever you originally bought it for.

A bigger chainrin would have me...

Peddling LESS and MOVING MORE? correct? The smaller the ring, the more i have to pedal?

Ok 2 things...

Can you please direct me as to which CHAINRING and TIRES are compatable with my P1?

I dont no sized or anything, kind of new to this, thanks

ok, first figure out the bolt circle diameter of your cranks: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html

then shop around for a new chainring. I'm guessing you've got fat 1/8" chain? take that into consideration when you shop for a chainring, and you'll need a new chain too.

something with 40+ teeth will give you a ratio decent for riding on the road (presuming that you've got a freewheel around 16-17 teeth).

A bike shop or co-op might have a used chainring for cheap.

The derailleur I took off my conversion was an old shimano 5/6 speed, it actually bolted on the wheel axle, so it could be used on any bike. Of course, then you have to route cables. Just get another bike for commuting. It will be cheaper in the long run.

Rohloff Speedhub! :D