Greg180
10-12-06, 05:29 PM
Does anyone have an opinion on converting my retired GT Outpost to a S/F gear winter training bike. If possible what mods would you suggest...ie front fort and BB. Also can I tack on mods for a disk brake conversion?
Bicycle Mechanics - 2000 GT Outpost...Conversion to a Singlespeed?
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I_bRAD
10-12-06, 05:33 PM
You could make it a SS if you use some sort of chain tensioner (like an old derailleur), but I don't think you'll be able to make it a fixed with vertical dropouts.
Greg180
10-12-06, 05:39 PM
You could make it a SS if you use some sort of chain tensioner (like an old derailleur), but I don't think you'll be able to make it a fixed with vertical dropouts.
I don't like that mod for a chain tensioner. Can you modify the frame for an eccentric BB to tension the chain?
Or should I start with a better frame?
I don't like that mod for a chain tensioner. Can you modify the frame for an eccentric BB to tension the chain?
Or should I start with a better frame?
Cynikal
10-12-06, 05:42 PM
The BB diameter for an ecc is larger than a standard BB, sure you can have a new bb shell welded on but there really is no point. Your best option for a ss/fixed rig is a White Ind ENO hub. It's an eccentric hub built for just this situation. They can be a bit spendy, a bit over $150 (but don't quote me on that)
roadfix
10-12-06, 05:53 PM
If you don't want to use a tensioner, re-lace your rear wheel with an eccentric hub. Least expensive way to go is with a tensioner and a SS kit.
I_bRAD
10-12-06, 05:57 PM
The BB diameter for an ecc is larger than a standard BB, sure you can have a new bb shell welded on but there really is no point. Your best option for a ss/fixed rig is a White Ind ENO hub. It's an eccentric hub built for just this situation. They can be a bit spendy, a bit over $150 (but don't quote me on that)
For 150 bucks though you could buy 3 old frames with the proper dropouts.
It's gonna be a beater anyhow- Use your old derailleur and break open a few used cassettes to get a cog and a handful of spacers.
For 150 bucks though you could buy 3 old frames with the proper dropouts.
It's gonna be a beater anyhow- Use your old derailleur and break open a few used cassettes to get a cog and a handful of spacers.
Greg180
10-12-06, 06:29 PM
Bottom Line not a good starter frame...What should I be looking for in a beater frame.
Cynikal
10-12-06, 07:17 PM
Horiz drop outs. Start here for information www.sheldonbrown.com
roadfix
10-12-06, 07:20 PM
You can do anything with horizontal dropouts.
TallRider
10-12-06, 08:39 PM
You can do anything with horizontal dropouts.
I seduce people using horizontal dropouts :D
Seriously, they make things a lot easier. And the above post is right, that you may as well search out an older MTB frame with horizontal dropouts. I just came by one myself (courtesy of roccobike, who found it at a garage sale) and will probably turn it into an SS someday.
I seduce people using horizontal dropouts :D
Seriously, they make things a lot easier. And the above post is right, that you may as well search out an older MTB frame with horizontal dropouts. I just came by one myself (courtesy of roccobike, who found it at a garage sale) and will probably turn it into an SS someday.
wb 86
10-12-06, 09:30 PM
Bottom Line not a good starter frame...What should I be looking for in a beater frame.
I still don't see why it is a bad frame to start with. Sure old deraillers/ tensioners may be kludgy, but they get the job done. I've built a few beater/winter bikes w/ vertical drop-outs and an old clamp on rear entry level SIS derailler. One was a late 90's GT Talera 4130 cro-mo frame.
As stated earlier, horizontal drops are key. My Giant has them and it made set up a breeze.
On my Trek SS I used a White Industries ENO eccentric hub. At the the time it was $179. Add a $70 rim and DT double butted spokes and it neared $300 after labor. Expensive yes, but I expect the wheel to outlast multiple frames. Something to consider if your GT is a starting point and you plan on having a SS built up in the future, the wheel is already done.
As I see it you have a few options, some pricey some not. Regardless the sooner you set up an SS the sooner you can experience great beater bike w/ less drivetrain maintence.
Craig
I still don't see why it is a bad frame to start with. Sure old deraillers/ tensioners may be kludgy, but they get the job done. I've built a few beater/winter bikes w/ vertical drop-outs and an old clamp on rear entry level SIS derailler. One was a late 90's GT Talera 4130 cro-mo frame.
As stated earlier, horizontal drops are key. My Giant has them and it made set up a breeze.
On my Trek SS I used a White Industries ENO eccentric hub. At the the time it was $179. Add a $70 rim and DT double butted spokes and it neared $300 after labor. Expensive yes, but I expect the wheel to outlast multiple frames. Something to consider if your GT is a starting point and you plan on having a SS built up in the future, the wheel is already done.
As I see it you have a few options, some pricey some not. Regardless the sooner you set up an SS the sooner you can experience great beater bike w/ less drivetrain maintence.
Craig
I_bRAD
10-12-06, 09:41 PM
Don't forget that you can put the version with the old derailleur together TODAY for FREE with the parts you have laying around. You can always change it later.
waterrockets
10-13-06, 06:16 AM
+1 on the Eno Eccentric
I've got one on my SS MTB, and it gave me the freedom to convert a different frame to SS. I started off on my beater MTB, but I liked it so much that I converted my HT Stumpjumper.
I'm about to buy another of these hubs to convert my beloved old, underused Bridgestone RB-1 for a few years. But I'll have the freedom to put the wheel on any bike. You can even let friends try out single-speeding on their own frames.
I bought mine here for $129!!! http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/WINDHUENO
I've got one on my SS MTB, and it gave me the freedom to convert a different frame to SS. I started off on my beater MTB, but I liked it so much that I converted my HT Stumpjumper.
I'm about to buy another of these hubs to convert my beloved old, underused Bridgestone RB-1 for a few years. But I'll have the freedom to put the wheel on any bike. You can even let friends try out single-speeding on their own frames.
I bought mine here for $129!!! http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/WINDHUENO
Retro Grouch
10-13-06, 07:58 AM
The BB diameter for an ecc is larger than a standard BB, sure you can have a new bb shell welded on but there really is no point. Your best option for a ss/fixed rig is a White Ind ENO hub. It's an eccentric hub built for just this situation. They can be a bit spendy, a bit over $150 (but don't quote me on that)
One other possibility is a fortuitious gear selection. If you happen to have a pretty good inventory of chainrings and rear cogs you can sometimes find a combination that will tension your chain just the right amount.
One other possibility is a fortuitious gear selection. If you happen to have a pretty good inventory of chainrings and rear cogs you can sometimes find a combination that will tension your chain just the right amount.