Framebuilders - custom derailer hanger on track ends

Ok so this may sound a bit odd but I have at the moment a EAI brassknuckle frame that I would like to convert into a track/TT crossover frame. I havent ever ventured into the world of gears since i was a young child and Im not sure if this is even possible. Can I have a derailer hanger tig welded to my frame (aluminum). and then run a single chainring out front with a 7speed cassette on the rear. After riding fixed for a few years All I really want is a few gears for making it up hills or for a little more speed on flats. would it be cheaper to buy a new frame or should i just get this idea out of my head all together?

Since it is aluminum, welding is possible, but it requires a bit of skill and knowledge. Generally, most people only consider welding aluminum only if the frame has a crack or is breaking.

What is your dropout spacing? depending on the amount of mileage you will be doing a year, an internally geared hub might be easier to install than a derailure. Nexus 3-speed Coaster Brake Internal Gear Hub SG-3C41 w/Shifter (http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2380). This has the same spacing as most single speed dropouts.

If you have the flat dropouts without ridges, then the following will work gauranteed, otherwise it may not work. Simplex
S001 Claw Mount Rear Derailleur (http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2416). Or this, Various Manufacturers
Rear Derailleur/Derailer Adaptor Claw (http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=963), will work with modern derailleurs.

Good luck.

flyingcadet

wow thats a much better idea i was looking for a internal geared hub but couldnt find one in 120mm spacing i totally forgot that would keep my idea from working anyways with a cassette. Thanks!

No problem.

flyingcadet