Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.joeyc
08-10-08, 11:33 AM
Hello all. Let me preface this by saying that I have received some excellent advice from my few posts and a lot of searching/reading. Thank you.
In the recent past, I have thought about converting my Gary Fisher mountain bike to a single speed, but decided to keep it geared and use it as hybrid type bike (road tires, rigid fork, etc.). I have purchased (and canceled) an order on a Scattante Americano. I decided I was better off paying slightly more for something from a local LBS (perhaps a Rush Hour?) and getting fitted properly. That will come this fall.
Now, I realized that I have a Royce Union Cactus Ridge 18 speed mountain bike at my parents house that has been sitting there unused for quite some time. The bike never got used much - I started driving and it just hung on the wall. It is in pretty good shape. I know these are of lower quality (purchased at Dicks or Sports Authority). However, it is FREE and the proper size for me (about 18-19"). I believe the frame is steel, as Royce Union didn't start making aluminum frames until later and those were of questionable quality.
I figure I could put together a cheap single speed conversion, maybe rattle can the frame, throw on some new (but cheap) tires and have a decent beater/crappy weather ride for around town or light trails. I believe it has a cassette hub. I am thinking I could use something like the Sette single speed conversion kit, Sette tensioner, new chain, new tires, and new front brake for under $75. In this scenario, would I need to redish the rear wheel?
The bike isn't in front of me and I won't be able to grab it until later this week, but I was able to grab a photo off the Internet.
If I am crazy to put about $75 into the bike, tell me. If my thinking is way off, tell me. I like projects, but I also don't want anymore than about $75 going into the bike.
Thanks,
Joe
In the recent past, I have thought about converting my Gary Fisher mountain bike to a single speed, but decided to keep it geared and use it as hybrid type bike (road tires, rigid fork, etc.). I have purchased (and canceled) an order on a Scattante Americano. I decided I was better off paying slightly more for something from a local LBS (perhaps a Rush Hour?) and getting fitted properly. That will come this fall.
Now, I realized that I have a Royce Union Cactus Ridge 18 speed mountain bike at my parents house that has been sitting there unused for quite some time. The bike never got used much - I started driving and it just hung on the wall. It is in pretty good shape. I know these are of lower quality (purchased at Dicks or Sports Authority). However, it is FREE and the proper size for me (about 18-19"). I believe the frame is steel, as Royce Union didn't start making aluminum frames until later and those were of questionable quality.
I figure I could put together a cheap single speed conversion, maybe rattle can the frame, throw on some new (but cheap) tires and have a decent beater/crappy weather ride for around town or light trails. I believe it has a cassette hub. I am thinking I could use something like the Sette single speed conversion kit, Sette tensioner, new chain, new tires, and new front brake for under $75. In this scenario, would I need to redish the rear wheel?
The bike isn't in front of me and I won't be able to grab it until later this week, but I was able to grab a photo off the Internet.
If I am crazy to put about $75 into the bike, tell me. If my thinking is way off, tell me. I like projects, but I also don't want anymore than about $75 going into the bike.
Thanks,
Joe