Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - converting MTB to SS - spacers?

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redfooj
05-17-04, 03:19 PM
yesterday i successfully rode the local trail on 32-17 without having to shift gears... and so i decided that my mechs have got to go :D


so the simple way to convert to SS is to remove the cassette from the hub, slide on the amount of spacers needed to get a straight chain line, slide in a sprocket/cog, and then finish off with some more spacers

Qs:
1. sheldon brown says one can get spacers from old cassettes/freewheels... im not sure where or how to do this..
2. are the spacers special splined bike spacers that i have to get at a LBS or can i get them from a hardware store? i suppose they are some kind of lightweight alloy?
3. the cog/sprocket to use is just a simple BMX one?
4. is there some special end spacer to hold everything onto the hub body, or would i just have to hold them in by hand before putting them on the dropouts?

Jumbo
05-17-04, 03:34 PM
1. Looking at the back of a casette, yuo will find 4 small hex-bolts. loosen them, and you can take the casette apart.
Some stores sell spacers, you will probably need the spcers from 2 or 3 old casettes.
2. The spacers are mostly aluminium or plastic and have a special patttern so they wont rotate on the body.
3. BMX
4. Most casettes have a lockring at the end you can use for tightening
note: if you have troubles getting the spacers right be aware that the spacers on 8-casettes are wider than the 9
redfooj
05-17-04, 03:47 PM
ooh, thanks alot :D

also, my cheapo Suntour XCC-300 crankset is riveted! Is there an easy way to remove these rivets so I can run a single front... and also an easy way to put them back on should I decide that I need the gears :D

bishop7840
05-17-04, 05:15 PM
i was able to find PVC pipe that works perfectly for spacers for this project. under a compression load i can't think of any reason that this would fail and i've been running it for awhile with no complaints. the trick was finding the right size, i used 1 1/4" type 1 pvc. the differences in wall thickness are important to pay attention to. also, cutting the pipe with a "square" edge proved a little difficult, but in the end i had a CHEAP spacer kit and a straight chainline.
lucklust
05-17-04, 08:13 PM
I've used PVC before too, and haven't had any problems... http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/b/torrin.htm
Cynikal
05-17-04, 09:10 PM
I've used PVC before too, and haven't had any problems... http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/b/torrin.htm

Torrin,
Did you lace the wheels up? I might do my next wheel set that way. I haven't found anything online to help with that pattern.

Thanks

Chris
Cynikal
05-17-04, 09:14 PM
I just pulled apart 2 old 7 speed cassettes and used the spacers. I didn't buy a new gear either.....just used one from the old cassette. As for the crank...get a new one. Try ebay.

Cheers
lucklust
05-17-04, 09:55 PM
Torrin,
Did you lace the wheels up? I might do my next wheel set that way. I haven't found anything online to help with that pattern.

Thanks

Chris
No, I didn't, and it's nearly impossible to find anyone to do it for you. I've been looking for a while for someone to build me a set of fixie wheels like that, but no luck... I'll keep my eyes open, though.