Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Just "casterated" my Bianchi.... some questions

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steve-in-kville
06-09-09, 11:19 AM
I removed the derailers from my Bianchi Sport today, shortened the chain using the small chain ring giving me a 42/17 gearing. Transition went very well. Had some questions for you folks that have done some conversions before:

1- I am hearing a lot of chain noise. My chain is running very straight, no cross-chain action going on. Is this normal?

2- I needed to bring my wheel further into the drop-outs after the chain was shortened. I needed to turn in the spring/screws. I tried to "tune" the wheel as best as I could to the frame. Is there a better way to tune this? Or wait until I see un-even tire wear?

3- Brakes... the front brakes are shot. The rear as almost as bad. I want to replace them. Are all road brake sets standard as far as mounting is concerned? I am looking as an inexpensive set from Nashbar.

Thanks in advance!!

1fluffhead
06-09-09, 11:32 AM
1. How tight is the chain? Put some slack in it and the noise may go away. Some lube could help too.

2. Use a ruler and measure if you don't think it is centered.

3. Just make sure you get the correct style of brake that will work with your brake levers and that there is enough reach. I have never had mounting issues, but I have had issues with both levers and reach.
crushkilldstroy
06-10-09, 09:27 AM
3. Just make sure you get the correct style of brake that will work with your brake levers and that there is enough reach. I have never had mounting issues, but I have had issues with both levers and reach.

I've had to get creative with a drill to mount some more modern brakes with a recessed bolt into an old Trek, but it works. That's probably worth mentioning.

Bianchigirll
06-10-09, 12:27 PM
a Sport or Sport SX? are you asking about calipers or just pads? for calipers there is two differnt mounting styles nutted and recessed and sometimes you need to worry about reach
steve-in-kville
06-10-09, 02:53 PM
Its actually a Sport SS.
Johnny Nemo
06-11-09, 10:12 PM
Learn to use the spellchecker on your computer. Once mastered, you'll never have mechanical problems again.
milfordcubicle
06-12-09, 12:27 AM
Learn to use the spellchecker on your computer. Once mastered, you'll never have mechanical problems again.

haha. it took me a minute to figure out what that word was.
kyselad
06-12-09, 11:48 AM
You'll roll waaaay smoother on actual bike wheels rather than casters. Fix this first, then deal with the drivetrain and brake issues. Good luck!
tashi
06-12-09, 12:21 PM
1. and 2. : http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

3.: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ra-e.html#recessed



Trust me, if you want good bike info, try Sheldon (RIP) first.