Classic & Vintage - building my first single speed, any pointers?

so since i broke my collar bone and my cycling is done for a few months, i figured id BUILD anew bike.
heres the direction i figured id go (feel free to step in anywhere)
look for a decent shape old 10 speed (preferably a raleigh, trek, norco, bianchi, any other brands to look for?)
i wanna make it single speed so i figure ill paint it (since all the components are comin off eh, unless is this a no-no depending what i find?)
all i really need to do off the bat is remove the derailleurs and shorten the chain to the gear (front and back) i like most (for now) correct, until i get "more into it"?
i wanna look for double butted right? (i believe this is what that means right?)
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/95sedona97/Swap%20met%20odds%20n%20ends/IMG_0296.jpg

anything else i should look into for now? still gotta go thrift store hopping so dont kill me yet :p

Ah, that frame looks bent.

But, given that, I recently build up a single speed, freewheel.

You'll need a narrower bottom bracket.

You'll need to toss the outer ring and use the inner with narrower chainring bolts for a single chainring.

You'll need a single speed freewheel or a fixed cog and a bottom bracket lockring.

Yeah, you'll need a chain breaker to shorter the chain.

Brakes would be nice.

Or you could just do it "ghetto" by shorting the chain to the freewheel cog of your choice.

Ah, that frame looks bent.


not my frame, just for reference,
are you saying i should use the middle front cog? (if three front cogs)
im fine with "ghettoing" it until i can hammer down the rough edges and finish it properly.
if i ghetto it, should i still single brake it?
one plan is to def use bullhorn handlebars(upon finishing details, cuz i prolly wont find a bike with said bars), not a huge fan of drops....

please refer to sheldonbrown.com and read his many article on building single speed bikes
btw you might be in the wrong sub forum really

please refer to sheldonbrown.com and read his many article on building single speed bikes
btw you might be in the wrong sub forum really
yeah ive taken a look there, kinda still abit jibberish in parts to me so i come here when i gotta ask (plus man i love you guys:D:innocent:)
didnt know wither to put this in SS/FG or here cuz yes im building a single speed, but i also plan on using a vintage bike for the build....was abit torn.

The bent frame pictured is not necessarily "double butted".

What you have there is a "lugged" frame (bent badly, of course). The tubing is brazed (like soldering, but with a brass alloy instead of tin/lead solder) into the lugs that form the frame.

Butted tubing refers to the inside diameter of the tubing itself. "Double butted" tubing will be thicker at the ends of the tubes, where the meet up with the lugs (for example) and thinner in the center section. This allows for very light weight, yet still strong.

But to answer your question, "yes", you will want a double butted frame. You'll probably want it to be a lugged frame also, as they are prettier than non-lugged (in MY opinion... someone will undoubtedly chime in to the contrary)

EDIT #1: Whatever frame you find, DON'T cut anything off! At least allow it to be converted back to a multi-geared bike.

EDIT #2: Try to find one that is your size, and make it look like a proper bike. Too often, I see guys running around on frames that are WAY too big for them, and they've got the saddle slammed all the way down to the top tube.

by "dont cut anything off" do you mean dont cut off, say, the bracket to bolt a derailleur to?
i mean i wouldnt hack anything apart anyways, just the basic taking off wires, components etc.
i do have a quick 2nd question. that front tube the fork and stem connect thru, should i look for a shorter one? a nice long one? or does it not matter? like i said i dont plan on major overhaul asap, but if i want fancy forks etc, i still wanna have options.

The "front tube the fork and stem connect thru" is called a head tube. Length will depend on the size of frame that you get. Frame sizes are measured along the seat tube, from the center of the bottom bracket, to the center of the top tube where it meets up with the seat tube. Measure in centimeters. Some people & frame makers measure to the TOP of the top tube. There is only a centimeter or so difference, so it's not lofe or death.

EDIT #2: Try to find one that is your size, and make it look like a proper bike. Too often, I see guys running around on frames that are WAY too big for them, and they've got the saddle slammed all the way down to the top tube.
would it look just as wierd if i found a smaller frame and had a foot of seat post sticking out?
or is smaller better than too big in this case.
also the verticle dropout thing has me scratchin my brain....do i want a verticle dropout or horizontal? does it matter....that sheldonbrown site doesnt really give me an answer i can understand...

it is generally cheaper to buy a single speed than to try and build one from just a frame

if you happen upon an inexpensive road bike you wish to convert simply remove the derrailleurs shifter inner rings and multi speed fw then thread a bb lockring onto the hub to space the ss fw out enough for a suitable chainline thread on a fw of your choice and go for it

btw save all the factory parts should you choose to reinstate the bike as a geared bike after all we have all had those instances where we regret throwing out groups

mine was a stock nishiki internation where I trashed the whole suntour arx group
arx wasn't the best but I still feel like a idiot for it

would it look just as wierd if i found a smaller frame and had a foot of seat post sticking out?
or is smaller better than too big in this case.
also the verticle dropout thing has me scratchin my brain....do i want a verticle dropout or horizontal? does it matter....that sheldonbrown site doesnt really give me an answer i can understand...
Most people have a range of acceptable sizes.
My optimum frame size is a 54cm, but 53cm or 55cm are acceptable for me. 56cm starts getting too big, and 52cm might be doable only if it has a longer top tube, like 54 or 55cm, but is generally too small and would require a stupid long stem.

Don't worry about dropouts. Either will work fine.

I have written a long feature article on building up your own Single Speed, be it a Poor Boy or a nicely finished creation from the heart. I invite you to email me and I will send you to the page for the article.

This thread feels so Fixie/SS.

Parts needed are: BMX freewheel 16t ($13), BMX chainring bolts ($8), rear axle spacers (maybe).
Tools needed are: 5mm allen wrench for chainring bolts, tool for removing/installing chains, cone wrenchs, open end wrenches, freewheels tools.

1. Its always cheaper to start with a complete bike. Always.

2. Find a bike that fits you with 700c wheels and a double crankset up front with removeable chainrings.

3. Remove the F&R derailleurs, shift levers and cables and existing freewheel.

4. Remove outer chainring, install BMX chainring bolts. Measure chainline.

5. Remove 6mm of spacer from gear side of rear wheel, lightly install BMX freewheel. You now have a 120mm spaced rear wheel. Center axle.

6. Squeeze rear frame spacing down to 120mm, install rear wheel.

7. Measure rear chainline. If its different than the front move spacers around to achieve proper chainline.

8. Re-dish rear wheel.


There are other ways of doing it but this is the least expensive way if your dealing with a scew-on freewheel. Its possible to convert leaving the frame spaced at 126mm but you'll need a very narrow BB to get the proper chainline, shifing spacers around only gets you so far. Starting with a cassette hub'd bike is the easiest and least expensive, aside from the cost of tools your looking at $8 for BMX chainring bolts.

The absolute cheapest route is to buy a used bike, put it in a gear you like and Don't Shift!!! -- Instant single speed! No sweat, no mess! :D

another option is you can remove all of the cogs on a 5-speed freewheel and thread on one of the 2 outer cogs, that should give you a good chainline without re-dishing. seems to work best with suntour freewheels. another positive is you can use the existing crank and chain, seems to be the cheapest and a pretty elegant solution. to remove the cogs you need a chain whip.

As several have said, it is much cheaper to buy one, than to make one. But, I think (and this is an assumption, I know) that the OP's purpose is to build one; to have the pride in making his own, even though it will cost more. He'll learn about bikes at a mechanical level, and he'll learn something about himself in the process.

I'm the same with several of the Stratocaster guitars I have built & owned over the years. Yes, they cost me more than just going and buying them, but I have the pride in craftsmanship. Building one to sound the way I want it to, etc.

So don't try to fix the young man! He ain't broken!!!

If you run it single speed freewheel, you need both brakes.

*giggle* I always though DB was short for double butted not double bent *giggle* unless you are a fellow Alouminum hater don't discount cannondale. the cable giudes and shifter bosses are easily removed. then you can fill them a bit while painting. then use a derailuer for chain tension.

+1 Listen to Miamijim, that is great advice.

+1 Don't be a DREW.

+100 Start with a complete bike. Building up a frame is very costly, unless you happen to have a workshop full of take-off parts (like many of us do).

If you want to go super cheap, start with a good brand rigid frame mountain bike. They are the bargain of the vintage market.

This thread feels so Fixie/SS.

Parts needed are: BMX freewheel 16t ($13), BMX chainring bolts ($8), Bottom Bracket Lockring (maybe).
Tools needed are: 5mm allen wrench for chainring bolts, tool for removing/installing chains, open end wrenches, freewheels tools.

1. Its always cheaper to start with a complete bike. Always.

2. Find a bike that fits you with 700c wheels and a double crankset up front with removeable chainrings.

3. Remove the F&R derailleurs, shift levers and cables and existing freewheel.

4. Remove Inner Chainrings, install BMX chainring bolts. Measure chainline.

5. Add Bottom Bracket Lockring to Hub

6. Add Single Speed Freewheel to hub

7. Measure rear chainline. If its different than the front Use a 1/8" Chain.

8. acceptable chainline without derrailling can be +/- 2mm


There are other ways of doing it but this is the least expensive way if your dealing with a scew-on freewheel. Its possible to convert leaving the frame spaced at 126mm but you'll need a very narrow BB to get the proper chainline, shifing spacers around only gets you so far. Starting with a cassette hub'd bike is the easiest and least expensive, aside from the cost of tools your looking at $8 for BMX chainring bolts.

just broke mine down into easy to digest steps for ya too

both methods work fine either way

it would be easiest to just use a cassette hub in most cases but freewheels work too

another option is you can remove all of the cogs on a 5-speed freewheel and thread on one of the 2 outer cogs, that should give you a good chainline without re-dishing. seems to work best with suntour freewheels. another positive is you can use the existing crank and chain, seems to be the cheapest and a pretty elegant solution. to remove the cogs you need a chain whip.


Can you explain this method for me a little better. I think I'll do this with my next SS project. I just completed a cassette hub conversion.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3836593903_c690a524ea.jpg
How do you remove the cogs from the freewheel?
Does this method prevent you from having to redish?

so since i broke my collar bone and my cycling is done for a few months, i figured id BUILD anew bike.
heres the direction i figured id go (feel free to step in anywhere)
look for a decent shape old 10 speed (preferably a raleigh, trek, norco, bianchi, any other brands to look for?)
i wanna make it single speed so i figure ill paint it (since all the components are comin off eh, unless is this a no-no depending what i find?)
all i really need to do off the bat is remove the derailleurs and shorten the chain to the gear (front and back) i like most (for now) correct, until i get "more into it"?
i wanna look for double butted right? (i believe this is what that means right?)
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/95sedona97/Swap%20met%20odds%20n%20ends/IMG_0296.jpg

anything else i should look into for now? still gotta go thrift store hopping so dont kill me yet :p



Read these links: http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html
http://software.bareknucklebrigade.com/
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/how-to-fixed-conversion.html this one to get you started on the cheap.

Can you explain this method for me a little better. I think I'll do this with my next SS project. I just completed a cassette hub conversion.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3836593903_c690a524ea.jpg
How do you remove the cogs from the freewheel?
Does this method prevent you from having to redish?


You might have to redish but that's an easy enough job for the LBS if you don't build your own wheels. They simply loosen the spokes, recenter the hub, and tighten the spokes.

You need a special tool to remove the freewheel and it depends upon your freewheel. LBS can do this in a jiffy.

Here's how to do this the expensive way: BEFORE (http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle#100083&bgcolor=black&view=grid) AFTER (http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle#100187&bgcolor=black&view=grid)

Experienced eyes will see just how expensive this project was. Bike rides well and looks great but could've ridden well and looked great for a lot less money. But it was only money so no big deal.

<I got a call from UPS. Package on the way>

Can you explain this method for me a little better. I think I'll do this with my next SS project. I just completed a cassette hub conversion.

How do you remove the cogs from the freewheel?
Does this method prevent you from having to redish?

Redishing: Only needed if you respace the rear axle.

Removing cogs: With 2 chain wips. 1 to hold the freewheel in the forward direc tion and 1 to loosen the outer cogs by turning them counterclockwise.

Freewheel cogs are held together in any number of ways the most common style you'll find has the first 4 or 5 cogs sliding onto splines with the outer 1 or 2 cogs screwing on to hold everything together.

To be honest with you if have a cassette wheel available your better off using it rather than using a complete freewheel and removing a few cogs.

Experienced eyes will see just how expensive this project was>

Considering the rear cog, freewheel and lockring were close to $100 I'd rather not guess the total ticket!!!

Can you explain this method for me a little better. I think I'll do this with my next SS project. I just completed a cassette hub conversion.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3836593903_c690a524ea.jpg
How do you remove the cogs from the freewheel?
Does this method prevent you from having to redish?

This was posted on another forum i'm a member of, it sums it up nicely, though i did not write it:

this technique works best with a 5 speed suntour perfect freewheel(very common). instead of 2 chain whips which is actually pretty hard to pull off, use the chain on your bike and a chain-whip.
first take the freewheel that your going to separate on a wheel that fits on your bike. now tighten the bolts to hold your wheel in place than take the chain off off your front chain ring so the chain is sitting on the bottom bracket.
wrap the chain around the 1st or second gear cog so the chain is able to wrap over its self. this should immobilize the cogs from going any where if you do this right you can take the chain whip and put it on the outermost cog and start trying to unthread the cog(i find it easiest to use the frame and the handle of the chain whip and squeeze hard it takes alot of force to get the first one broken. then just unscrew the first two cogs and as stated before the rest of the cogs just slide off. this procedure works best for 120 spaced frames (but if steel you can always coldset) then you don't have to redish the wheel. when you thread the first 2 cogs back on just one will work if you want (i like 2) just hand tighten them for when you start pedaling you will tighten the cog on the more you pedal.

ok so, single speed and fixed gear are different, but the build is still the same-ish correct?
see i believe i got confused (sorry) cuz i want fixed gear

yeah, they are different in that a fixed gear is a true fixed gear. You pedal backwards, you go backwards. If the bike is moving, the pedals are spinning. No coasting.

A single speed means that is has one gear, but also a freewheel, so you can coast.

Builds are pretty much the same. Lots of fixed gear bikes will not have brakes. S/S bike NEED brakes.

ok so, single speed and fixed gear are different, but the build is still the same-ish correct?
see i believe i got confused (sorry) cuz i want fixed gear

I build up is the same-ish but different as well.

A dedicated fixed hub will require rebuilding of the rear wheel if you want to re-use your old rim. From a spacing perspective there's nothing you need to do, the chainline should be pre-set from the factory. If you acquire a 120mm hub you'll need to reset the rear dropouts to 120mm, if you acquire a 126mm hub your frames will be good to go. Another option is to buy a complete pre-built wheel.

The other fixed gear option is to locktight a fixed gear cog onto a conventional hub. This technique is less expensive and follows the same build instrcutions as a SS. I DO NOT agre with build technique. Im my opinion is a short cut. If your going to do it, do it right.

Do they make 126mm fixed hubs?

Do they make 126mm fixed hubs?

http://www.63xc.com/hubchoice/zmhubchart.gif

Do they make 126mm fixed hubs?
any formula hub will du you just need to add 3mm spacers or washers behind the lock nuts on each side