Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Complete Beginner to SS conversion-first project

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londonbiker88
10-31-09, 06:11 PM
Ok people, I decided about 3 weeks ago to convert my current Dawes Horizon geared road bike to a SS (not fixed). Had a look on search but couldnt seem to find soemthing pretty similar to mine.

basically, Im after all info on how to do such a conversion, I am currently at the stage where I need to buy a new SS chainring, rear sprocket and new chain. I also need a new BB as the C&C BB is gone to shot due to previous owner neglect. Iv'e removed all the useless stuff like derailleurs etc. which i know is bad and occasionally gives me chain slip, but i hate gears. Im currently riding 52/14.

I want to ask of you, advice on which BB to get (good ones for SS, bb is 68mm), good crank/bb combos, good chains and good rear sprocket. I have also decided to build my wheels as the wheels i have now are currently for geared and are a bit of a mess tbh. I hope to complete the project before x-mas and in the new year i have arranged for it to be re-sprayed.I have all the tools needed and my budget is under £300.

summary:
ideas/advice on new cranks,bb,chainring,chain,rear sprocket, anything i may have missed.

many thanks, if you need any info i will be happy to provide. :thumb: ill try to post some pics of the progress as i go along.

Reardan
10-31-09, 06:24 PM
might wanna go to your LBS and see what they think.

I was going to do a DIY conversion of my 1976 Motobecane SS conversion and it turned out I had to re-dish my wheel and all this stuff that I would have not been able to figure out, but mostly because it was an old French frame.

Just go talk with them and build up a relationship. It will help in the long run.

I was able to use my old BB with 170 mm Lasco track crankset (46t) to a Surly 16t rear cog.

1/8 inch BMX chains are good and sturdy for SS-grinding up hills and such.

Mavic CXP22 track wheelset is the bees-knees... and looks awesome in black

Conversion turned out really nice.

Hope this helped/inspired a little
Reardan
10-31-09, 06:25 PM
ps. the re-dish turned out to be useless after my buddy wrecked my wheels right after I got it back from the shop... ergo the Mavics...

londonbiker88
10-31-09, 06:33 PM
thank Reardan, im assuming that a re-dish is not applicable if i buildthe wheels form scratch though.
I am going to check out the parts you mentioned and see if they are available here easily. I'm actually pretty well friended with my LBS due to busting up my previous bike (before it got stolen:() but i will be sure to visit them.

thanks, it did inspire me just a little bit more to see that there are/were people in the same boat as me.

edit: had a look and i can only see the cxp33 , im assuming that these are an upgrade or the like so I think ill go with them if all is good, reviews look pretty good also.