Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Hey everyone converting into a single-speed

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simplistic62
09-16-10, 05:42 PM
Hey everyone. I am here cause I have recently decided to convert my Marin Larkspur in to a single-speed . I have a friend who sold me some new rims that are ready to go all I have to do is get the crank set and maybe some new forks then get to working on it. The problem is I don't know what size cranks to order for my bike. I guess that is the first question I would start with. Though i would like to look into brands and just generally help on making a good decision on what is a good crank to get. here is a link to the specs of the bike I have
http://www.marin.co.uk/2010/bikepage.php?ModNo=10LA
(mine is an older version). right now I am in a drug study so I don't have access to my bike for a while but would like to possibly order the parts now.

thanks

simplistic62
09-17-10, 01:34 PM
okay well can anyone tell me about cranks i been trying to look up about size and stuff and seem to find only that the length matters? do I need to worry about if it is going to fit together right on the bike? as far too narrow, too wide or just not be the right size? I'm still reading up on it but all of the info i read about seems to only discuss the length, which i think i will go with a 180 mm but yeah. Is that All i am looking at, would it be safe to just go on e-bay and get 180mm single speed mountain bike cranks?
simplistic62
09-17-10, 01:37 PM
oh and i did figure out that the amount of teeth do matter. so since my cog is 16 i think i am gonna go with 48 teeth. I was reading that you should go with a 3 to 1 ration as far as teeth. nay? yay? I don't want it to be difficult to peddle though, so is that right or should I go with 44 teeth like one other person suggested?

ichitz
09-17-10, 04:51 PM
crank arm sizes are length. 180 seems too long. I'ld try 165-170mm. But u need to make sure ur bottom bracket can take the crank you are using. Most crank arms will suggest a bottom bracket that goes with their cranks.

As far as gear ratios go, just figure out whichever u like to stick with on ur current bike. Also take your terrain and the distance u are looking to bike into consideration, if u are gonna be hulling heavy things on ur bike, etc.

read:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html