Bicycle Mechanics - Change single speed bike to geared.

ok, many of you might think I'm mad but I'm keen to change my single speed bike (Genesis Flyer 09) into a geared bike.

I'd probably just change the rear and turn it into an 8-10 speed for commuting.

All the research I've done doesn't bring up a lot apart from it's tough because the width between the rear dropouts are different.

One shop did tell me that it might be possible just to "force" the wheel in there but it obviously doesn't account for the dérailleur (I'd prefer this to a hub gear).

Can anyone tell me how I might go about doing this and where I can buy any necessary parts?

Thanks in advance.

Tarquin

One other problem if your frame was built as a dedicated single speed is that it might not have a rear derailleur hanger. You would have to use a "claw" mount and these are crude at best.

That, along with the 120 mm spacing instead of the 130 mm spacing used on 8 to11-speed rear wheels, will make this a difficult change. It will also be expensive since you will be buying all of the conversion parts (rear wheel, derailleurs, shifters, cassette and chain) ala carte. You might do better to sell the single speed and put the money toward a bike originally built for your needs.

As Hillrider says, your frame may be unsuited for derailleur use. There are ways to adapt it, but it'll never be ideal.

The smartest, easiest way to convert this to a multigear bike is with an internally geared hub. From the frame's point of view, this is no different than your current SS hub, so no heroic adapting is necessary, and you can easily switch between geared and SS wheels.

The only other consideration is brakes. If switching from fixed to freewheel hub, you'll need 2 brakes, but this is rarely a problem.

The smartest, easiest way to convert this to a multigear bike is with an internally geared hub.

Yep. Cyclists have been doing this for some time (http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-6.jpg).

With 8/10 gears on the back you would also likely run into problems with the chain being severely out of alignment with the first and last gears on the cluster. Could lead to derailment.

The smartest, easiest way to convert this to a multigear bike is with an internally geared hub. From the frame's point of view, this is no different than your current SS hub, so no heroic adapting is necessary, and you can easily switch between geared and SS wheels..
Hmmm, I really never think of IGH hubs but this is by far the easiest conversion if the frame is worth putting money into.

The Genisis Flyer is a Single speed frame with no derailer hanger, and track ends, so a cassette hub is really a no go, have you looked at Shimano Afline, although the rear dropoups may stop this, Afline comes in 8 or 11 speed, you may find it cheaper to sell the Genisis and get a bike with Afline bulit up, something like the On-One Pompetamine

Tarquin, if you have a 120 spaced Track frame, look as an S3X, 3 speeds,
1:1, .75:1, .63:1
can be set up as a 3 speed , spline (?) fixed gear cog, or screw on a freewheel..

Wider frame spread needed for many IG hubs with more gears in them.

How wide Is, your rear fork , anyhow?

******
seeing the Dingle cog, sold thru Riv Bike , for example, is a 2 cg in the space of one
16/18, etc. to split, say, a wider spaced IG hub,
a double chainring with the same tooth difference creates a couple ranges,


Their quick beam bike uses that to slip the Chain from one to the other ,
the old fashioned way,
loosen the hub move the chain and re tighten it..
by re tightening the axle bolts.

... with out the IG hub, as the bike was sold several years ,
before the hub S3X hub was released for sale..

Seems another possibility, for a narrow spaced frame
wider range , 3 at a time..

Thanks for all your responses.

It is a 120mm frame so looks like an internal geared hub is the way to go. Shame as I had quite a few of the parts but as some of you said I could just just sell this frame and buy another.

I'll let you know how I get on and post some images.

Thanks again.

tarqsthehero

why sell it? if you like it but want more gears for commuting that is a perfect excuse to buy a second bike.

ok, many of you might think I'm mad but I'm keen to change my single speed bike (Genesis Flyer 09) into a geared bike.

I don't think you're mad; the mad ones are turning geared bikes into singlespeeds.

An ex-fixter with an 8spd IGH is pretty cool.