Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Confusion... Utter, complete and morbid confusion.

Hi guys,

As you may be able to tell by the title of this thread, I'm a little bit unsure of something, that I'm wondering if you could help me out with.

I'm looking to convert my geared road bike into a single speed bike. And to be honest I've done the majority of it. I'm stuck however with the back wheel. The bike is a 2008 Dawes Giro 200, and the back wheel is stock.

When I removed the cassette, there literally appeared to be nothing, no extensions or anything, which seemed really weird to me (wheels, I don't know anything about). I've had a look through Sheldon Brown's website, and it would appear I have a threaded (thread-on) freewheel. Obviously just using a single speed kit won't do the job, as there is nothing to attach it to.

Here comes the question! What do I need to do/use?

I've been having a think, and maybe Googling a few ideas, but what it appears to myself is that I would be able to use a freewheel such as the Shimano ones you can buy. Being British, I'm using websites such as Chain Reaction Cycles and Winstanley's to try and find suitable things, but I really could use a prod in the right direction.

Thanks!

Freewheel cassette spacers are what you need, just part out the cassette and use the spacers and the cassette cog you prefer as your gear ratio and arrange the spacers and cog to straighten your chainline.

http://www.singlespeed.at/singlespeed/singlespeed-images/singlespeed-at-10.jpg

Read up on the methodology here:
http://www.singlespeed.at/singlespeed/singlespeed.html
Because nothing beats step by step instructions w/ pictures! ;)

You need to get a single-speed freewheel: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/shimano-mx30-freewheel

Then you need to move spacers from the drive side to the non-drive side and re-dish your wheel, which you can read about towards the bottom of this page: http://sheldonbrown.com/deakins/how-to-fixed-conversion.html

However, re-dishing a wheel will generally result in a weaker wheel with very uneven spoke tension.

You see that link at the top of the forum that says start here? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/510358-Fixed-Gear-Single-Speed-Start-Here!) Start there.

I did "Start Here" Thanks for your 'help'. Glad to see you have time to reply and comment on my supposed in-ability to follow instructions, just because I have less than 10 posts, next time don't bother.

The other two guys, thanks for your help. I'll certainly look into it, to be honest, it might end up being easier/safer for me to just buy a new rear wheel. Again I'll have to have a look into that when I get back to the UK!

I've had a look through Sheldon Brown's website, and it would appear I have a threaded (thread-on) freewheel.

Good start


You see that link at the top of the forum that says start here? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/510358-Fixed-Gear-Single-Speed-Start-Here!) Start there.

Yes, getting closer.

First result for "single speed conversion" (http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html)


it might end up being easier/safer for me to just buy a new rear wheel.
Most likely because you wont have to deal with respacing and redishing your wheel.

Most likely because you wont have to deal with respacing and redishing your wheel.


If this is the case, then I have an additional question: have you, or has anyone else had any experience with Chinese hubs? I'm assuming shoddy workmanship and the like. Here's a link, to see what I'm getting at.

http://singlespeedcomponents.co.uk/wheels/700c-flipflop-black-549.html

If this is the case, then I have an additional question: have you, or has anyone else had any experience with Chinese hubs? I'm assuming shoddy workmanship and the like. Here's a link, to see what I'm getting at.

http://singlespeedcomponents.co.uk/wheels/700c-flipflop-black-549.html

It's crap.

Right, I'll look elsewhere for a wheel. I did wonder. Thanks.

retro-gression.com
or
velomine.com

you most likely need a wheel with 135mm spacing and opt for something with a sealed bearing hub

Just about any track hub with a standard axle can be re-spaced to 130-135mm to fit your frame.

Are there any bike shops where you're at? They should be able to hook you up with a decent wheel as cheap as you find on the 'net. I run LBS cheapies on my cross bike and beat the hell out of em with no problems. Can't beat a set of strong wheels for a hundred bux. Then they'll charge you a bit more for spacers and a gear, but that shouldn't be that much.

Or buy a spoke wrench and learn how to dish your wheel. If your bike is somewhat new it shouldn't be that big of a proble as far as spokes being stuck in nipples. I just redished an olllld wheel and was surprised to find all the spokes actually loosened up and let me work some mojo on em. You don't need a fancy jig either, you can use a brake pad as a guide when you're working too, or tape a zip tie to a seat stay, etc. It's always a great time to learn when trying to penny pinch.. I know I've got 3.5 year old twins who eat more than I do and just started preschool!

At the moment, I have neither the time nor the money to learn how to dish wheels - and to be honest, I don't really want to learn that particular trait at this moment in time. Good idea, though!

But, with regards to your suggestion of a local bike shop. I've emailed a shop in Manchester, UK where I live/study, my boss uses them for almost everything he has for bikes. I believe he is currently using a Surly Steamroller frame with loads of extras they've given him/supplied him with. I just bought a pair of wheels for £130 (about $170) a bit pricey, but they're specially made according to my specifications. So they're gonna be perfect. Waiting for them to arrive at home, so I can see them through skype or facetime, but then they'll be waiting for me to arrive! Not going to be able to put them on the bike until New Year's Eve :(

Just about any track hub with a standard axle can be re-spaced to 130-135mm to fit your frame.

So I've been told, thank you for your input on this one, mate.