Worth switching to single speed on 6 or 7 speed folders?
09-02-11, 02:42 AM
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Worth switching to single speed on 6 or 7 speed folders?
Hi guys, new to the site and already spent WAY too much time reading through all the posts! I recently bought a Schwinn Tango used that was in pretty good shape. I also have my eyes on a Downtube Nova (2010 model, used little).
Even as a rookie biker, I find the Tango's 6 speed setup quite silly. This review here sums it all up. I just keep it in the highest gear and it's still slower then my Haro F3. I don't ever use the low gears. I'm wondering if It's better to turn it into a single speed. One way to find out was trying this. Will it be faster then the current 6th gear?
Same question on another bike I might aquire. It's a 2010 Downtube Nova.
On Downtube's site it says "Front derailleur mount is welded onto the frame, hence this can quickly turn into a 21sp bike." What kind of costs would I be looking at to turn it into a 21 speed?
If goingle single speed the cheap way won't work due to safety, then what kind of costs will I be looking at to go single speed the proper way.
Thanks and happy folding!
ps Is there a national folders day?
Even as a rookie biker, I find the Tango's 6 speed setup quite silly. This review here sums it all up. I just keep it in the highest gear and it's still slower then my Haro F3. I don't ever use the low gears. I'm wondering if It's better to turn it into a single speed. One way to find out was trying this. Will it be faster then the current 6th gear?
Same question on another bike I might aquire. It's a 2010 Downtube Nova.
On Downtube's site it says "Front derailleur mount is welded onto the frame, hence this can quickly turn into a 21sp bike." What kind of costs would I be looking at to turn it into a 21 speed?
If goingle single speed the cheap way won't work due to safety, then what kind of costs will I be looking at to go single speed the proper way.
Thanks and happy folding!
ps Is there a national folders day?
Last edited by matchpoints; 09-02-11 at 03:00 AM.
09-02-11, 06:41 AM
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I think the new S/A S2C kickback hub (or the new SRAM A2 looks interesting) offers a good compromise and gets rid of rear brake and a gear cable. One gear to start one gear to go 
Regards
Jerry
Regards
Jerry
09-02-11, 08:30 AM
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+1 for the 2 speed hub.
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09-02-11, 09:21 AM
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actually almost any fixed gear will be faster than the schwinn. the best it will be is 54 inches (38/14*20), where most fixed gear are typically in the mid 60 range.
on my old tango i experimented with a 52T crank with the stock 6 speed cassette and that did make some improvement on the effort and speed. but later i reused the crank on another bike.
currently my tango is stripped and sitting in a pile in the storage room. i have considered some customization work on it to make it useful, but too many other better frames get in the way.
on my old tango i experimented with a 52T crank with the stock 6 speed cassette and that did make some improvement on the effort and speed. but later i reused the crank on another bike.
currently my tango is stripped and sitting in a pile in the storage room. i have considered some customization work on it to make it useful, but too many other better frames get in the way.
Last edited by badrad; 09-02-11 at 09:24 AM.
09-02-11, 04:18 PM
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if i read correctly in your blog about the demise of the handlepost on your dahon speed, and if it's out of commision for a while, why not try swapping out the crank from the dahon over to the schwinn. it should be a 53t and longer crank arm, and without changing out the cassette - should give you a range from about 35" to 75". So a bit more top end (actually a lot 55" vs 75"), sacrificing bottom end, but with a longer crank arm - should give you more torque for the hills anyways (the FSA crank arms are about 1" longer than the schwinn).
the only out of pocket is borrowing a crank puller and changing the chain length - although you could just add some links in to the existing chain.
when you get the replacement handlepost from Dahon (maybe not hold your breath on that) then you can swap the crank back in.
anyways, just a thought...
the only out of pocket is borrowing a crank puller and changing the chain length - although you could just add some links in to the existing chain.
when you get the replacement handlepost from Dahon (maybe not hold your breath on that) then you can swap the crank back in.
anyways, just a thought...
Last edited by badrad; 09-02-11 at 04:25 PM.
09-02-11, 06:05 PM
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I think it was someone else. I don't have a dahon or a blog 
if i read correctly in your blog about the demise of the handlepost on your dahon speed, and if it's out of commision for a while, why not try swapping out the crank from the dahon over to the schwinn. it should be a 53t and longer crank arm, and without changing out the cassette - should give you a range from about 35" to 75". So a bit more top end (actually a lot 55" vs 75"), sacrificing bottom end, but with a longer crank arm - should give you more torque for the hills anyways (the FSA crank arms are about 1" longer than the schwinn).
the only out of pocket is borrowing a crank puller and changing the chain length - although you could just add some links in to the existing chain.
when you get the replacement handlepost from Dahon (maybe not hold your breath on that) then you can swap the crank back in.
anyways, just a thought...
the only out of pocket is borrowing a crank puller and changing the chain length - although you could just add some links in to the existing chain.
when you get the replacement handlepost from Dahon (maybe not hold your breath on that) then you can swap the crank back in.
anyways, just a thought...
09-02-11, 08:11 PM
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I think the Speed Uno is a good deal for the money and even a little cheaper right now. https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speeduno.htm
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09-03-11, 12:12 AM
#11
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I expect leaving a chain-tensioner on your single speed will be practical..
lacing up a common freewheel hub, in the rear will make a serviceable combination..
lacing up a common freewheel hub, in the rear will make a serviceable combination..
09-03-11, 12:23 AM
#12
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Rode my folder fixed with a 52:14 which gave me a useable 70 gear inches and it now runs as an 18 or 21 speed with a 13-x freewheel and I run a 53 tooth chain ring to get a decent but lowish top gear of just over 80 gear inches for commuting and touring and there is no lack of low gearing on this bike.
