First Lazy conversion: Do I really have to re-dish?
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First Lazy conversion: Do I really have to re-dish?
I did my first conversion this weekend and simply swapped the freewheel on my 1982 peugot for a cog and BB lockring. After screwing around for hours with the chainline/tension (all big changes at the crank end), I managed to get it rideable. It is nothing to brag about but I am pretty sure it is safe and have enjoyed the first 30 miles on it without incident. I did almost go over the bars a couple of times on a 20 mile group ride when I forgot about the bikes new rules. Also, going from advice on this forum, I rode it hard and then re-tightened the lockring.
I notice, however, that I see almost no conversions that have simply left the rear wheel as-is. I know it would be stronger to re-dish, but I am not certain I will never want to replace the freewheel. Moreover, I think I would prefer to save up and buy a nice set of wheels with flip-flop hubs or something and a real reverse-thread lockring option.
Is it safe/sound to ride without re-dishing? How precise does that chainline really have to be?
Thanks
I notice, however, that I see almost no conversions that have simply left the rear wheel as-is. I know it would be stronger to re-dish, but I am not certain I will never want to replace the freewheel. Moreover, I think I would prefer to save up and buy a nice set of wheels with flip-flop hubs or something and a real reverse-thread lockring option.
Is it safe/sound to ride without re-dishing? How precise does that chainline really have to be?
Thanks
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I had a chainline off by about 3mm, rode it successfully for about 20 miles and then the chain broke, I believe caused by the mis-alignment. Caused me to be picky about it, now.
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
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Originally Posted by colinm
I had a chainline off by about 3mm, rode it successfully for about 20 miles and then the chain broke, I believe caused by the mis-alignment. Caused me to be picky about it, now.
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
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[QUOTE=colinm]I had a chainline off by about 3mm, rode it successfully for about 20 miles and then the chain broke
QUOTE]
Thanks for the warning. That reminds me that I probably need to be carrying a link or 2 in order to avoid walking home someday.
QUOTE]
Thanks for the warning. That reminds me that I probably need to be carrying a link or 2 in order to avoid walking home someday.
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Originally Posted by Sawtooth
Yes, and I swapped to a shorter spindle length bottom bracket. It is visually off, but working for now. Your story makes me somewhat concerned. I wonder if one could make up for just a bit of that by going with a 1/8 inch chain (the cog is 3/32)?
I get them at Xmart for $5 and change them every riding season.
You really should go ahead and re-dish the wheel.
It only takes about 1/2 hour on a truing stand for a first timer and it is a great learning exp.
Enjoy
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If the derailleur chain (1/2" x 3/32") fits the chainring & cog, the chainline doesn't have to be perfect 'cause the chain is made to flex sideways. Think of how your chain was flexing as you were using the various cogs/chainring combinations before you switched. Your current chainline probably isn't as bad as what is occurring on most derailleur-equipped bikes all the time!
If the wheel was strong enough as a multi-speed wheel, it's strong enough as a single-speed wheel.
All else being equal, a no-dish wheel is stronger than a dished wheel, but there are lots of radically dished wheels out there that are working fine. A 1/8" chain works OK on 3/32" teeth, but may wear the driven side of the teeth unevenly 'cause there's some slop in the width/fit. Probably not enough to matter....
On the other hand, a near-perfect chainline & minimally dished wheel does look better.....
If the wheel was strong enough as a multi-speed wheel, it's strong enough as a single-speed wheel.
All else being equal, a no-dish wheel is stronger than a dished wheel, but there are lots of radically dished wheels out there that are working fine. A 1/8" chain works OK on 3/32" teeth, but may wear the driven side of the teeth unevenly 'cause there's some slop in the width/fit. Probably not enough to matter....
On the other hand, a near-perfect chainline & minimally dished wheel does look better.....
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Thanks for the feedback everyone. I may or may not redish. It is nice to know that I don't have to. By the way, it has been very fun to have my buddies here at the office take it for a spin around the parking lot.
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Originally Posted by colinm
I had a chainline off by about 3mm, rode it successfully for about 20 miles and then the chain broke, I believe caused by the mis-alignment. Caused me to be picky about it, now.
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
Did you use spacers in the front to move the ring inboard?
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