wgwaters

I just bought this exact bike (https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroral...rand-prix.html). Anyone know if it will be difficult to convert it to single-speed with 700c wheels? I think I'm fine with the crank set as is if possible. 42x16 would be ok? So what do I need? Or would it be easier to keep the wheels?

bbattle

The wheels are 27" so if you go with 700c the brakes may not work. 42-16 is fine for a gear ratio. You can get 27" alloy wheels. I had some SunCR18 rims with Formula hubs on a conversion.

The original wheels on the Raleigh are steel and so are heavy and the brakes don't work on them as well as on alloy rims. They will work, though. And the hub is a freewheel so you can spin the sprocket cluster off and put on a cog with a spacer. Might have to redish the wheel but that's no big deal. Should have the wheels checked out by a good mechanic to make sure they are properly tensioned and true.

If you are just trying to get rolling on the cheap, keep the wheels, convert the bike, then see how you like it.

https://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

wgwaters

Great. Thanks for the help. Huntsville, huh? Spent some time there. I'll let you know how the conversion goes.

wgwaters

So here it is thus far. I put some 700c wheels on with no problem. Brakes worked and everything. The wheels made a huge difference. The whole thing was pretty easy, considering it was my first conversion. Anyone have a suggestion as to what to do about the crankset. I have the original on there. Think a used bike shop would sell a single-speed crank from an older bike that would work?

John10568 

Your conversion looks very clean. Regarding the crankset, if it provides a good chainline and the gearing suits you, then I see no reason to change it to a single speed "track" crank. It already appears to be a good quality 3-piece aluminum cotterless crank.

wgwaters

It's ok. I guess it just adds a little weight that I'm not worried about. The chain is on the 42t inner ring, so it lines up perfectly. I guess other things can be priority over the crank. Thanks.

wgwaters

If I cut the drops to make some short bullhorns, would a reverse brake lever fit in the end of the bar?