converting a cassette rear hub to a single speed
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converting a cassette rear hub to a single speed
I have an older (cantis only) surly 1x1 that I am building up. I have almost all the parts except the wheels. I am thinking of just buying a pair of beater mountain bike wheels and converting them to a one speed. Who makes a decent quality one speed conversion kit for a cassette? Do these things work well?
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The conversion kits work well... mostly because the cogs you use are straight toothed and get better traction.
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I used a DMR singlespeed kit for my Specialized M2 Stumpy, no problems at all. I suggest you buy extra spacers so you can get your chainline as straight as possible.
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@65er, thanks for the reply. Who makes a good quality conversion kit?
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Not trying to go against what these guys above are saying, its good advice. I personally found conversion a hassle because it takes time. I just bought a new wheelset. That's just me tho
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You don't need a "conversion kit", as most of those kits are to convert frames with vertical drops to go SS. All you need is a quality cog with a wide base (Surly, Homebrewed Components, etc. Do NOT get stamped cogs--they will jack up your hub body). Then just buy spacers. Or, if you're cheap like me, make them out of PVC pipe. I believe it is 1.25" PVC pipe and cut them to whatever length you need. Make sure to use a table saw to get the cuts STRAIGHT. Been using mine for 4 years with zero issues.
Also, none of my wheels are SS-specific. All geared wheels with spacers.
Also, none of my wheels are SS-specific. All geared wheels with spacers.
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cheap is good; I checked out surly's 3/32 cassette cog and it looks good. That makes things easier since I have an old road crank I was going to use. Surly's website says that a single speed cassette cog needs to be wide so it doesn't dig grooves into the freehub body. So I guess there is no advantage in going to a 1/8 chain, cassette, and chainring over going with all 3/32 parts. Too bad because the 1/8 stuff just looks cool.
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Also the Surly 1x1 has more then enough room on the frame and stock fork to fit 700c wheels. I used to have a 1x1 built with 650b/27.5" wheels and 2.35" wide tires.
Here's a pic...
Here's a pic...
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Sweet, 700c would fix my wheel problem cuz I have road wheels but my surly is cantis only so I'm sticking with 26 inch. Cool handlebars; what are they?
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Looks like the love child between a riser bar and the classic swept back bar found on old 3 speeds; I may have to get one!
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Origin-8 makes a better version of the bar, which I use on my 29er mtb.
As far as the brakes go...they do make adapters that raise the mounts. Not pretty, but do.
https://www.biketrailershop.com/xtrac...er-p-1600.html
Also could check to see if a caliper brake might work up front, depending on the distance to brake surface.
As far as the brakes go...they do make adapters that raise the mounts. Not pretty, but do.
https://www.biketrailershop.com/xtrac...er-p-1600.html
Also could check to see if a caliper brake might work up front, depending on the distance to brake surface.
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Also remember that the rear frame spacing is 135mm since it is a mtb frame. Using nutted 29er wheels would fix that or a 135mm hub laced to the rim. I actually have the stock set of 29's that came on the black one above. PM me if interested.