Originally Posted by
parksung
The heaviest part on my bike is the bottom bracket. Along with the other parts needed to convert my touring bike to a single speed, how much am I looking at spending? I'm guessing up to $150. If it's more than $200, I'll just buy a single speed.
remove dérailleurs and cables, shorten chain to fit desired gear combination... et voila single speed, no cash. If you like it, try replacing the gear cluster (if it's possible with your rear hub) with a freewheel (prices vary), redish the wheel, buy single stack bolts for the chainring (prices vary) now it also "looks" like an "authentic" single speed.
I think the heaviest part of your bike is probably the wheels, or really the frame, but who cares?
Sell your 610, for about 150$ on CL. Save up to get a comparatively sub-par (but pre-built) single speed bike from one of the many online sources now available for around 300-400$.