Originally Posted by
FastJake
For the cost/price of that bike, I really think you're better off selling it and getting an SS/FG specific bike unless you're set on keeping your frame. Especially since it has vertical dropouts. You could get a nice SS/FG for what you could sell the Jamis for.
But if you do want to convert it, you're on the right track. You don't need a new crank unless having the two extra chainwheels bothers you. (Sorry, I don't have specific recommendations here.) 1/8 or 3/32 chain will work fine on the crank/cog, unless one or both of them are 1/8. In that case you must run 1/8 chain or it won't engage the teeth. You can even use a cog from your cassette, but if your chainline isn't perfect or your tension is too loose you'll be more likely to drop the chain. Fortunately with a Freehub you can easily get the chainline perfectly straight.
I don't like chain tensioners, and I've managed to setup my SS vertical dropout bikes without them by finding the magic ratio. Chain tension on an SS really isn't that critical, as long as it's not too tight.
Thanks for your reply, Jake. I thought about just selling the bike but I have already altered it so much, I figured I would be better off keeping it. Some things I've changed are: custom wheels- velocity synergy rims laced to ultegra hubs, ird technoglide headset, cinelli seatpost and stem, brooks saddle, mks pedals.
I know I could keep a lot of this stuff and just buy a new frame but is that really worth it just to get the track dropouts? Is the Jamis frame really not that good? I have been pretty happy with it. My plan was to build a nicer fixed gear down the line with a much nicer frame (bare knuckle or maybe even a mercian but i have plenty of time to research for that) and in the meantime, keep this conversion on the cheap.