Originally Posted by
tuxfan212
I am thinking I might just do that. I live out in the sticks a bit where I am so the LBS is 40 minutes away. Probably have to make a special trip...
Also, to the other poster. I want less gears not more... Thinking I might convert it to a single speed after I move this summer. I want to try out the new terrain (more hilly) before I commit to that though.
With a 5 speed derailleur you have a built-in single speed....just don't shift! To go single you will have to swap out the double chain wheel too.
My brother rode the heck out of a Varsity that had a double chainwheel shifted by reaching down and moving a lever on the seat tube. Archaic by the really nice brifters and thumb shifters of today but it worked.