I see lots of members displaying machines that are single speed conversions. I am not totally ignorant on the subject. And, I have been over to the SS forum to take stock of their rides and stuff. Still, I am pondering and scheming — undecided and perplexed.

OK ... to set this up. I DO have an SS bike that I converted. I took a quality 531 frame with 120 spacing. I had it cold-set to 126 by a frame-maker. Then I got a pair of modern Shimano wheels and paid a mechanic to make a chainline. The idea being: he does ... I learn.

The wheel-set is a Shimano production in 130 mm. So ... remove spacers, cut the axle (exactly) ... re-dish the wheel, use a spacer-kit to align a chain on the second chain ring. Delete the big ring using shorter stack bolts. Use a BMX cog of a T-count to make the desired ratio. Mount a track type chain, and adjust the chain tension on the horizontal drop outs.

Well ... so well and good. But this next one will be different.

I have a frame in the mail — Gazelle AB frame to replace a Trek 560 that does not fit me so well. I am sure that it will be 126 mm in the stays. I treasure the feeling of the SS freewheel, and I ride on the flat most of the time. I have a lovely vintage, tubular wheel-set with 126 mm Campy Record hubs. I want to ride these wheels as they are.

So what did you do? And how did you do it?

I sort of know the options — but I am just interested as to how YOU did it.

And in closing ... and waiting any answers. I predict that this ride could be like riding a cloud. That DIRECT feeling of SS will make it all the more so. If the feeling of the early 80's? Gazelle AB is the equal to, or better than my '78-'82 Simplon SS, I'll adore it! The Gazelle is in a slightly higher grade frame set — Reynolds 531C: forks, stays, steerer tube!

Benadas and thanks in advance — Lenton/ Lorne