Originally Posted by
linberl
Oooh, how do you do a 2 speed conversion? Don't want an IGH as it makes flats a pain. They already sold one of them!
The newer IG hubs have quick disconnects of the shifting cable to make flat repair easier. Key question is if the dropout spacing is same for the single as for an IG hub. 99% of time, I don't remove rear wheel to fix flat (unless I need to change tube), I just stand the bike upside down, lever half the tire off on the non-drive side, pull out tube and inflate and inspect for leak, patch with sticky patch, put tube back in and tire on, re-inflate.
An external 2-speed would require a minimal derailleur to both switch gears and maintain chain tension. lacking a derailleur hanger, you can get derailleurs with an integral "claw mount" that goes under the axle nut. I've used those to convert from Dahon "compact" derailleurs which are both expensive and junk. The new derailleur shifts better, shifting direction is now "normal" and not reversed, and because the derailleur is further aft, the wheel comes off and on much easier. Also, the derailleur cage is longer so can accommodate a wider range cassette and/or double crank.