I was tinkering with my old mountain bike last night. It is the bike I reserve for commutes and carrying my son for fun rides. While trying to sort out the new shifters I picked up, I realized that my front derailleur was garbage. I was pretty frustrated, so I pulled it off the bike. Then I pulled the cable off. Next came the rear derailleur and cable, the big chainring and a dozen or so links on my chain, the integrated shifter/brake. I now have a single speed (34:17). The chainline is perfect, but to do this right I need a grinder to bust up the cassette, some spacers, and a new chainwhip (I broke mine lastnight). I have not taken the bike out yet. The wheel is towards the front of the forward facing drops, and that has me a little worried because of a past experience of pulling a wheel out of the dropouts on a derailleur equipped bike (long story involving blood, injury, and an indifferent autmobile public). I tightened the quick release, and the wheel feels pretty secure in the frame. We’ll see. I have to hook up the brakes, and put the seat post and seat back on, then I will give it a spin. The derailleurs were old hefty altus, so I shed quite a bit of wieght. I will also shed quite a bit more when I bust up the "sturdy" cassette that is on the back and find another caliper brake lever so I can get rid of the second integrated set up.

Who knew I had this in my basement the whole time I have been reading and dreaming about everyone elses single speeds. I can't wait to try it. pics will follow.