Bike Forums - View Single Post - singlespeed conversion noob question

05-28-07 | 02:03 PM

#11

charles vail

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Joined: Jun 2004

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Ss

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbonjockey

I'm building a singlespeed (i live in the suburbs or i'd make a fixie) and was wondering the cheapest way to make the rear wheel/gearing work. Ive looked at buying flip-flop hubbed wheels but there has to be a cheaper/easier way. thanks

This depends on what bike you are converting. My old Raleigh from the 80's has a freewheel rear hub so I just swapped out the bottom bracket axle to a shorter one, added a 18T BMX freewheel,used a steel 42T chainring, shortened the chain, set up tension for about one third of the way in the horizontal dropout, for chain wear room and presto a 63 inch SS for an old fat guy. I can ride this sucker in my area all day and while I have to walk up a couple of hills, I can ride my normal daily route faster than any other bike I own. I used an old Raleigh Technium aluminum and glue joint frame. I have both brakes and use 27" wheels with 28mm tires. This bike was built from all the spare parts I had and the only thing I purchased was the BMX freewheel. It weighs around 20-21 pounds with my tool bag and water so I am extremely happy. Total cost so far $30. I had to buy some stainless washers and grind them to fit for spacing the chainring and I achieved a perfect enough chainline for a SS (I'd say 98%). I can ride this at 90 rpms about 15 mph comfortably and climb most grades. I coast on steep downhills or whenever my pedaling becomes a wasted effort. This leaves me time to recover for the climbing. The rythum of the ride is different, compaired to a multi gear bike, so I am not hammering as much. My knees actually feel better after my daily 9 mile excercise route. I don't think however that I would use this bike for anything longer than maybe 20 miles, unless I knew it was virtually flat. For City or suburb riding a SS is ideal especially if you are young, light and want low maintainance costs and a trouble free ride. If you are young and light you'll probably want higher gearing, especially if you have a flat route. Maybe something around a 68-75 inch would be better.

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