Go ahead & do it. I did it to my 24 speed last Spring when I broke my left shifter lever, I couldn't be happier with the bike. Don't worry about the vertical dropout, that's nothing that a chain tensioner or a half-link won't fix. I suggest using a half-link myself. I left the 52 tooth ring on & added a 20 tooth cog which gave me just above 70 gear inches. Perfect for the hills around here & I can spin nice on the flats.

you are gonna need some single stack bolts if you remove the extra chainring.

your spacer kit.

surly cog, i'm assuming you'll need a 3/32.

your chain, it's great for single speed use.

half-link to get your chain sized properly.

aside from the spacer kit I used all the above plus some new brake levers.


hope this helps.