Last weekend I tried to install a fixed hub on my bike and, through my own incompetence, I stripped the holy hell out of it. I later put on my old cassette hub as a half-assed single speed. I think it's geared for 52/16 or thereabouts. This works great for me when I'm on even pavement, with the wind. Not so great otherwise as my puny legs won't pump like they should... Anyway, I'm getting off track.

This weekend, I'm going to go back to my LBS to see if they have any more fixed hubs I can destroy, errr, install. He'll probably have to lace on a new hub since I got the only hub/wheel he had in stock last week (this is all used equipment, by the way).

But, if that fails - or is too expensive, I'm going to get me a chainwhip and convert my cassette hub to a single speed and put on a more forgiving chain ring (maybe even replace the entire crank if I can find one in decent shape for cheap). I'm going to use 1 1/4" PVC for a spacer. I understand the basic idea, but I've never disassembled a gear cassette before and am looking for any tips you guys might have. Anything I should look out for? What tools should I have to do this properly? Should I get some spacers instead of the PVC. I don't really have anything to cut the pvc perfectly straight, but I can compensate by fine-tuning it with a file.

Is there anything else I'm forgetting?



On a side note: Have any suggestions about cleaning the sides of my rims of the old rubber left by my crappy, worn-out brake pads that I'm replacing this weekend? Would rubbing alcohol or acetone get this off? I'd take off my tires before applying any solvent.

Another side note: I tend to ramble. Sorry.

Last side note: I also use parentheses too much (right?).