flyingjew

So I'm trying to disassemble my '78 Raleigh Rampar's (seen below) cog and crankset to make it a single speed on the cheap. I know I could buy track wheels for under $100 if I look, and make it a fixie but I'm trying to keep it as cheap as possible. Can anyone help me with how to go about doing that, which tools I'll need and how to go about it; this is my first time trying to do anything more complicated that taking wheels off.

I_bRAD

The easiest way to make it a singlespeed is simply to not change gears.
More complicated: remove the shifters and derailleurs and shorten the chain appropriately- and pick one cog on the back cluster
More complicated still: do above, plus replace the freewheel with a BMX freewheel and respace/redish accordingly.

flyingjew

Yea the plan was to remove the back cogs all together and replace with the new bmx type and get a new chain and crankset if necessary. The issue is I don't really know how to get those cogs off since I'm totally new at this.

I_bRAD

You need the appropriate freewheel remover tool (~$5) and a wrench to get the freewheel off. Depending on the condition of your wheel, redishing might be difficult if the nipples are seized.

You might need a chain. I'd skip the cranks and just pick one ring to go with. New crankset will probably mean new BB (Unless you can find a cottered SS crank) so you're looking at a lot more cost and effort.

flyingjew

Thanks, I'll get to the store tomorrow and try to find the tool, guess I should bring my wheel with me to find the right one?

I_bRAD

That's the easiest way to make sure you've got the right one.

FlatFender

if its a one time deal, the LBS will probably remove it for you for less than the cost of the tool.

flyingjew

Thanks for the help everyone, got a new chain and freewheel BMX cog and had the shop put them on for about $45. It's a bit tough getting started, but the bike has some speed, just going to make any uphills a little tough, but that just means more of a challenge I guess.