Hey all ...

Trying to simplify with my new commuter, so thinking of using the wheels I have lying around and running a 1 x 7 (that's what the wheels are). What do I need to look out for when doing this? I've built up bikes before, but nothing with this kind of set up.

BB? Chain type? Chain line? Dog fang or non-functioning FD?

Frame is without a BB at the moment, so anything is open in that regard. I will be running 105 DT shifters in friction mode.

This is going to be a beater / commuter, so I'm trying to build it out of old parts I have lying around rather than buy a new group / wheels for it.

Thanks!

The BB is determined by the crank you use. Any 6-7 or 8sp chain will work. Keep the ring as near the middle as possible. If you have an old der. laying around use it.

I ran a 1x7, then 1x8 hybrid for several years. As above, line up the ring mid-cassette, if possible. I never used a FD or chainkeeper of any sort and the chain came off the front every once in a while. Use something if you want to avoid that.

I also use a 1X7, there's a photo on my sig. The chain-ring is lined up with the middle cog of the cassette. I use chain-ring spacers to achieve this instead of buying a new bottom bracket. The chain rarely falls off with the non ramped ring that I use now. However when I use Shimano rings that are ramped, the chain would fall on the outside just after up-shifts over multiple cogs in one go.

when cutting the chain, do the usual procedure, which is big-big combo +1, but instead of only adding 1in of chain, add 2~3in of chain.
You want the chain longer than the standard method because when in the lowest gear, the chain becomes too tight with only 1" extra.

Thanks all! I'm going to give this a go next week (get frame on Monday) so I'm sure I'll have a follow up question or two.

Thanks!

I converted my 18 speed cyclo-cross bike to a 1x9. Added new Sugino chain ring on the outside, spacers, bolts for a triple setup, BBG Super light bash guards and sandwiched it all together. Never dropped a chain or got chain rub.