Raleigh XXIX SS conversion-- Help Needed!
 

Hello!

So, I'm new. Both here and in the world of bicycle mechanics, repair, etc. Excited to get more involved and learn a bit!

I have a 2010 Raleigh XXIX SS that I would like to convert into a 3+ speed vehicle. I am looking for the following...

-Relatively Easy ("relatively" being the keyword)
-Budget friendly (under $200)

Ideally, I'm interesting in hearing what YOU would recommend. If you've worked in this bike in the past, maybe you have some ideas for me? I love the bike but don't get from A to B fast enough for commuting purposes. I'm saving for an actual commuter bike to use in warmer weather but don't want to subject a new bike to the rigors of winter riding just yet....

TIA!

Saludos,
~Matt

Start by measuring the rear dropout width. That's the distance between the inside faces where the rear wheel sits. Then go looking for an internal gear hub with that measurement, or close. Preferably already built into a wheel with the same diameter as what you already have. Buy that wheel, and the appropriate shifter, cable and clickbox. Often sold as a kit. Arm yourself with some zipties. Transfer tube and tire. Install wheel. Install shifter. Ziptie cable neatly along frame. Adjust gears. Ride and be happy.

Much appreciated! Thanks for the response. I'll start by taking some measurements..

Any options that would utilize a standard derailleur? Just trying to get some other options together!

Thanks, Forum Land.

Well, if it were me, I'd consider selling it, then taking that money and another $200 and buying a bike that best fit my needs.

Shifter, rear derailleur, RD hanger/adapter, cassette, chain, cable/housing, hub and spokes (or wheel) are all going to add up fast.

Assuming it's a freewheel hub, you might be able to re-space and re-dish the hub to screw on a 6- or 7-speed freewheel. Or if it's already a freehub, perhaps there's room for a cassette.

It'll be tough to go multigear, easy, and sub-200.

If it's geared for trail riding I'd consider getting it geared for road riding. Get some 28mm-32mm road tires (make sure rims aren't too wide for tire choice). Get the gear inches up around 72". That'll make a 29er SS much faster.

I reckon about $50 for tires. 25 for chainring. 15 for chain.

If you gotta have multispeed, I'm with @JiveTurkey's first plan : Sell that and get what you need.

Dang, looks like that has a 20t cog. Would need 35mm tires and 53t chainring to get 72". Need to check the bcd on your cranks to see if 52 or 53 are available. Might be cheaper to get a tiny rear cog.

The big hurdle is the dropout width. Ignoring that, it'd be easy enough to pick up:
- a new chain
- a new rear cassette wheel
- a derailer
- an adapter claw
- a shifter
- a handful of zip ties

And then run uninterrupted housing all the way between shifter and derailer.

One more unknown here is if an external-gear chain will play nice with your chainring, or if you'd need to replace that one too.
And if the chain will be content to stay ON the ring, or if you'd need to add a chainguide.

A 3 speed hub usually only has a 177% range so you would not change your gearing that much. Third gear is 33% higher than second which is direct drive (when the sprocket turns as fast as the wheel), and first gear is only 25% lower.

I would try playing around with different ratios as a singlespeed before going 3 speed.

Foot retention would add torque on climbs.