Question for gearing gurus
 

Just got back from a nice relaxing ride. After a few hours I realized I never shifted. That got me thinking the gearing would make a perfect single speed. So how can I turn a 36-20 gearing into a single speed? Thanks

Well I should’ve searched before I typed this thread. I had no idea they made 20t freewheels. Sorry

If you don't like the tooth count, you can always calculate the gear inch and work backwards. So you are at 50 gear inches.

I saw a bike converted. He used PVC pipe inside and out of where he put the single cog on the cassette body, so as to hold the cog in place. Then got rid of one of the chainrings and both derailers, sized the chain accordingly. It helped that it was an older Italian steel frame with slots for the axle, so he was able to set the chain tension.

If you get rid of the extra sprockets and mechs, the bike will be lighter, and that gear will feel different.

Never thought about that, thanks.

or convert it to a 3 speed

:popcorn

While this is for fixed gear https://www.surplace.fr/ffgc/ it is applicable to single speed and gives a chart of equivalent gears. If you wanted to use small gears, 36/20 would be the same (within 2%) as 30/17.

Hope it helps,

SM

Assuming the 36/20 combination gives you a fairly straight chainline, why not simply shorten the chain (assuming horizontal dropout slots) and remove the shifting apparatus? That way you can trivially restore full functionality when you either decide to sell the bike or rediscover the magic of multiple gear ratio options at your command.

It’s on my Trek 728 and I’m not changing anything. I just thought it would be fun to build a nice super light single speed on the mornings when the wind is calm. In most days I need the extra gears. Why do we do 90% of the stuff we do with bikes? Because we can and it’s fun.

I really like riding my single speed. I have it geared low to climb just about any hill around here, flat pedals for regular shoes, simple and fun for 25-35 mile rides.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...750c8f584.jpeg