OK, it's probably been asked, but what would be the least expensive way to convert my 1987(?) Specialized Streetstomper (similar to Hardrock) into a singlespeed? Can I use the existing rear wheel and crank arms (Sugino VP)?

u might be able to get away with pulling the multi-speed freewheel, sticking on a SS freewheel, respacing the rear axle to achieve proper chainine, then re-dishing the rear wheel. your cranks should work.

its it uses a free-hub, even better, then all you have to do is pull the cassette, and space a single cog on the free-hub body.

Heres what I did.

Pull off all derailleurs, cables, and shifters. took off two chainrings. You'll need a crank puller to get the granny gear off. Remove the cassette, replace with a single cog and spacers. Add a chain tensioner. break Chain to proper length.

I had a Sram cassette and they come apart really easily. The cluster is held together with a screw unlike my Shimano cassette which was rivited. You'll have to play around with the spacers to get a proper chain line. I used a spacer kit from Misfit Psycles (https://www.misfitpsycles.com) and a Surly Singleator. Cost me about $50. You can do it cheaper if you go for a knockoff singleator. There are a lot of kits that include spacers, tensioner and sometimes a cog and lockring. Search single speed on ebay.

I run 32x18. Its really slow but it gets me up the hill to my house. I'm actually going to do a 32/36 x 16/18 so I get 32x18 for the huge hill, and 36x16 for flat. Its only a two tooth difference and the singleator can take that slack.

Fortunately it has horizontal dropouts, so I don't think a singulator will be necessary. I need to take a closer look at the cassette and hub and figure out if it has that "freehub" that I've read about. BTW, it's a 6-speed cassette. Thanks for the responses so far!

Is it absolutely necessary to re-dish the wheel if it doesn't have a free-hub? I haven't taken it apart yet to find out.

If it has a cassette hub you can just use spacers and a cog that fits the cassette splines. I would recommend the gussett single speed conversion kit if you do end up having a casette hub.

I'd go with the Misfit Psycles spacer kit or peice one together with spacers. That way you can adjust your chainline rather than being limited to one with the gussett kit.

if its a 6spd its *most likely* a freewheel hub. if you dont have to respace the axles spacers, then you wont have to redish. if you do need to play with the spacing, then you will need to redish!

Hmmm. I'll try to take a look this weekend. Thanks again!