couple of quick questions, but first a little background. My old Trek 400 is sitting in the shed, not being riden at all. I'm looking for a project and I thought...why not convert the Trek to SS? I've never done such a conversion, but I'm not afraid to give it a shot.

I know there are simple ways to convert a mulit-speed to a single-speed by reusing some of the original parts, but I'm really looking for something to do some tinkering on. I also would like to keep the original setup intact in case I want to go back to multi setup.

First, how do I determine the best gearing for me? Take the Trek out as is and find a comfortable gear set up and start with that?

Any hints on parts that would work on this frame, but not kill me financially? I have to keep this on the cheap or the wife will have a fit. (I found a cheap conversion kit at Nashbar which I guess would be a starting point, then if I like riding SS, I could upgrade later).

I've been looking at parts at Harris Cyclery also, but don't want to start ordering parts until I know the basics of converting a bike to SS.

1. does it have horizontal drops? If so, its gonna be straightforward. If not, keep the deraileur on.
2. Is the rear a freewheel or cassette? If freewheel, buy a singlespeed freewheel and thread on. If cassette, go buy a single cassette cog and a bunch-0-spacers.
3. yes, find a comfortable gear and go with that.
4. 1., and 2. will work with the frame and not kill you financially (under 20 bucks). Dont spend money at Nashbar. You dont need a 'kit'.

Thanks. Seems I need to do a little research later today.

2.6:1 is a good ratio

i had a trek 400t.. came with a triple.. i *believe* they had a 42 ring on it, so a good cog to go with it is 16

Thanks for the tip.

are you set on SS? fixed is a lot of fun

another consideration: how hilly is the area where you'll be biking? my commute and weekend rides have a few decent sized hills and when I started riding fixed (on an '85 trek 460) i was riding 42:15. but if you're going SS you won't have to think too much about having to spin downhill.

In my immediate area, there are only "rises", no hills. In some of the surrounding area, there are some "hills" but nothing that calls for drastic changes in gearing to overcome. But most of the area I ride has no hills. It was on a recent ride that I got to thinking about SS...I never changed gears on the whole ride.

Fixed gear...well, I don't know about that. I can't remember ever riding a fixed gear.

it's the bee's knees