Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

My 26" singlespeed conversion -- with pics

Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

My 26" singlespeed conversion -- with pics

Old 03-03-07, 02:35 PM
  #1  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My 26" singlespeed conversion [Updated]

outdated.
__________________
...

Last edited by ManBearPig; 01-16-08 at 08:47 PM.
ManBearPig is offline  
Old 03-03-07, 03:56 PM
  #2  
Senior_Member2
 
diff_lock2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Finlando NOT: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 1,694

Bikes: Beater + Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Were you unsatisfied with your previous drive train?
diff_lock2 is offline  
Old 03-03-07, 06:08 PM
  #3  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by diff_lock2
Were you unsatisfied with your previous drive train?
Nah, I almost never rode the mountain bike and wanted to do a SS conversion as a fun project. And to have a simple, no-fuss bike that I could run errands on or cruise city streets on, on days when I just want to beat around and not do a training ride. Might also use it as a commuter, or try to do occasional group rides as a training tool.

(also, this is the singlespeed forum).
__________________
...
ManBearPig is offline  
Old 03-03-07, 06:47 PM
  #4  
Electrical Hazard
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Manhattan / Vancouver
Posts: 974

Bikes: a bunch.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
hotness! good job.
lyledriver is offline  
Old 03-03-07, 06:50 PM
  #5  
white men cant jump
 
megatron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 243
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
An armful of post?
megatron is offline  
Old 03-03-07, 06:52 PM
  #6  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks lyledriver. I like the cleaner, simpler setup.

As for the seatpost, yup. Though the frame has a rather "compact" sloping tt geometry. It's not above the safety line I don't think. I have the fit set up similar to my road bikes, since I spend so much time on them it feels right for me. If I were taking it offroad I might lower a bit.
__________________
...
ManBearPig is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:36 AM
  #7  
Senior_Member2
 
diff_lock2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Finlando NOT: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 1,694

Bikes: Beater + Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Towlie
Nah, I almost never rode the mountain bike and wanted to do a SS conversion as a fun project. And to have a simple, no-fuss bike that I could run errands on or cruise city streets on, on days when I just want to beat around and not do a training ride. Might also use it as a commuter, or try to do occasional group rides as a training tool.

(also, this is the singlespeed forum).
well if you really didn't ride it that much, i would have done the same (if i could find a single or fixed speed hub).

Last edited by diff_lock2; 04-09-07 at 05:05 AM.
diff_lock2 is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 04:06 AM
  #8  
Sir Fallalot
 
wroomwroomoops's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,286
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 11 Posts
Originally Posted by diff_lock2
well if you really didn't ride it that much, i would have done the same (if i could fine a single or fixed speed hub).
To convert a HG hub (splined freehub, the most common hub these days, in other words: the thang you gots) to single speed, you only need a $15 conversion kit, which you might even save, if you just get a PVC pipe of appropriate width and cut it to correct length. Keep the splined lockring from an old cassette, and get a Shimano BMX cog (by the way, anyone has an idea where I, living in Finland/Europe, could get one?).

In any case, to convert to singlespeed, that's all you need, no expensive SS hub necessary.
wroomwroomoops is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 12:26 PM
  #9  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Updated this morning! Including more pics of the details and conversion process.
__________________
...
ManBearPig is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 12:31 PM
  #10  
Ride for Life
 
wearyourtruth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston
Posts: 2,740
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
this is a pretty good post (as a resource) for others looking to do similar things.

i did kinda like the white though
wearyourtruth is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 12:35 PM
  #11  
spin
 
The LT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 1,170

Bikes: raleigh m-60, azonic steelhead, schwinn world sport fixed gear

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
that looks nice good job
The LT is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 12:36 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
eddiebrannan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 3,363

Bikes: DW

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
good job. nice looking bike. bet it's much more fun now too
eddiebrannan is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:27 PM
  #13  
Senior_Member2
 
diff_lock2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Finlando NOT: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 1,694

Bikes: Beater + Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
@ OP, indeed a very nice SS, i would get new levers though.

Originally Posted by wroomwroomoops
To convert a HG hub (splined freehub, the most common hub these days, in other words: the thang you gots) to single speed, you only need a $15 conversion kit, which you might even save, if you just get a PVC pipe of appropriate width and cut it to correct length. Keep the splined lockring from an old cassette, and get a Shimano BMX cog (by the way, anyone has an idea where I, living in Finland/Europe, could get one?).

In any case, to convert to singlespeed, that's all you need, no expensive SS hub necessary.
Actually, i do have a 26" rigid mtb. that i really want to turn in to a single speed cruiser. I asked for a new hub and i got that, but then the lbs added a cassette that i DON'T WANT, and he made me pay. I didn't have the money at the time, so i told him i will pay him later, and then when im ready to pay, his store is closed and he wont reply to my emails... And just before he closed i got a 4 speed shifter from him for my nexus hub, by the means of a friend.

Back to my SS, well i should figure out how to get the cassette off (if its the "screw type") and then a bmx cog from a local hard core mtb $tore ($ cause its costs!) i think i might be on my way. I really want to repaint the frame too... hope its in good condition, i kind of forgot about it... also it weighs a ton, which is not cool.

Yo this right here is pure inspiration, thanks!

PS im in turku... good luck though!


EDIT: here was V1 of that bike, i rode it so hard the rear hub just fell apart as i chased a bus (really pushing it) and i literally GRIND(ed) (the rear hub) to a stop, thats why i got the new wheel (which i don't have pics of). Defiantly need a new crank, and BB.






Last edited by diff_lock2; 03-04-07 at 02:40 PM.
diff_lock2 is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:30 PM
  #14  
Ho-Jahm
 
Hocam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Don't forget you can sell the stuff you pulled off, costing you even less.
Hocam is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:44 PM
  #15  
Senior_Member2
 
diff_lock2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Finlando NOT: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 1,694

Bikes: Beater + Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If you are referring to me, the only thing i can pull off is this 7sp cassette (not pictured).
diff_lock2 is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:46 PM
  #16  
Ho-Jahm
 
Hocam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I mean all the XT stuff from the OP
Hocam is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 02:53 PM
  #17  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I "donated" the derailleurs to the shop in exchange for the stem. I don't know what they woulda gotten on ebay but I wanted to clean up fast and get rid of stuff I knew I wouldn't reuse.

Difflock_2, that Suzico frame is a definite candidate for powdercoat!
__________________
...
ManBearPig is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 03:11 PM
  #18  
Sir Fallalot
 
wroomwroomoops's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,286
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 11 Posts
Originally Posted by diff_lock2
@ OP, indeed a very nice SS, i would get new levers though.



Actually, i do have a 26" rigid mtb. that i really want to turn in to a single speed cruiser. I asked for a new hub and i got that, but then the lbs added a cassette that i DON'T WANT, and he made me pay. I didn't have the money at the time, so i told him i will pay him later, and then when im ready to pay, his store is closed and he wont reply to my emails... And just before he closed i got a 4 speed shifter from him for my nexus hub, by the means of a friend.

Back to my SS, well i should figure out how to get the cassette off (if its the "screw type") and then a bmx cog from a local hard core mtb $tore ($ cause its costs!) i think i might be on my way. I really want to repaint the frame too... hope its in good condition, i kind of forgot about it... also it weighs a ton, which is not cool.

Yo this right here is pure inspiration, thanks!

PS im in turku... good luck though!

To find out whether yours is a screw-on cassette-type-of-hub (freewheel and cassette are built together), or a splined freehub (the freewheeling mechanism is in the hub), you can check out
https://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html
or just post a closeup of your hub/cassette.

P.S. I think Turku people are friendly, and have an overall very positive opinion on them. I don't understand why Helsinki people think they're so superior I now expect a reaction, LOL!
wroomwroomoops is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 03:28 PM
  #19  
Senior_Member2
 
diff_lock2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Finlando NOT: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 1,694

Bikes: Beater + Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Towlie: Ever heard of Suzico??

wroomwroomoops: I wills (lmao wills) start a new topic, once i get a pic, im sure its a screw one.

And i don't know much about Finnish culture... but ok, lol.

Last edited by diff_lock2; 03-04-07 at 03:39 PM.
diff_lock2 is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 04:02 PM
  #20  
Sir Fallalot
 
wroomwroomoops's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,286
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 11 Posts
okay, time for me to post a few pics of my conversion. I actually made 2 attempts:


First attempt:



And second attempt:


Detail of the drivetrain:
wroomwroomoops is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 04:41 PM
  #21  
Videre non videri
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Posts: 3,208

Bikes: 1 road bike (simple, light), 1 TT bike (could be more aero, could be lighter), 1 all-weather commuter and winter bike, 1 Monark 828E ergometer indoor bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by wroomwroomoops
okay, time for me to post a few pics of my conversion. I actually made 2 attempts:

. . .

Detail of the drivetrain:
Thanks!!!

That pic solved my chainline issue! I had simply missed that I can put the ring on the INSIDE the spider. As it is now, the ring is about 2-3 mm farther out than the sprocket, and the sprocket in turn is as far out as the splines reach. Now I can move the sprocket in a couple of mm and get a perfect chainline!!!
CdCf is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 04:53 PM
  #22  
Sir Fallalot
 
wroomwroomoops's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,286
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 11 Posts
Originally Posted by CdCf
Thanks!!!

That pic solved my chainline issue! I had simply missed that I can put the ring on the INSIDE the spider. As it is now, the ring is about 2-3 mm farther out than the sprocket, and the sprocket in turn is as far out as the splines reach. Now I can move the sprocket in a couple of mm and get a perfect chainline!!!
Glad I could help, my nordic friend. Notice that, in my case, I needed to add spacers to further correct the chainline by about 1 mm. Also, notice that I used an ENO ecccentric hub (built the wheel myself).
wroomwroomoops is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 05:02 PM
  #23  
Videre non videri
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Posts: 3,208

Bikes: 1 road bike (simple, light), 1 TT bike (could be more aero, could be lighter), 1 all-weather commuter and winter bike, 1 Monark 828E ergometer indoor bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Damn...

I forgot about the bulging chainstay... I knew there was a reason for having to get a 127 mm spindle.
CdCf is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 09:41 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
To the OP. Why did you have to re-face your BB and head tube?
odie91 is offline  
Old 03-04-07, 10:44 PM
  #25  
1/2 man,1/2 bear,1/2 pig
Thread Starter
 
ManBearPig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: .
Posts: 1,122

Bikes: .

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by odie91
To the OP. Why did you have to re-face your BB and head tube?
Good question. Powdercoat is really thick, particularly on the bottom bracket, where it seemed to coalesce. The shop re-faced (I think that's the correct word) them so the bearing cups and headset cups would have a flat surface to mate with once again. They had a tool that they spun by hand about the axis of the BB and of the headtube, and it sort of shaved off a thin layer.

The frame can be prepped ahead of time so this step isn't necessary (some sort of taping process), but the powdercoaters I took it to don't specialize in bicycles and apparently don't have this fine point down yet. However, a guy at the LBS knows the guy at the powdercoater and is going to teach them about prepping the frame. The result was still good; it just required an extra step.

Some powdercoaters (like Spectrum Powderworks) specialize more in bikes, and I assume they already know how to tape off these surfaces.
__________________
...
ManBearPig is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.