Single speed finished...
 

I just finished setting my bike up for a single speed. It is set up to run 52-20 (although I may take it down to 52-18 depending on how pedaling is around town). I am using a "singlespeed kit" that uses a chain tensioner.

I still have the double chainring in front (52/42) but I am wondering how many out there run a double chainring?

I saw that Sheldon Brown made mention of using a double chainring in one of his articles. Most of the hills in my area a small and have gradual inclines so the debate is raging in my head whether to keep it or to reduce even more weight and remove it.

Hey...52/20 is huge compare to mine..46/19.....Do u ride brakeless?? If u do thats really dangerous.

Brakeless? Hell no. I like women and wine too much to try and kill myself. I will leave that up to cell phone weilding cagers.

I run two brakes on all my rides (except the beach cruiser). I haven't had a chance to ride the bike yet (had to leave for work right after I finished) but I came up with the gear ration from Sheldon Brown's website from his article on singlespeeds.

From Sheldon Brown:
52/19 Fixed 5.45 71.2 5.70 General road use
52/20 Free 4.90 64.1 5.13 Road...when I'm tired, or hilly areas.
42/30 Free 2.64 34.4 2.75 Off-road.

I am going to have to ride it around to see what it is like. The kit I bought came with a 20t, 18t, and 16t cog set. If I end up switching down to a 52/18 our gear inches would be very similar (given that cranks and tire sizes are the same.