Hey all,

Just a general question: I have a old Schwinn road bike just lying around, and was wondering would there be any disadvantages of removing the derailleur / friction shifters and shortening the chain to make it a single speed? Sorry if this question has already been answered, I tried to search the forum but didn't know what terms to put in exactly...

Thanks!

The only disadvantage is that you no longer have gears if you need them, if you consider that a disadvantage. Are you asking about potential problems that you may run into?

Yeah. I'm pretty sure these friction shifters don't work and I don't really want to replace them, so I wouldn't consider not having gears a disadvantage.

Then all you have to worry about is chain line, chain tension, and making a single cog stay secure in the back.

So, I guess would it be advised not to go ahead make it a single speed like how I described?

If all you wanted to do was remove things, I would suggest keeping the RD. You have a number of gears in the back and I would think having the tension from the RD would help keep the chain on the cog that you want it on. However, I have seen SS conversion where there is a cog cluster in the back. You can do it, but the chain line has to be pretty exact for the chain to not want to move to a different cog and the tension would also have to be pretty spot on to prevent the chain from moving to a smaller cog if gong over bumps. Those last two points take a bit of work, but if you are up for it, then go for it.

Alright, thanks for your help z415!

if you're looking for something quick, keep the RD.
If you have semi-horizontal drops you don't mind spending a little money ($30-50) you could get a single speed kit and ditch the RD.

just don't change gears


booom
single speed

then if you want to change your gearing? shift
took 3 seconds

RD as in rear derailleur or rear disc?

Rear derailleur.

Does that frame have horizontal or vertical dropouts? If horizontal, then do ditch the derailleur. You don't need that, or anything else, to keep the chain in tension. And there is nothing nicer, imho, than a nice, straight chain with no tensioner. No chain slap ever. Just pure cycling pleasure.

I'd say take off the rear freewheel and put on a single speed bmx freewheel on the rear wheel. Shouldn't cost more than $30 total. and it'll be more effecient and clean looking.

I guess I'll remove the derailleur and adjust the chain. Maybe switch the freewheel later. Thanks guys for your help!

I just converted a World Sport to single speed.

I removed the derailleurs first. Next I removed the chain and cleaned it with solvent and dishwashing soap. I measured how long the chain needs to be to run the smaller chain ring and the 15, 16, or 17 teeth rear cog, allowing a little space to tighten the wheel axle in the dropouts. I shortened the chain (careful that I would be able to refasten with the chain pin on the right link.) Then I put the chain on the bike, installed the rear wheel, and I had my single speed. All in less than an hour.

Next, maybe I'll buy a new wheel and single speed cogs, or maybe I'll redish the wheel and replace the freewheel with a BKMX freewheel.

For now, I'm happy and maybe more than half cool.

However, the right rear dropout had to be filed out to allow horizontal adjustment of the axle to tighten the chain. That did honestly add a little more time.