Singlespeed conversion help
 

Ok, so I have decided to convert my 2007 Jamis Coda Comp to a singlespeed and I have some questions.

Here is a link to my bike: http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...Comp&Type=bike

Step 1: I have already purchased this conversion kit: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...speed+Kit.aspx

Step 2: I want to purchase a new crankset- probably something like a Pake unless you guys have a much better alternative for the price. I definitely don't want to go overboard here but I also don't want to use my current crank either. I'll eventually build a "dream bike" though this is not it.

QUESTION: Do I get a 1/8in or 3/32in chain size for the crank? I don't care if I need to get a new chain as my current setup uses a 3/32 with the derailleur. I just want everything to be compatible. Will the rear cog work with either size? Is one size better to use in a conversion?

QUESTION: What bottom bracket do I get for the new crankset?

Step 3: Since I have vertical dropouts, I know I will need a chain tensioner. Which is the best one (and lets be honest, which looks the best?)

What else am I forgetting?

Thanks in advance for the help, guys. Let the schooling begin

For the cost/price of that bike, I really think you're better off selling it and getting an SS/FG specific bike unless you're set on keeping your frame. Especially since it has vertical dropouts. You could get a nice SS/FG for what you could sell the Jamis for.

But if you do want to convert it, you're on the right track. You don't need a new crank unless having the two extra chainwheels bothers you. (Sorry, I don't have specific recommendations here.) 1/8 or 3/32 chain will work fine on the crank/cog, unless one or both of them are 1/8. In that case you must run 1/8 chain or it won't engage the teeth. You can even use a cog from your cassette, but if your chainline isn't perfect or your tension is too loose you'll be more likely to drop the chain. Fortunately with a Freehub you can easily get the chainline perfectly straight.

I don't like chain tensioners, and I've managed to setup my SS vertical dropout bikes without them by finding the magic ratio. Chain tension on an SS really isn't that critical, as long as it's not too tight.

The SS kit you bought from JensonUSA specifically says you're supposed to use a SS chain.

I used a SRAM S100 with Truvativ spline drive cartridge BB with a 113mm spindle and it worked perfectly - this was on a road bike though.

Chain tensioner? I used the DMR bikes STS system - works great in combo with a 1/2 link.

Thanks for your reply, Jake. I thought about just selling the bike but I have already altered it so much, I figured I would be better off keeping it. Some things I've changed are: custom wheels- velocity synergy rims laced to ultegra hubs, ird technoglide headset, cinelli seatpost and stem, brooks saddle, mks pedals.

I know I could keep a lot of this stuff and just buy a new frame but is that really worth it just to get the track dropouts? Is the Jamis frame really not that good? I have been pretty happy with it. My plan was to build a nicer fixed gear down the line with a much nicer frame (bare knuckle or maybe even a mercian but i have plenty of time to research for that) and in the meantime, keep this conversion on the cheap.

Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I'll probably just pick up a Pake track crank (1/8in) and bb for pretty cheap. It says to use the 107mm spacing for the Pake so I should be set on that end. If you guys tend to like the All City cranks or something else comparable in price, I'm definitely all ears though! Thanks again for the advice.

ok, so i purchased the pake crankset 1/8, ird qb-55 bb and rennen rollenlager chain tensioner. i think i should be all set for now unless i am missing something.