Need Help w/ A Single Speed Conversion
 

Got this old lugged road bike from a friend and wanted to convert it to a single speed. The wheels are pretty much screwed and since it's a 27" frame, I was wondering if grabbing Velomine's Sun M13 to Formula wheelset and putting those on my frame would cause any large problems seeings as they are 700c wheels. I understand there's the issue with being 4mm closer to the ground or something like that... and then there's the brake reach (Plan on getting a pair of Tektro R556s), but is there anything that I'm missing?

I'm kind of new to biking and have done my best to research the topic. Unfortunately, the local bike shops around where I live are shady and less than willing to help out a customer unless it means making a large sale.

Thanks for your help.

It sounds like you've done your research and are aware of the (potential) problems. Those wheels should be fine. The only issue you didn't mention is the dropouts of the bike (if they are vertical you'll need a tensioner or a magic gear) but since most 'old lugged bikes' use horizontal dropouts I doubt there will be any issue there either. Good luck and we demand before/after pics!

This is a pretty good primer for singlespeed.
http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

just check the width of rear dropout spacing because oldschool bikes don't have 120mm spacing but something like 127 or something else.

just measure it and let the velomine know about the spacing when you order it, so they can build the rear wheel for your spacing.

Because I also have a conversion and I have to put some spacer in to the rear wheel, you should look into it.

Can I put spacers on myself and just buy the 120mm wheelset as is? Or do you actually recommend Velomine doing all that on their end? I do intend on upgrading the frame in the future possibly as well and seeing as most SS or track frames have a 120mm rear spacing, I thought I'd just add spacers to my rear wheel.

And thanks for the help guys. Really appreciate it.

You will not have any issues with running 700c wheels. I am doing it right now. I think most of the 120mm hubs say you can space them out to 127mm. Do you have a 1 or 3 piece crank? If you have a 1 piece, you maybe limited by the front gearing and possible chain alignment.

Tom

Let them space it. That way you'll ensure the rim is centered in the dropouts without having to re-dish the wheel.

I have a 3 piece crank. :]

And I'm assuming I can remove the spacers myself if I ever needed to?

Yup, you could remove them easily with a couple of cone wrenches and couple of minutes.

Well it seems like your question has been answered. Whats the bike your doing the conversion on? Pics?

It's just an old SR 6-speed with a few Shimano 600 components, so nothing special. I really dig the color brown that it is painted, but the head tube lugs are little washed out from less than great paint job. =/ I'm just looking to fix it up as a home-to-school-and-back commuter. Ever since I got it, I've loved riding it. I'll post pics when I put the wheels on it.

Thanks again for the help guys. Much appreciated.