Single speed conversion

[jonnieh]

ok so there are loads of bits on my bike which need replacing and i don't want to spend any more yo yos replacing bits on it so i'm going to convert it to a town bike while i pick out a shiny new one from somewhere. i know a few people in the club have done single speed conversions on their mtbs-what kits did they use? there's a complete kit on CRC for about 15 europeans and on one do a kit but it comes in 2 parts for about 20 sterling. any other ideas? also i'm going to take off the front suspension(100 mm) and put a non suspension fork on. any pointers here?


john in pyjamaland

[Barrydanzig]

hey jonnie,


this is the kit that i got,


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17777


it doesn't come with a chain tensioner so i just shortened my chain to take up the slack, however this only worked for me because my hacker has sliding drop outs.


however, you can order one of these for a vertical drop out bike.


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20325


there are also kits available that contain everything in one bundle, which makes the whole thing easier!

[rob1891]

You can do a single speed conversion on an mtb for free. Leave the cassette on the rear, use a single jockey wheel of a derailleur as the tensioner. I'll attach a photo later, but it runs as quiet as a system with a tensioner, just looks ugly.


If you care about aesthetics though, get a frame with a sliding dropout as the conversion kits are ugly too (in my opinion!)

[Morgan]

I've used a Surly tensioner - worked well and was pretty quiet too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2601636288_9b7ff83b2e_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/morganoconnell/2601636288/)

An old mech is definitely the cheapest option and would be fine for a hack bike around town.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2601634158_1eba290f35_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/morganoconnell/2601634158/)

If I was buying a tensioner now I'd probably go for the DMR (http://www.dmrbikes.com/?Section=products&pageType=item&category=3&CategoryName=Chain%20Devices&itemid=CDSTS) one - looks nice and simple.

If you're replacing your suspension fork with a rigid one make sure it's the correct length (axle to crown height) or it could affect the bikes's handing.

[jonnieh]

ok cool thanks for the advice,i'll go with a tensioner of some sort because i reckon it looks better and i'm very vain.


john