Question about singlespeed conversion

ChrisC · Post by **ChrisC** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:16 pm

I am converting my dads Carlton road bike from the 1960’s to a singlespeed (not a fixed).

Question 1

The problem I have is what to do for wheels/hubs which are of course smaller than now. As far as I can tell I have 2 options?

Option 1

I have existing wheels and I could reuse the Hubs and get some wheels built with Aluminium rims. How do I convert them to for use with single speed.?

Option 2

Buy new wheel with correct size hub for single speed. But where can I buy these from? (I have looked)

Question 2

Will the bike take new bottom brackets? Or are these funny sizes?

Thank You

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:51 pm

Hi Chris

Converting to single speed is easy, its getting the chainline right that takes some time. The most obvious option assuming your wheel takes a cassette not block is this;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10009

But the spacers on these kits are often too wide so getting the chainline perfect isn't that easy. I did mine the cheapest possible way and got a 2 metre plastic pipe from B&Q for a couple of quid and cut spacers out of it until i got it perfect and bought a sprocket and tensioner.

NickScull · Post by **NickScull** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:07 pm

what width is the spacing?

most track hubs come in 126mm

look for hubs which are "flip/flop", they allow a fixed sprocket one side and a freewheel sprocket the other. then all you need is the freewheel, eg http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/category-Fre ... eed-76.htm

Nick

ps why not fixed?

Tullio · Post by **Tullio** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:27 pm

Try http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html this. It's got some good info on fixed and singlespeed.

ChrisC · Post by **ChrisC** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:03 pm

The spacing is 128mm so i could use spacers that is not too far away from 126

I have sloping drop outs rather than horizontal ones.

Why no fixed -
I would try to free wheel all the time and crash (i am too stupid to remember)

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:02 am

Chris - go fixed. You won't forget. You get a massive kick up the arse when you try and stop pedalling so it doesn't take long to re-train the legs. Well worth it.

For spacing, it'll be an old steel frame so you can just spring the dropouts a couple of mm either way with no problems.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

is the definitive source of info. 126mm sounds about right.

For hubs, if you want fixed, one cheap and interesting option is here

http://www.londonfixiebike.co.uk/shop.html

Front MTB hubs using the disc mounts to hold to cog. Cheap but strong.

Harris Cyclery in the States ship to the UK (it's where Sheldon Brown worked) and offer a range of cheap hubs

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixed-hubs.html

If you really want a single speed, the Formula Fixed/Free hubs are a cheap way of doing that.

For the BB, I can't swear to the BB being standard, but it's likely to be a standard english thread BB. If so, a modern BB will fit fine.

As someone said above, getting the chainline right is the crucial part and may require some faffing.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:48 pm

This is part of the beauty of going fixed or ss; there's so many ways to do it and all require a bit of thought and bodging together.

Agree with Arthur - just go fixed. The difficulty is over-stated.

NickScull · Post by **NickScull** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:55 pm

Chris
Lt me know if you want to try my fixie for a ride. I try not to get evangelical on people, but I can't resist on this issue. It is a very different experience to ride fixed compared to a single speed. I can't guarantee you'll like it but I think it is a worth try-out.
Nick

photoBen · Post by **photoBen** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:03 pm

I recommend at least trying fixed too. I use one as a daily commute and love it.

ChrisC · Post by **ChrisC** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:22 pm

Thanks for all the responses. I am making an enquiry with a shop about some Formula flip flop hubs. I am not sure I will be able to use them because the size of the dropouts on the bike are also narrow, (from memory 8mm at the front and 9mm at the back) I thought i would be able to put a standard wheel in the front but it wont go in due to the smaller sized dropouts. So I may have to re use the hubs i have, they seem in pretty good condition anyway.

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:11 pm

As an extra bonus, go fixed and you could look as cool as photoBen

photoBen · Post by **photoBen** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:23 pm

Nice shot.

That's my "Is that another fixed gear bike?" face.

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:40 am

If you like fixed then www.fixedgeargallery.com is very very addictive! Updated daily!

SimonW · Post by **SimonW** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:06 am

Hi Chris,

Don't listen to them! Fixies are Voodoo!!!!

I have just spent a week riding to work with fixed gear on PaulC's recomendation. Now I have reverted to Free.

Fixed does have some good point, I have definatly learnt a thing or two about the way I ride, for example I never new I stopped pedeling to look over my shoulder, or every time I sat down on my saddle, or when I picked my knose!

Did I fall off......? No
Did I look like a turky...? Once or twice, free wheeling feet off pedals!
Did I have to have a more considered aproach to my cycling...? Yes

Why did I convert back..? Its just too slow for me! I prefer just to go fast without having to consider every pedal stroke.

I think at the moment fixes are more about fashion! I reccon that if I don a crop top and let my muffin tops hang out, then no one will notice that i am running a free hub and not a fixed. Then I will be able to tick the fashion box as well!?!

Simon

PS. single speed rocks!

PhilBixby · Post by **PhilBixby** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:15 am

"...and let my muffin tops hang out"

You mountain bikers and your baggy shorts...