Converting a bike to single speed

PapaLazaru

PapaLazaru

PapaLazaru

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Hi chaps, I have been trying to simplify my daily commute and as the route is totaly flat and on tarmac I would like to convert my bike to single speed, just for simplicity and ease of maintenance (and getting fit).

It is one of these which I picked up for peanuts on Ebay - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-p6-2010-hybrid-bike-ec020676

Now I have only just got back into cycling so am a total novice, though am happy to do the work if not too complicated.

Is it as easy as removing the two smaller cogs (if indeed I can) off the front and getting one of these - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gusset-1-er-single-speed-conversion-kit

Or am I going to need something a bit more complex like this - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/dmr-simple-tension-seeker-single-speed-kit/rp-prod10009

I have been researching online but I am reading that the frame shape affects what you can do.

Any help would be great.
 
The hardest part of converting a bike with normal dropouts to SS is getting the chain tension right. You may get away with just the sprocket from Wiggle but you'll have a better experience w/ the CRC kit.
 
You got it right on the rear wheel. A better solution is one of the ones that has a selection of spacers so you can match the chain line correctly like the DMR one.

That frame has short vertical drop-outs which is going to give you problems getting the chain the right length. The chain tension isn't critical on a singlespeed like it is on a fixed wheel, but it does need to be tight enough to stay on. See on my track bike the drop-outs are horizontal so the back wheel can be adjusted backward and forward:

BPvV1IR.jpg.png

This lets you use a number of different teeth on your freewheel or fixed cog and use the same length chain. You won't be able to do that on yours because the position of the wheel is pretty much fixed. You have three options.

First is find the 'magic ratio'. Have a look at my other bike:

YOr8T.jpg.png

This has vertical drop-outs like yours. I found by trial and error that a 48 tooth at the front and 16 tooth at the back combination fits the chain perfectly and I ran it with that ratio for some time.

Second option. If you're not using a fixed gear, you can use a chain tensioner like the one you posted or a Gusset Bachelor is a nice neat solution that fits on the derailleur mount.

Third option. You can use a 'half link' chain. Most chain links sit across two teeth and to lengthen or shorten it you have to add or take out two links. A half link chain has split links that sit across one tooth, which gives you more options for the chain length. I've currently got one on that black bike above and I can use my preferred gearing instead of being stuck with 48-16.
 
Thanks Jonny69 some great advice there. I think I will go for the DMR kit just to be on the safe side, though a 'pure' connection would be preferred. I'm just not sure i'll have the patience to get it right.

The Scoot bike is pretty easy going on the big ring at the front, in fact I kind if keep it in top gear all of the time as it is not that a high ratio. I'll try and remove the two smaller rings.

FrenchTart said:
Don't forget to fit a cappuccino holder and an ipad case ;)
Click to expand...

I'm going to spray it white and get neon green hubs. :D
 
This little idea went on hold over the winter due to poor conditions and me being lame, but it is now back on.

The ratio has been doing my head in for ages, so I have been cycling to and from work sticking with just one gear. I think the sweet spot for me is 42 and 16. I need it a lit lower than I may like due to needing some take-off speed due to the traffic which plagues the beginning of my journey.

I have done some browsing around online and have come to the following components. Can anyone who knows about this (Jonny69) of you are about, see if I am likely to hit any probems, or even advise on better components. I am on a tight budget.

Sturmey Archer FCT20 Chainset 42t @ £29.99

DMR Singlespeed Combo Kit @ £31.99

Clarks V Bike Brake Set @ £14.99

I also need a chain if anyone can assist.

ta
 
I'd look at a Gusset Batchelor for chain tensioning
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/gusset-bachelor-tensioner-28-p.asp

A No Logo spacer kit
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/nologo-spacers--lockring-219-p.asp

A Gusset Wide Foot cassette cog
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/gusset-doublesix-ss-cog---wide-foot-212-p.asp
The wider foot means you are less likely to damage your free hub.

Chain wise, look no further than this;
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/kmc-z610-hx-chain-332-41-p.asp

Chains come in 1/8" or 3/32". Everything else in your spec is 3/32 so this is the chain to match (there is a 1/8 equivalent).

Edit; my bad, the chainset you've picked is 1/8.
 
Last edited:
These are basically the same as the DMR setup but cheaper, I'm using the Superstar part on my SS, there singlespeed kit is out of stock currently, so i've linked the On-One version:

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=58&products_id=269
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/SKOOSSKK/on-one-singlespeed-converter-kit


You may need to check the Bottom Bracket size (for chainline) as they can vary quite a bit. Though with these types of SS converters you can move the rear sprocket to suit, so shouldn't actually be an issue, but worth checking it isn't massively out.
 
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