single speed build, thoughts?

swampi101

right, im bored and fed up of messing about with gears and cables and.. ARRGH.

decided i want to make a singlespeed bike that does it all. well not quite everything but you know what i mean.

ive decided on this frame : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26933

basically just swapping over all the parts from my current bike to the new frame. now would it be easier to buy a singlespeed wheel or convert my current one? and if i convert it and shorten i wont need one of those silly tensioners right?

my second though was keep the 26" front wheel and buy a 24" singlespeed for the rear. would the different sizes make it look like a spastic built the bike?

sorry for all the questions, singlespeed isnt really my area (yet)

nicklouse

just buy a SS kit and a tensioner.

swampi101

i also hate my current frame but am i right in saying that shortening or buying a SS chain will eliminate the need for a tensioner?

ratty2k

Eccentric BB would do it, you may get lucky and choose a ratio that does not need a tensioner.... Half link chain may help there, but prob need a tensioner.

bungalistic

Looks like a cheap dirt jumping frame that does, personally I'd spend a little more cash on something a bit more versatile.

You don't need to but a dedicated single speed hub you can just buy a simple converter kit like a DMR one or GUSSET which just goes on in place of your cassette.

You won't need a tensioner if the frame has horizontal drop outs either.

Cps

This is more like you want

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/O ... ed_27.html

Best value about for brand new and a great frame to boot!

ride_whenever

i'd get the inbred, they are gorgeous to ride... nicer than a lot of frames i've ridden as singlespeed.

bomberesque

I like the general idea, but I suspect you'll find that frame hell on the trails

Aside from the Inbred; the slot drop-out scandal. bit pricier though (200 GBP) but much lighter.

boogercj

+1 for any kind of Inbred or Scandal. Have a looky at mine in my sig. It's not the slot dropout but it was a piece of cake to build and is awesome fun to ride; Did 35 miles on it on Tuesday :?

heez29

bomberesque wrote:

Aside from the Inbred; the slot drop-out scandal. bit pricier though (200 GBP) but much lighter.

I was just going to say an alloy frame with no replaceable hanger is a bad idea but hen realised this was a singlespeed thread lol

Id go for the inbred tbh

swampi101

i was looking for a more cheap frame, as im on a low budget. the reviews on CRC are good for the frame i found.

anyone seen a bike with 24" rear wheel and 26" up front? just another random idea for the build but thought it might look a tad silly.

RealMan

+1 for any inbred

-1 for tensioners.

Should be fine for keeping your wheels, just use spacers on the freehub, and use one cog and one chainring on the front.

bomberesque

swampi101 wrote:

anyone seen a bike with 24" rear wheel and 26" up front? just another random idea for the build but thought it might look a tad silly.

cannondale toyed with this back in the 90s.

hint; they didnt toy with it for long

you go for your life though

swampi101

haha ok ill scrap that plan then.

also, the scratch frame i found on CRC, says it can take 14mm SS hubs or 10mm multi speed hubs. if i convert my hub to SS will i need the vert dropout or will it work with the horizontal dropout?

bomberesque

it can work with a horizontal dropout no worries, only you may need a chaintug as QRs don't always hold on tight enough. or if you have a shimano / other convertible hub change to 10mm bolt though and then wind up the nuts. Still, tug nuts aren't a bad idea, even then...

swampi101

right well i was thinking of replacing my QRs with some normal allen bolt skewers, saves them getting nicked too and i think ill get those tug things as well.

thanks for the help everyone

Buckled_Rims

swampi101 wrote:

anyone seen a bike with 24" rear wheel and 26" up front? just another random idea for the build but thought it might look a tad silly.

This will affect your head angle (can't remember if it'll slacken or sharpen, me brain don't work on Fridays) so you'd probably have to buy a new fork to cope.

I converted my old MTB to single speed and probably went through the same thoughts as you. For the price of a tensioner and sprocket (£15 + £10 ebay) I'd try before I buy a new frame. Oh, and I put an unused rigid front fork on.But, I will in the future buy a Inbred.... I know I will.

BTW, All I did was drill out the rivets in the chainset, leaving the 32 tooth ring, put the 16t sprocket on with an inbred conversion and the inbred tensioner and shortened the chain. I love it. It's now very light and goes great upto 15mph and then my legs can't pedal fast enough

It'll cope with decent hills and a great leg builder.