Talk to me about building a singlespeed.....

gcwebbyuk

Considering building up a singlspeed bike to use as - well am not totally sure yet!

How much would it cost to build one up from scratch (brand new parts) - ball park figure really is all I am after. What parts are singlspeed specific and what parts can I use from a standard bike - do they make single speed handlebars? 8) :roll: what about singlespeed tyres? :P

I would probably use it as a bike to get from home to the local pool and its all pretty much flat from home to there - all cycle paths too. I would use my current bike but don't feel at all safe locking up ££££ outside!

The Big Cheese

just the same as any other build (you're deciding the budget) - you ideally want horizontal dropouts, if not just use chain tensioner

Cheap crankset with middle ring only

Singlespeed kit for rear hub

Halflink chain (not totally necessary if using chain tensioner)

Cable discs/V's if you frame has mounts

simpelz

gcwebbyuk

SO pretty much all that is different is a singlespeed kit - normal wheels?

Crankset with only middle ring on - so any that has removable chainrings?

ride_whenever

Basically you can bake one fairly cheaply depending on what you've got lying around. I'm planning on building on up entirely from my spare parts in the near future.

owenlars

I reckon if you make one from scratch with brand new parts, as you say in your post, it will probably be cheaper to buy one. ready made You can get a goodun for £300-£500. Frames, forks and finishing kit tend to be expensive when bought separately. (They are not that cheap when bolted together come to think of it)

gcwebbyuk

OK then name me some gooduns...

...am new to this SS lark!

What has got me in the mood for it is being in London recently and walking past a shop with about 3 fixies in the window - they look so clean!

A fixxie is way too far to go for me, so thought I could make a nice clean SS instead.

It will be a project to keep me intested in bikes, as am out of the saddle for a few months, so did really wanna build one up, but if they are cheaper to buy off the shelf then lets have a look at what I can get!

grumsta

Have a look here - http://charliethebikemonger.co.uk/page38.htm

Thinking of doing the same myself.

gcwebbyuk

Nice one

WiIll have a read!

x-isle

Talk to you about SS, ok......

"Don't!"

gcwebbyuk

x-isle wrote:

Talk to you about SS, ok......

"Don't!"

gcwebbyuk

Or :

http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/10/ce/model-0BR3.html

:shock: yum! but a lil pricey too

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Bad- ... _28966.htm

nicklouse

Looked in the FAQs? do it.

gcwebbyuk

nicklouse wrote:

Looked in the FAQs? do it.

Sir yes sir

nothing like having a bit of discussion on a forum

M1llh0use

make sure that you're on the fish oils and glucosamine cos your knees WILL take a pounding!

apart from that it's addictive! :twisted:

Noel PT

I built a single speed out of my old Rock Hopper, absolutely loved it! Best commuter I have every owned. I had a langster but being a mountain biker I always felt more comfortable on a mountain bike, so sold the Langster and adapted my Rockhopper. Cost me £50 for a ok front crank and about £40 for tensioner and spacer kit with sprocket.

But I obviously already had the bike. So my advice would be to find a bike with sound frame and wheels and clean it up.

nonnac85

I built my SS bike for £370 for all parts (and labour to face the frame properly)

snotty badger

Cost wise- how much does it cost to build a HT without cassette, shifters, mechs, gear cables?! Thats the price then!

As said already- try to get a frame with horizontal dropouts- stops the need for a ugly chain tensioner.

cmgowcity

If you cant get a frame with a horizontal dropout and dont fancy a horrible chain tensioner then look at the eccentric eno hubs too!

gcwebbyuk

Hmmmm I hve a mates old Saracen TuffTrax in my garage circa 1990s - he owes me some money too - so maybe make a retro fully rigid, v-braked single speed?

bails87

What about going SS with a rear wheel that's currently got a 7 speed screw on freewheel, instead of a freehub?