Converting SS into 7 speed bike

Speedmenace
Speedmenace Posts: 97
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
What parts do I need and would it would possible to have a time trial gear lever?
Will take it to my LBS when I get the parts

bikesx.jpg

Comments

  • m00nd0g
    m00nd0g Posts: 176
    But why?
    Sell the bike on ebay and buy an Allez?
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Might well be cheaper to buy a second hand bike and sell this one.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • m00nd0g wrote:
    But why?
    Sell the bike on ebay and buy an Allez?

    not got much money too spend, i doubt my bike is worth much either
    I sourced out some parts

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=5212

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=50469

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25424

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dia-compe-bar-e ... hifter-set

    So including cable/cover that's about £110, should be able to have it fitted for under £40 I would imagine. I know its alot of money but I'm just going down that upgrade what you already have route

    Anything else I need?
  • m00nd0g
    m00nd0g Posts: 176
    I can see where you are coming but it aint worth it.
    Is there anything else you need you ask.
    Well I reckon you need a front mech and either a double or compact.
    Just save your cash and take your time
  • STEFANOS4784
    STEFANOS4784 Posts: 4,109
    How much have you got to spend mate?

    You could get a cheap groupset second hand for not very much and don't forget you'll also need a new rear wheel.
  • Not got much too spend man, only about 150
    I'd need a new rear wheel too!?
    Might be best to save up and get a decent bike next spring then
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    By looks of it rear wheel has QR so should accept a cassette. OP is speccing 7 speed? Why not 8, 9 or 10? If you keep TT setup you only need barend gear lever(s), cassette, mechs and chain. If going double chainring will also need front shifter and mech plus chain. Feasible if you shop around for parts. I'd avoid 7 speed as parts becoming increasingly obsolete, better off with 8 or 9.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • As Monty Dog says you should be able to do it but there are a few questions you need to know the answer to.

    Will the rear wheel take a cassette or is it a screw on freewheel? You can buy either but you need to know which type you need. Check on Ebay when you know for sure which type it is, they are pretty cheap there too.

    Is there a place on the frame that you can screw the rear mech into? I know you have a chain tensioner on there but is it the same fitting as for a derailleur?

    You probably know this anyway but you don't need a front mech (nor the left hand shifter of the pair) because you only want to change the rear.

    7 or 8 speed will get you cheaper components so probably best to steer clear of 9 or 10 speed. I would also look for a cheaper 8 speed rear mech as the 105 in your link is overkill and might struggle with a wider chain. CRC sell a Shimano Alivio 7/8 speed for £21.99 and that should work fine, mtb mechs will work exactly the same.

    Although I cannot be sure the frame looks like it has the braze-ons for the cables so I would guess it had gears at some point and has been converted to single speed? Add to this the chain tensioner and it looks even more likely. If this is the case converting it back should be no major problem.

    Personally I would love to do this upgrade just for the challenge but I would also source used components to keep the price even lower.

    Why not take it to the lbs that you expect to do the work and ask them if it is feasible? They should be able to tell you the answers to the other questions too and give you a price to do the work.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,473
    You may struggle to find a LBS willing to fit internet purchased parts for £40. I'm not saying they won't fit them but I suspect you'll get charged more than if you had bought the parts from them.
  • I forgot to mention it used to be a geared bike, i bought it as it is in the pic - a couple upgrades
    It does accept cassette cogs as I have had the rear cog changed a couple times

    I'll go with 8 speed then

    I know the guy at my local halfords could possibly do it on my care plan, so i could end up having it done for free. Though I'd rather take it to a better LBS and have a pro fit it