Alu Road bike to Single Speed ??

Tjgoodhew

I have a Dolan Preffisio that i used to use as a commuter. It is now sitting in the garage gathering dust so instead of selling i want to convert to a single speed.

As far as i can see its definitely doable with a converter kit for the hub (wheels are Shimano RS11) and a chain tensioner.

My big issue is what do i do upfront with the crank? Currently has a Hollowtech BB with a Tiagra 4700 crankset. I would prefer to swap the crankset for a specific SS set but it seems most of the cranks need a different BB which im unsure if it would fit the frame

Is the easiest option to swap the existing rings out or is there a relatively cheap crankset that would fit with the existing BB??

cooldad

Just remove the two rings (assuming triple) put the one you want in the middle position, and adjust the front mech to act as a chain device. Or look for a narrow wide ring that will fit. Adjust size of chain as required.

You'll probably need shorter chainring bolts as well.

Tjgoodhew

cooldad wrote:

Just remove the two rings (assuming triple) put the one you want in the middle position, and adjust the front mech to act as a chain device. Or look for a narrow wide ring that will fit. Adjust size of chain as required.

You'll probably need shorter chainring bolts as well.

Its a double so that wouldnt work im afraid

cooldad

Then just use the ring in the outer position - you can move the single speed cog by juggling the spacers to get a decent chainline.

simon_masterson

As above, using the inner ring only with shorter bolts should be workable. You should end up with something usable.

fenix

Or just leave it in one gear and don't change - simple !

Matthewfalle

This stuff isn’t difficult. No need for converter kits or that stuff.

Use Old spacers from Old cassettes to move chain into position you want. If you haven’t got Old spacers years ago I used a bit of plastic piping from B&Q as an experiment and it worked perfectly.

Put chain on outer ring.

Shorten chain to desired length.

Get a tensioner if you think you need it.

Simple.

cooldad

Unless you have horizontal dropouts, a tensioner of some sort is needed unless you can get a perfect chain length possibly using half links. A tensioner is easiest, and they normally come with spacers anyway.

FatTed

If you have a double put the outer chain ring on the inside of the spyder to make the chain line a little better
have a look at these guys
http://www.velosolo.co.uk/shopsingle.html

ugo.santalucia

For the chainset, you have two options:

Either you buy shorter bolts, remove the big ring and use the small ring with a sprocket of adequate size, that might be tricky if you have a compact... or you can buy for not much money an Alfine chainset.
The latter comes with a chain guard, which is an eyesore, but again you can remove it, using shorter bolts. My afline is a 42, works with any HT2 bottom bracket and it is very durable.
Depending on how strong you are and how undulated is your terrain, a sprocket of 14-17 should be perfect. I use 15 or 16

Matthewfalle

no need to buy shorter bolts - just use a spring washer to space it out.