Help converting Hardtail to single speed.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

What I think draws LAMBDA to single speeds would be the SIMPLICITY of them. Whenever he talks about them, the same words keep popping-up: simple, no more broken derailler hangers, no more adjustments, clean look etc. Like it or not, he has put MUCH thought into this decision.

Will there be a learning curve? YES! Will he suffer? Yes! Will I laugh at him when asking the question, "Soooo, how do you like SS now?" NO! Note: Iron Horse owners never disrespect eachother!

Bottomline, the kid should be applauded for being bitten by the biking bug. Worst case secenario, he switches back!

He will learn to love it as much as I have. The pain is love! or maybe I'm just plain crazy

[Lambda_drive]

Originally Posted by northshore

Lambda will have to take that cassette off in order to run a 20t. Only problem, I don't have the adapter to remove the cassette

I'll try and pick one up today.

[BoingBoing]

I applaud Lambda for setting himself a goal and working towards it.

Since I seem to be headed in the same direction (SS) I should ask:
How bad an idea is it to convert an aluminum bike to SS? Bike in question is a Diamondback Outlook.

[foofighter]

northshore runs one and is fine...i dont think some of us are at a level where we would notice greatly or that it would affect how much suffering you are experiencing when riding an aluminum frame

[commplex]

My SS is my only bike, its aluminum and I love it. Its even pieced together with sub standard parts but I dont let that stop me. My goal is to have fun, enjoy riding and hammer as much as I want at the same time.

[BoingBoing]

Okay, so what do I need?
1) a SS chain
2) a good quality cog (and some spacers)
3) a tensioner/eccentric hub

Is that really it?

[Lambda_drive]

That's about all you need. If you get the forte kit, it comes with a 16, 18, and 20 tooth cog and a tensioner.

[foofighter]

tensioner is cheaper than eccentric hub so go w/ the tensioner...there's a post in the workshop that long that discusses building a SS on a budget.

[ShinKen]

great move young padawaN!!! most people (like my self) dont make this move as fast as u have b/c of the pain and suffering u will experience on the first few weeks!! but after that it will get somewhat better!! It will hurt like a mother in every ride and u will think to your self why ohhh why did I ever do this? but after cleaning a few of the tuff hills that gave you trouble before u will forget about all the pain!! and find a new love for MTbiking!! SSing will open the door to a different style of riding and better work out for the next trailsS!!!

one last thing (little secret) SSing is easier than gears!!! dont tell anyone I told ya!!

[northshore]

Originally Posted by BoingBoing

Okay, so what do I need?
1) a SS chain
2) a good quality cog (and some spacers)
3) a tensioner/eccentric hub

Is that really it?

PC-1 SRAM Chain

You can get the Forte kit for 20 bucks if your hub is splined and not threaded like mine. If it's threaded you will spend about $15 for a ACS BMX threaded cog

Tensioner, you can use the Forte one supplied in the kit but I don't like it since it does not have an integrated chain guide like the Surly one

Originally Posted by Lambda_drive

I try and pick one up today.

For some reason the 18mm cone wrench out of all freakin' wrenches were sold out everywhere I went. I bought a park tool one at the bike company for $6

I must stress, becareful how much you tension the spring and which direction the spring is going! I broke a spring on an old one I was thankfully learning on!

Originally Posted by foofighter

northshore runs one and is fine...i dont think some of us are at a level where we would notice greatly or that it would affect how much suffering you are experiencing when riding an aluminum frame

Works fine for me.....it will will just make you stronger!

[Lambda_drive]

Guess what guys. I saw an opportunity and I grabbed it by the horns. I went up to Adrenaline bikes, and they put on the single speed kit perfectly.

I'll meet you guys at the fully loop tomorrow.

[foofighter]

woohoooo

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

great move young padawaN!!! most people (like my self) dont make this move as fast as u have b/c of the pain and suffering u will experience on the first few weeks!! but after that it will get somewhat better!! It will hurt like a mother in every ride and u will think to your self why ohhh why did I ever do this? but after cleaning a few of the tuff hills that gave you trouble before u will forget about all the pain!! and find a new love for MTbiking!! SSing will open the door to a different style of riding and better work out for the next trailsS!!!

one last thing (little secret) SSing is easier than gears!!! dont tell anyone I told ya!!

Shinken's post "ALMOST" makes me want to go single speed... ALMOST!

Special "Thank You" to Adrenaline for converting LAMBDA'S bike!

Bike Shop Review... Adrenaline Bikes Would love to hear your thoughts.

[2wheel_lee]

And to think some people question my ability to vision the future: Fully Loop Social and Tea Party

Congrats on your new singlespeed. After you get past the initial learning curve, singlespeeding will be an all-new and rewarding aspect to cycling. Furthermore, although it may take moments of seemingly extreme effort, you'll find that riding a singlespeed can be easier and more relaxing to ride. The key ingredient is motivation. You have that when you ride, and you'll truly love it.

Welcome to the dark side.

[Lambda_drive]

My bike looks so much nicer without all the cables and dérailleurs and gears. Plus its a lot more smooth and practically noiseless, even with a brand new chain with no lube what so ever.

I choose a to use a 20t cog in the rear, hope its not too hard to pedal up hills, but I guess thats half the fun of single speeds.

[Dino Brown]

Congratulations! You did what you said you were going to do!

Let the suffering begin...

P.S.- How 'bout a post-conversion pic!

[Lambda_drive]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

Congratulations! You did what you said you were going to do!

Let the suffering begin...

P.S.- How 'bout a post-conversion pic!

You'll be able to see it in all its glory tomorrow at the fully loop.

[2wheel_lee]

Did I miss the pic of the newly converted bike?

[back_of_the _pack]

How was the singlespeed Harald