single speed advice

[ArrrKelly]

where can i get a good a cheap conversion kit to make a SS. i need a chain tensioner and rear cog-spacer set up in the back. anything else i will need to get? this is an experimental project so im on a tight budget.

thanks...

[Pho'dUp]

Do you got a lot of old parts at home? You could definitely get away with an old rear derrailleur, and cog spacers from a couple of old cassettes. Even cutting some PVC pipe would work to space out the rear cassette body. At bare minimun I'd at least spend $5 bucks on a BMX cog. The taller teeth on the rear cog is worth having.

Otherwise, I think you can buy a kit like the Gusset for the rear ~$20 and a tensioner for like $30-50. But realistically, an old derrailleur works just fine, just not as pretty.

[ArrrKelly]

thanks!

should I get a single speed chain or is a regular chain strong enough?

[Keith B]

Regular chain is more than man enough for the job although some people use BMX chains.
Before getting a chain tensioner try the chain with your selected rear ratio - if you're really lucky then you're chain stay lenght may be such that the chain is uber tight.
I had a fiddle with mine last weekend and its A1 without the tensioner :-)

[Chopper]

Originally Posted by ArrrKelly

thanks!

should I get a single speed chain or is a regular chain strong enough?

As I always say - a broken chain on a single speed is a death sentence for los huevos.

Get a good one.

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by Chopper

As I always say - a broken chain on a single speed is a death sentence for los huevos.

Get a good one.

So that's what happend to you?

[Chopper]

si (said in a very high voice).

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by Chopper

si (said in a very high voice).

I don't have to worry about that. My wife keeps them with her.

[Pho'dUp]

Keith's right. Sometimes you can get lucky with the ratio. Or you can try a BMX half-link if you decide to use a BMX chain. Also, if it it's super tight at first but works, it'll loosen up as you stretch the chain.

8,9, or BMX chains all work fine. Just make sure that chain line is straight though. That solves most of your problems. How old is this frame? My first Singlespeed was a converted steel Diamond back. The frame was way too flexy and would pull chains apart. Nothing like doing an endo going up hill and banging your knee on the handlebars. Not to mention the risk to the family jewels.

Keith you coming to the darkside aswell?

[ArrrKelly]

frame is from '97 or '98 but was only used for a couple years. It is a John Tomac signature frame made by Giant. Its a nice looking frame. I dont know about the quality...but it looks light and is in good condition.

[Keith B]

Yo Pho!

I've been on the darkside along time now mate!

I was running a tensioner pulling backwards and the chain kept coming off - I couldnt be bothered fixing it but last weekend I had cause to demo it and added a half worn drilled chain and it jsut about fitted without the tensioner. I'm adding some mini bar ends and a modifired M960 BB then its back to the SS-ing - ulp!

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Keith's right. Sometimes you can get lucky with the ratio. Or you can try a BMX half-link if you decide to use a BMX chain. Also, if it it's super tight at first but works, it'll loosen up as you stretch the chain.

8,9, or BMX chains all work fine. Just make sure that chain line is straight though. That solves most of your problems. How old is this frame? My first Singlespeed was a converted steel Diamond back. The frame was way too flexy and would pull chains apart. Nothing like doing an endo going up hill and banging your knee on the handlebars. Not to mention the risk to the family jewels.

Keith you coming to the darkside aswell?

[genusmtbkr5]

I just coverted my Giant XTC to SS. I went bought my spacers & tensioner on ebay for about $45 for both. The cog, chain and chain ring at LBS. Performance has a kit for $21.99, they don't carry it in stock, but will order it for you. There's a pic of my converted SS on another thread "So I've Joined the Dark side" Check it out.