Single speed on a budget

I got the back brake caliper on and put the rotors back on the old speshy wheels. i put the 18t gear on loosely. not sure yet where it will sit as I'm waiting on my crankset. Got my new saddle on.

Jenson ships the fork tomorrow.

I went through an ordeal with the brakes. I bought some used mx1s, but until yesterday, I didn't realize they came sans brackets, hardware, etc. I figure by the time I buy all that plus the rotors (knew the rotors weren't there), I might as well have bought new BB7s. I'm gonna sneak those in Tuesday during the lunchtime sale at poorformance. I started putting my old BB7s on the frame (thanks again NappyT).

 

For horizontal drop outs, I was told you HAVE to run a bolt on, as the QR isn't strong enough.

For EBB and verticle drop-out with tensioner, you can run a QR.

I noticed you mentioned an 18t rear. What are you running up front? 32t?

 

sounds like it's coming together quickly Brian! cant wait to hear your impressions of the SS

 

Ahh. That's good then. It's EBB. The frame makes it hard to point the QR tab in the right direction though...

 

Is it a Zion? I have that same problem on my Zion 29er.

 

I have an early 90s trek 8000 that is collecting dust and faded from purple to pink so I think it is a perfect bike for a conversion. My question is:

Do I need to buy a new crank set or do I just take off 2 of the 3 sprockets or take off all 3 and replace with new?

What is a good conversion kit for the rear? I see some machined spacers that look like they are exact fit instead of shims. This is a 7spd bike. I would prefer the exact fit vs the shims if it is doable on this rig.

I am looking for a 80-100mm air fork, 180mm cranks if the original cranks are no go and some type of spd pedals.

Any tips? Bike will be powder coated a diff color in the process.

 

Looks like you'll need a fork with a 1" steerer. Choices are limited there. Performance has a decent Forte SS conversion kit for only $20.

 

Yep. It has some semicircle things coming up that get in the way. I think even though it's EBB, you're ideally putting bolt-ons just cause of the forces involved.

I was going to pick up a bigger gear at Performance, but unless I buy the whole conversion kit, they don't have one. Does BB have individual non-ramped gears that fit on a freehub?

 

Ya. I bought a cool Niner 20t just for bling reasons. They are $25 I think. In fact, I still have the 20t Forte cog it replaced. You can have that if you want it.

 

Bling is no concern of mine right now. I'll take it! I think 18 might be a little ambitious at this point.

 

Cool. I think 20t is perfect for just starting out. Spinning a 20t gets a little frustrating on flats. Then you hit a climb and you're thankful for it.

Either way, I've found that on a SS, you never chose the right gear. It's either too big on climbs and not big enough on flats. Hence, the joy/pain/suffering that is SS'ing.

 

I could have swore it was 1 1/8...I will need to verify.

I saw the forte kit and it looks like a good kit but I see some kits that have one billet spacer on each side of the cog and wondered if they are common or custom jobs.

 

amen on that

 

With my neighborhood playground I think it will work out just fine. I could get a decent workout in a couple of hours.

That's not to say I'm not still interested in putting together the LPQ epic.

We'll need a SD SSufferfest too. Geared bikes can show, but they have to pick one and stick with it.

I think the only drawback is you won't be able to really dial your chainline in.

 

Well, I have a '93 Trek 820 and it's fork has a 1" steerer. I notice yours is an 8000, so maybe it's different?

 

I think its 1 1/8 threadless steerer. i will check when I return home next saturday.

What about the cranks/sprockets? I can use what I got or I need new SS cranks?

 

I thought LPQ was your playground?? LPQ kicks my butt on the SS. It's a good work-out for sure.

As soon as this rain stops, we definitely have to get a SD SSufferfest going. How 'bout Elfin?:lol::lol:

 

they make a double allem keyed quick release that solves the zions rear drop out problem I think i'm going to order one for my recent build these are the keyed ones http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HU307Z59-Delta+Hublox+Anti-Theft+Skewers.aspx
but ive seen some light weight alum ones around

 

i'd be down for an SD SS lovefest/sufferfest

 

For your cranks it looks like you should be able to convert them by taking off two chain rings. What size middle ring is on there?

For the rear conversion it looks like you have a 7 speed freewheel like the one I had on my Univega. Look and see and make sure if its a freewheel or freehub. On my bike I am using the forte single speed conversion kit for the tensioner and it is working fine.

Instead of looking for a fork I would keep it rigid but if you need some squish and its threaded you might have a hard time. Also remember that some old bikes are not suspension corrected for 80 to 100mm.

Should be a fun bike when converted