To be honest, I'm not sure how old it is. It's just a cheap Supergo frame that I picked up when I realized I bought the wrong size bike. I'd definitely like to try using the rear derailleur as a chain tensioner but I don't really have any idea how to do it. We'll see how this project goes, thanks again. :wave:
7. You can use a cheap ($4.95) strong BMX (1/8") chain. 7(a) I like BMX master links. 8. No derailleur, cable, or shifter pod to break. 9. No ghost shifting. 10. When granny gearing the low point of the pedal occurs 2.5 times as often as a singlespeed so pedal strike is more likely.
Like sweet Carl said, run a stout chain. Some might be able to pull off a thin chain but one good "slack to max torque" pull will have you sampling your stem with your boyz...not fun to do but fun to see:lol: If you are going to SS do it right and get a DH front ring without the ramps, BMX chain and a dedicated SS rear hub. The dish of a 9spd rear wheel is goofy when you go SS and not as strong...again, the more you SS the stronger you are going to get so make the initial payments and be done with. Then ride and smile:bang:
An aluminum supergo access frame? You're probably fine. Here's some links to get your started. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html SS FAQ http://www.mtbr.com/ssfaqcrx.aspx http://www.mtbr.com/ssfaqcrx.aspx#ssConversionsChainTension Man I forgot about the old ghost ring method. I never did try this.
I ride for fun and stress relief...thats really it. I love SSing because it is just you and nature. You hop on and go. It is mind cleansing for myself. Give it a go...if all else fails, put gears back on. Cheers, Andy
Next let's discuss the merits of 29" wheels. NO, JUST KIDDING PLEASE DON'T. I could fall asleep on my keyboard.
Tequilla afterwards is the preferred method. But I guess some SSers are into pain, so you could try tequilla the night before. Hungover and Hammering!
Whoa!whoa! . . . .. whoa! What the L do you have against tequila pal?? You have never puked on a climb? I haven't either, but have come close a few times.pushing yourself or pushing to keep up with others is a great way to progress. Anyways, back to the subject, I think I am in the same boat as chevrolegs, I have a 20 yr old Fat Chance sitting here collecting dust and I think it would be fun to set it up as a SS. It's sooo old, the "cassette" screws on like a bmx freewheel is that a cassette or a freewheel? Please keep the info coming, we appreciate it :clap:
I was doing some searches and I came across this kit for anyone who is on a budget like I am. I don't know anything about this kit or brand but if anyone could chime in that'd be great! http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23062&subcategory_ID=5132
http://www.psyclestore.com/products/Conversion-Kit-COMPLETE.html# I can only vouch for this kit. Worked well for me. It may cost more but it comes with a really cool skull sticker.:bang:
That looks like a decent kit to get you started singlespeeding, and having multiple cogs is probably a good idea since you'll probably want to start easier (20T) but quickly progress to the 18T cog. The one Punk Sanders posted the link for is essetially the same, with a little variance in the spacer mix and only one cog. If you stick with it you'll want to get a stronger (and more expensive) rear cog, which will hold up much better over time. I like surly or Endless Kickass cogs; Chris King makes blingy ones too. Don't forget to order a singlespeed chain when you order the kit. :beer:
I also find that the 9 or 10 speed road chains work best. I've tried the BMX and SS specific chains but the 9spd Dura-Ace chain seems to work best.
I'm trying to go cheap, my 20yr old rims have the screw on freewheel. Are these the same threads as a BMX freewheel? And for for the vert dropouts, what chain-tensioner has worked best for you guys?
The one from Performance Bike (Forte kit) is inexpensive, but the chain tensioner kept slipping & thereby not providing enough tension. I have a Shimano Alfine tensioner on my ss BottleRocket and it works great and allows for chain growth due to suspension movement (but we're talking hard tails here aren't we?).
you will likely have to re-dish the wheel if you switch to BMX freewheel to get a chain line nailed down right and wheel centered.
alternative? hm.. I think not. I've built only one SS project like that, so I'll let more knowledgeable people correct me if I'm wrong. when you put BMX freewheel your chain line on the rear shifts towards the center. you can move your wheel with spacers but that will put you entire wheel off center and screw up brakes (its safe to assume you have rim brakes on that). Moving your BB/chain ring - you can try that but I'm not sure how much you can move them and if it is enough to correct the chain line. check out these articles: http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html http://sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html