Single Speed Conversion

[Changleen]

OK, Having just been quoted NZ$60 for a crappy no-brand single speed converter (you know the things, DMR and Gusset make them: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CS611B00-Gusset+Single+Speed+Conversion+Kit.aspx)

And with no apparant way to ship one form the US for less than $40, I have decided to try and make my own. I have an XT cassette I can pull appart for the cogs, and also obviously the lockring, and thanks to Gusset I know the lengths of the spacers I need - 14 and 19mm.

So what I need to know from a :monkey: with a vernier caliper, what is the outside diameter of a standard freehub? Then I can just get down to the local hardware store and pick up a bit of pipe. I already have a pipe cutter. Anyone? I could measure it myself but if you happen to work in a shop and have a decent measuring device, I'd love to know an exact measurement!

[BikeGeek]

I don't have an exact measurement, but I'm looking at Dirt Rag issue #115, p 87, "The Dirt Bag Way," where they are writing about different ways to convert to SS. Option #1 is using 1 1/4" PVC as spacers. Not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.

[Changleen]

I don't have an exact measurement, but I'm looking at Dirt Rag issue #115, p 87, "The Dirt Bag Way," where they are writing about different ways to convert to SS. Option #1 is using 1 1/4" PVC as spacers. Not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.Awesome, Cheers! :) Any details about other options?

[arboc!]

are you gonna be running a chain tensioner, or do you have horz. drop outs?

[Changleen]

are you gonna be running a chain tensioner, or do you have horz. drop outs?My shizzle horizzle... Uh, horzontal I mean...

[arboc!]

good good... i would suggest cutting the pvc into smaller sections, so you can get the chain line straight

[rpk1988]

I like the Spot Spacer's. We have used those a couple of times at our work and they work out great. Make sure you get a nice cog and a chain that matches it or it will skip.

[Changleen]

I'll be using a Shimano chain and cog at first, but I'd like to switch out to a more BMX chain in future, and a cog without shift ramps...

[Changleen]

good good... i would suggest cutting the pvc into smaller sections, so you can get the chain line straightGood call. I'm a little dubous about PVC but I suppose the compression strength is the important factor so I guess it'll be fine. I'll look out for Alu tubing of the same size though.

[arboc!]

Good call. I'm a little dubous about PVC but I suppose the compression strength is the important factor so I guess it'll be fine. I'll look out for Alu tubing of the same size though.
my spacers are plastic... all they have to do is keep the cog snug, pvc is fine

[-dustin]

even if you could get those Gusset conversions, i'd advise not to. the spacers don't allow enough adjustment, in my opinion.

[rpk1988]

True, the Gusset doesnt, but the Spot Brand one does add a lot of adjustment.

[lux]

Good call. I'm a little dubous about PVC...

Had 1 1/4" grey (electrical) pvc on mine for years. Works great.

[-dustin]

True, the Gusset doesnt, but the Spot Brand one does add a lot of adjustment.

yeah, that Spot one is nice looking.

[Changleen]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback guys! PVC it is I guess. Save me $58 dollars I guess :)

[BikeGeek]

Awesome, Cheers! :) Any details about other options?

The other 2 options deal with threaded freehubs and freewheels, so won't work.

For my first SS, I went to the LBS and asked if they had any throwaway cassettes. I took them apart and harvested the spacers. :) Another option is to ask for the aluminum track bike spacers. They come in 1mm-4mm and can be had for a couple of bucks.

Like others have said, the Spot kits are nice.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/mountain-bike-photos/data/500/42spacers.jpg

[Changleen]

Mmm, that is pretty. Mine is all pulled appart now, I'm going to find some PVC tube for spacers in my lunch hour. I've got a bunch of spacers from the cassette I pulled appart, it's an old XTR as it turns out so the cogs are drilled out and cool looking, so I was pretty pleased about that.

I'll post a piccy or two when I'm done.

Oh, yeah, and I just have to let you all know, Profile hubs kick ass. They are so smooth, and so nice and easy to work on. Lots of superb little design features you don't notice 'till you take 'em appart.

[Wumpus]

Remember running a cog off of a cassette can gouge up the freehub body.

[ioscope]

Get a good cog if nothing else, I tried this whole thing once and it gets to be a pain in the ass.

[Changleen]

I've heard about this - (the cog chewing into the freehub) - so I thought I'd use two of the spacers and attach them to the cog with cut down pins I'll secure with araldyte or superglue so the load is spaced over a larger area.

In the longer term, I think it is Surly that make single cogs with a wide base? I know I've seen them somewhere.

[-dustin]

yeah, Surly, King, and Endless make wide-based cogs. Kings are too expensive in my opinion. the Endless is wider than the King, cheaper, and aluminum. i've got both and have yet to see any wear-difference between them. i don't know much about the Surly ones, other than they took damn forever to finally be released.

[Changleen]

Gnar~!

http://www.ridemonkey.com/mountain-bike-photos/data/500/5626HubCloseUp.jpg

http://www.ridemonkey.com/mountain-bike-photos/data/500/5626Revell250RSS.jpg

(In my basement)

Awesome! :) I like. I've only ridden it for like 2 minutes rolling round in the road outside, but it's lovely to have no clunking deraillier. The bike is also a couple of lbs lighter (well maybe not) as an added bonus. I choose an 18T on the back because of the hills here, so it's gonna mean I have to get my spinning legs out again, if I can even find them. Sweet!

In the end I couldn't get spacers, but I went into LBS no. 3 which is roady focussed and normally pretty lame:

"Have you got any old casette spacers?"
"What for 9 or 8 speed?"
"Doesn't matter, I'm converting a bike to single speed."
"Oh, I have this then.." - And he pulls out a kit. $25! Sweet! :D

Edit: I forgot to say, chainline is pretty much perfect :thumb:

[scurban]

such a nice bike! I totally agree with you on the whole light/stong/simple setup that a s/s dj bike offers! Very nice!

[GumbaFish]

you can't go to your lbs and buy spacers? thats what i did, they have them in different diameters depending on wheter you have a 7spd or 8/9 spd hub and cost like 2 bucks a piece. I think i had to just buy a couple of those plus the spacers i ganked from an old cassette. also check here they have non ramped single speed specific rear cogs for cheap single speed stuff (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/singlespeed.html)

[GumbaFish]

woops didnt read your last post :eek:

[Changleen]

I'm not sure they actually had spacers... :(

[beans]

Hmm. Nice ride.:)