Remove the grip from your handlebars. Its a good idea to place a metal washer against the inside edge of the freehub body as a rst space. Use ferrules where possible and apply a light grease or medium oil to the inners before stringing them through. Take a test ride to locate any small problems and iron them out. You can never over-grease, especially if the bike is used for winter training. Chainwheel choices can affect their longevity. This is a critical measurement, especially if youre trying to get an older frame on the road. The simplest way around this is to install a chain-tensioning pulley of some sort. The same drive ratio may be achived with a larger or smaller chainwheel and rear sprocket, as long as the proportion is the same. This will keep the cog running true the nylon spacers can get distorted if the lock ring is overtightened. Single-speed freewheels are commonly used on BMX bicycles: most shops that deal in BMX parts should stock them. Youll create an eco-bike with many uses and advantages: low gear winter training; improved pedalling technique; fun urban jungle riding; zen-like riding silence; and, perhaps best of all, low-to-no maintenance. Most folks who set up their bikes with a fixed/free flip-flop wind up using the fixed gear side pretty much all of the time. Although specifically designed for Spanks Spoon hubs, this kit is also suitable for use on most rear hubs that have a Shimano style 9-11 speed freehub. A fixed-gear bike differs in that it does not permit coasting: when the bike is rolling, the pedals will turn, just as with a child's tricycle. Tidy the edges with a le, then back off the cup, cleaning the threads in the process. In this case, you may be a candidate for a singlespeed bike. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! A singlespeed is noticeably quicker and easier to pedal than a multispeed bike in the same gain ratio. Because you usually switch feet before restarting, it is impractical to use toe clips and straps, or clipless pedals. You can really feel the difference! The space a headset takes up is referred to as stack height and tends to be around 42mm. The nature of the road (or off-road) surface. BMX typeBMX flip-flop hubs have two different freewheel threads, a standard one on one side, and a special smaller-diameter freewheel thread on the other, designed to work with special small freewheels (14, 15 teeth.) Choose "Show All Products" to view all available products. If youre not going to donate it to charity, resist the temptation to sell it for scrap or drop it at the dump. To enjoy the one-speed experience to the max, a fixed gear is the best choice if you ride mostly on pavement. Also check that the wheel bearings are well-maintained and in good condition. Paradoxically, a singlespeed is, in another sense, more efficient than a multispeed bike! If you're riding for sheer pleasure, or for exercise, you don't necessarily place that high a premium on output results, as measured in speed, distance or vertical climb. Install the rear derailleur to the frame and then lead the shifter to the cable slot of the rear derailleur. The one-speed revolution actually involves two different styles of bikes, singlespeeds and fixed gears. With a freewheeling singlespeed, two brakes are essential. Theyre a bit more exible than a 1/2in by 1/8in pitch chain and will still run smoothly when climbing the chainring from a slight angle. Let us know, Please don't enter personal info. erailer bikes can work fairly well even with the chain running at a considerable angle, but this should not be done with a singlespeed setup. A number of high-end ready-made singlespeed bikes are supplied with front and rear disc brakes. DMR do a useful selection of well-designed products suitable for single speed projects too: see, For TA chainrings and bolts, square taper crank arms and BBs, see, For old school and classic kit, Dia-Compe bits, SRAM PC1 chains, track cranks and cogs, Stronglight chainrings and bolts and anything else hard to nd, try J D Whiskers (01707 326115) or. Two types are available: spring or no spring. Install any nal parts: pedals, a cool bell, maybe some eco-splash guards fashioned from plastic milk jugs and zip ties! Mark above the stem, then cut using a sharp hacksaw. If you click the link to "Show all four warehouse quantities", you can see exactly how many items can ship from each warehouse. Tange produces a model with a stack height of about 32mm that does the trick if your steerer is just a little bit too short. This is convenient when you're actually using a derailer, but causes a complication when you wish to simplify your drive train, either to singlespeed, fixed-gear or an internal-geared hub. Use the spring tensioned version and enjoy the peace and quiet of a single jockey wheel. In addition, a singlespeed gear train runs the chain in a perfectly straight line from sprocket to chainwheel, and avoids the serpentine wind through the pulleys of a derailer. For orders that can ship complete from one warehouse, "Today" is extended to 1:30 PM for Oregon and Nevada, and 11:30 AM for Utah. Add 42mm for a normal headset, plus a few spacers just in case (four 5mm washers). The common size used for BMX is 16 tooth, but 17, 18, 20 and 22 tooth freewheels are available, read about the tradeoffs and other gearing issues, our article about derailerless drivetrains. If youre really lucky, you could end up with a chain length that works without the use of a tensioner. These will denitely get you noticed in the urban singlespeed and xie crowd. Click here to subscribe. Most newer frames made for derailer use have vertical dropouts. See information in the article on skewers and Jobst Brandt's article about brakes.). You can still salvage a retro look if you happen to have an older standard bar diameter of 25.8/26.0. A good bike shop should be able to order the Stronglight or TA aftermarket chainrings and bolts favoured by the custom-gear ratio crowd. Check that the chain line is reasonably straight. Grease, assemble and adjust with no play, but allowing free rotation. Fixie riders will sometimes only run a front brake, but with a freewheeling singlespeed, two brakes are essential. You may read about the tradeoffs and other gearing issues in our article about derailerless drivetrains. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. It is quite important to get the chainline just right. Without a hand-operated front brake, you can't stop as short as a bike that does have one. Theyll only work on a bike with a 1in compatible head tube and a threaded steerer, so if you have a 1 1/8in compatible frame and fork, youll need to use a more contemporary clamp. (There are different problems -- be aware of them. Many cyclists are rebelling against the excessive complication, fragility and weight of current mountain bikes. A quick release is a considerable timesaver in switching a flip-flop wheel around, and having a QR means that you don't need to carry a big wrench to be able to replace a damaged inner tube. Thanks! Please contact us and we can arrange to collect these from you using our discounted courier rates. The Cinelli bar and stem pictured are a late 80s/early 90s track stem with big drop and a round criterium bar with a very highcool factor. Converting your bike to variable speed provides you the advantage of maneuverability and increased efficiency, but it will also require advanced knowledge of parts and how they work together. Assess the handling a small variation in fork offset shouldnt drastically change the behaviour of the bike. You can use a flip-flop hub, a multi-speed freewheel hub, a cassette hub, a single-speed BMX hub, or a single-speed MTB hub. Check for pedal overlap, adequate braking power and brake lever placement. Since most newer bikes have vertical dropouts, people have gotten used to wimpy aluminum skewers, and often don't adjust them as tightly as they might. Incorrect or missing product information? These quill-type units use a special bolt and wedge as a xing method grease threads and mating surfaces along with the inside of the steerer and outside of stem. On a long descent, a coaster brake will overheat and burn the grease inside it. If you want to get the maximum possible speed/distance for the minimum effort (and there's nothing wrong with that!) The rear wheel itself is a lot stronger than one made with off-center (dished) spoking to make room for a whole bunch of sprockets on one side. Choosing a 48-tooth ring with a 16-tooth cog gives you an 81in gear and both the ring and shorter bolts required are fairly common. Put the chain on the bike and then position it in the center of the rear cog. Put the shifter pod on the handlebars and then secure it by applying the grip. It would preclude you from using a flip-flop hub. Most mountain bikes have 135 mm spacing between the rear dropouts; most newer road bikes, 130 mm. Personally I consider a rear disc brake a very poor choice for a singlespeed. Only 4 products can be compared at once. You don't have to choose once and for all between fixed and freewheel, because the same bike can be both, if you use a reversible "flip-flop" hub. Example: If our site says "Portland, OR 0 Today" and "5 Wednesday" if you order today by 1:30 PM Pacific time you can pick up to 5 of these items by Wednesday at our Portland retail store. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Options are described in our article about derailerless drivetrains. You can get away with a little left or right variation, especially with a 3/32in (derailleur type) chain. Unfortunately, the chainline is likely to work only with your granny gear unless you re-space the rear axle and re-dish the wheel. This is more likely if you have the semi-horizontal or slightly longer drop out slots found on steel (and some alloy) frames. Measure the frames headtube, say 130mm. Singlespeeds are generally not practical for terrain so steep as to require dual disc brakes. Usually one side has a track-type threading, (with lockring) and the other side is threaded for a single-speed standard freewheel. A fixed gear is not well suited for seriously hilly terrain, and, more importantly, is not good for technical mountain biking. | Cookie Policy Riding a singlespeed can help bring back the unfettered joy you experienced riding your bike as a child. Welcome, Guest UserLog In | Order Status | Create an Account. That's good if you are going to be riding off road on steep mountain trails, but a gear that low is maddening on the flats and particularly on pavement, because your speed will be limited by the tendency to "spin out.". Alternatively, you could make your own with the old spacers, although not all cassettes will lend themselves to being taken apart. Some of the cogs will be attached to an alloy spider with rivets. Thread the adjustable cup (preferably steel) down past the mark and cut, using it as a guide. In my opinion, this is not a good thing. By placing your head just in front of the chainwheel, you can sight along the chainwheel and see back to the rear hub, to see if the chainwheel lines up exactly with the rear sprocket. Fixed gear is not ideal for all circumstances, however. Since you can coast when you are using the freewheel, the lower gear is no disadvantage on the descents. Choose "In Stock Products" to view all products in stock in one of our warehouses at this moment. A single speed bike requires you to exert more effort and physical strength to accomplish various courses and routes. Powered by AMain.com, Inc. A fixed gear gives a degree of control and one-ness with the bike that is not equaled by a freewheeling bike. There are several spacing kits available, thanks to the popularity of singlespeed mountain biking. The Best Hydration Pack for Endurance Gravel Racing, Problem Solvers Single Speed Cog (For Cog Carrier or 6-Bolt), Shimano SF-1200 Single Speed Freewheel (Brown) (1/2" x 1/8"), White Industries Single Speed Freewheel (Silver) (3/32"), Wheels Manufacturing WMF Single Speed Spacer Kit, Endless Bike Fibonacci 1-Speed Spacer Kit, Campagnolo Track Cog Lockring (1.32" x 24 tpi) (Left-Hand Thread), Halo Wheels Fixed Gear Lockring (Black) (Alloy), Niner Cogalicious Single Speed Cog (Black/Silver), Origin8 Single Speed Conversion Kit (Black/Silver), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Light Blue), Gusset Double Six Single Speed Conversion (Black), Spank Micro Single Speed Conversion Kit (Black), Reverse Components Single Speed XD Conversion Kit (Black), Gates Carbon Drive CDX CenterTrack Rear Cog (Silver), Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt Drive SL Rear Cog (Black), Rohloff Speedhub Splined Steel Sprocket (Silver), Dicta 3/32" Single Speed Freewheel (Gold), Halo Wheels Clickster 3/32" Single Speed Freewheel (Black), Halo Wheels DJD-BD 1/8" Single Speed Sprocket (Black), Shimano CS-MX66 Single Speed Cassette Cog (Silver), Shimano MX30 Single Speed Freewheel (Chrome) (1/2" x 3/32"), Shimano MX30 Single Speed Freewheel (Black) (1/2" x 3/32"), Sturmey Archer Single Speed Freewheel (Chrome), Absolute Black Single Speed Cog (Black) (3/32") (HG-Spline), Problem Solvers Single Speed Cog & Carrier (For Shimano Freehub), All-City 1/8" Single Speed Track Cog (Black), Dimension Single Speed Splined Cog (Chrome), Wolf Tooth Components Single Speed Cog (Silver) (3/32") (Stainless Steel), Wolf Tooth Components Single Speed Cog (Green) (3/32") (Aluminum), Wolf Tooth Components Single Speed Cog (Purple) (3/32") (Aluminum), Wolf Tooth Components Single Speed Cog (Red) (3/32") (Aluminum), Endless Bike Anodized Kick Ass Cog (Black), Gusset 332 Fixed Single Speed Cog (Chrome), Surly 3/32" Single Speed Cassette Cog (Silver) (Splined), Sturmey Archer Coaster Brake Cog (Chrome), Shimano Dura-Ace SS-7600 Track Cog (Black) (Single Speed), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Red), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Green), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Gold), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Purple), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Blue), Reverse Components Single Speed Kit (Orange), Gusset 1'er Single Speed Conversion (Black), DMR Single Speed Spacer/Conversion Kit (Black). Its nicer to get it right, though. The nylon spacers between the cogs can be used to ll the gaps on the freehub, although an additional spacer or two might be called for. Instead, you may care more about the actual experience of riding your bike. you need a multi-speed bikebut, efficiency isn't everything! FREE U.S. If it doesn't, re-arrange spacers or change the bottom bracket axle as necessary. Measure the total (192mm in this case) onto the fork column from the crown race seat upwards and mark. This is done with a double chainwheel and a two-speed freewheel. You might find my online gear calculator useful for comparing with your present gearing. Also, as the chain wears and the axle is moved backward to take up the slack, the relationship of the disc to the caliper will change. BMX cassette sprockets are best. Add some grease to the threads of the lock-ring then tighten to secure the cog set. Invariably, youll have to call on one of many chain tensioning devices on the market the DMR STS, for example. The chainring bolt circle diameter for double cranksets is usually 130 for most brands other than Campagnolo, which is 135. The sprocket works best with a 3/32" chain, but will also operate with a 1/8" sized chain too. If you don't have such a shop nearby, check out: More information -- and, do you really need to coast? Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 5! Measure from the centre of the brake bolt hole to the middle of the rim braking surface. These are not the same thing, although they have much in common. This makes climbing easier. Already have an account with us? On an MTB, you use the fixed-gear side for most pavement riding, and save the freewheel for off-road use, or for getting you home when you are tired. Single speed conversion kits are great for those who want to try out the single speed craze without having to buy a new wheel. If it turns out to be a problem, you can easily convert to freewheel later if you want tobut my bet is you won't want to if you give fixed gear a good try (typically takes a couple of weeks of regular riding to get past the strangeness, but then it's quite addictive!). A SRAM Powerlink is safe to use and makes life easier, but the whole process can be tricky and involve a lot of trial and error. There is detailed information on these topics in our article about derailerless drivetrains. Keep the bike clean if you can and make a habit of checking critical components for early signs of failure like small cracks. Instead, give your old bike and bits a new lease of life by using them to make a singlespeed machine. See my separate article about this option. Disc brakes are increasingly popular for off-road use. Swap spacers as required, then lightly grease the spacers, cog and freehub lockring and tighten rmly without overdoing it (the serrations on the lockring should keep it from working its way loose). With a threadless steerer, youll need to check for the same length requirements. There are now several spacing kits available on the market, thanks to the popularity of singlespeed mountain biking. Install the rear wheel back in place and then inflate the tire. If your foot slips off the pedal, you can't brake at all. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! Terms & conditions, Wiggle Ltd. 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, United Kingdom, VAT No: GB 884 2571 94 | Company No: 02667809. Singlespeed bikes are also considerably more sturdy and reliable than multispeed bikes. There's no such problem with a front disc brake, but I strongly advise against getting a rear disc setup for a singlespeed. The delivery options available for shipping this product along with the contents of your basket to USA are: We will happily refund any item purchased on Wiggle if returned to us within 365 days; excluding Wiggle gift vouchers, nutrition and customised products, except when faulty. You don't realize how much mental energy you devote to shifting until you relinquish your derailers, and discover that a whole corner of your brain that was formerly wondering when to shift is now free to enjoy your surroundings and sensations. Check that the chain line is reasonably straight. See also: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'sheldonbrown_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',827,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sheldonbrown_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; As far as I know, this was the very first Web page ever about converting geared mountain bikes to singlespeed! Flip-flop ear hubs are commonly available in these spacings, although they are more commonly found in the narrower, 110-120 mm spacing which is standard for track hubs. Get a Syncros iS Coupe bottle cage when you subscribe. A three-to-one ratio between chainring and cog seems to be the current popular favourite. More information on Wiggle's return policy, Suits most hubs with 9-11 speed "Shimano" style freehubs. Assuming youve got a threadless fork with a diameter to match the frames headtube, simply push it into the frame and slide the headset together, using the bearings, spacers and stem to determine what length will be required. The sprockets used on multi-speed cassettes are designed for easy shifting, which is not a good thing on a bike that isn't supposed to shift! You can check the chainline by installing the hub in the bike, with no chain installed. Flip-flop, or double-sided, hubs are threaded on both sides. This is generally the wrong way to approach it, in my opinion. Easily converts any 9 speed hub to a single speed unit. Having the freewheel larger than the fixed sprocket gives you a lower gear when you are using the freewheel. Chainwheels also can often be centered to keep the chain slack the same as the cranks turn. The freewheel sprocket is larger than the fixed sprocket, providing a lower gear. (The freewheel is actually an old 5- or 6-speed freewheel with 3 of the sprockets replaced by spacers). | Gearing is a very personal matter, and it is difficult to give good specific recommendations for someone I haven't actually ridden with. There is a fee for all collections, except for faulty products. More and more cyclists are discovering the joys of simple, one-speed bicycles. If youve been cycling for a while, chances are youve a few old components, or maybe even an unused bike, gathering dust in the shed or garage. your garage. They don't depend on good rim true, and don't get contaminated by mud. Please note: Bikes and other bulky items cannot be returned using our local returns service (where applicable). You will also need a bunch of spacer washers to hold the single sprocket in place. Grease the threads and install the tensioner in place of the old derailleur. Fix the shifter cable neatly along the bike frame leading to the rear axle. Scooter Underground: Continuously Variable Transmissions Explained, BicycleTutor.com: How to Calculate Chain Length, BicycleTutor.com: How to Overhaul Wheel Bearings. ost newer bikes (made since the late-1980's) have "vertical" rear dropouts, where the wheel slides upward as you install it. Grease generously to avoid annoying creaks and ticks during the rainy season and tighten rmly. Most important is headset adjustment. Note, there are two types of hubs called "flip-flop": The cheapest way to convert a multi-speed bicycle into a singlespeed is to use the original rear hub, assuming that it is made for a conventional threaded freewheel. Grease the threads and install the tensioner in place of the old derailleur. Other lever options include plug-in Dia-Compe or Tektro aero bar levers. This site also contains several articles dealing with fixed-gear bikes. This is not true, however. You may want to replace the axle in any case, because singlespeed hubs generally come only with solid axles, not quick release. Ground Shipping is available in the lower 48 states. Position your bike upside down or place it on a bike stand. If you have a local bike shop that stocks singlespeed stuff, you are in a lucky minority, and I urge you to patronize it. This is not an option for fixed gears or coaster brakes, but is the easiest solution for freewheeling bikes. After a couple of rides, re-check the chain and tensioner. Size and cut your brake cable housing to the correct length, making sure theres enough to accommodate turning the bars, and dont use indexing gear outers. You can use one of the old sprockets from your taken-apart cassette, but it you are less likely to have accidental derailment if you use sprockets made for single-gear us, with longer teeth. Longer reach dimensions tend to be 47mm to 57mm or more when measured from the centre of the brake pivot bolt to the centre of the pad bolt in its lowest position. Wheel removal/replacement is more complicated, due to the need to attach the brake arm to the frame, and because you can't get a coaster brake with a quick release. Remove the chain and then let the rear tire deflate completely. If you are using a newer frame, with wider spacing, you may want to replace the axle. Pedals and a cool bell will give your singlespeed some retro street cred. This is less than ideal, however, because you've got the extra weight of the unused sprockets to deal with, and the chainline will probably be crooked. A mountain biker in difficult terrain must be able to control when each pedal is down, to avoid striking a pedal on rocks, logs or other obstructions. A three-to-one ratio between chainring and cog seems to be the current favourite, providing a high enough top speed to keep up with trafc, while allowing decent acceleration and mild climbing capability (it could also help build up a bit of upper body strength in the process). Having a single sprocket sandwiched in a stack of spacers makes it easy to get the sprocket properly aligned for perfect chainline with whichever chainwheel you choose to use in front. For questions visit Customer Services. Make sure the brake pads can reach the rim braking surfaces without touching the tyre if the pad wears through the tyre, it could lead to a sudden blowout.

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