Adding gears to a kid's bike...

[livpoksoc]

My son's (8yrs) caught the bug, and wants to be out and about on his bike as much as possible - however he's quickly finding one gear isn't helping him when we use some of the moderate tracks around here.

I'm curious to know if anyone here knows if it's possible, and if so, how we could change his bike to include some gears. He has a Trek Precaliber single speed, but in the same frame size they sell a 7 and 8 speed, so I am hoping it's something relatively easy to do?

He has this: www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/kids-bikes/kids-hybrid-bikes/precaliber/f/F427-2/precaliber-20/36271/?colorCode=greydark

 

[Jameshow]

My son's (8yrs) caught the bug, and wants to be out and about on his bike as much as possible - however he's quickly finding one gear isn't helping him when we use some of the moderate tracks around here.

I'm curious to know if anyone here knows if it's possible, and if so, how we could change his bike to include some gears. He has a Trek Precaliber single speed, but in the same frame size they sell a 7 and 8 speed, so I am hoping it's something relatively easy to do?

He has this: www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/kids-bikes/kids-hybrid-bikes/precaliber/f/F427-2/precaliber-20/36271/?colorCode=greydark

You need to check if the wheel is dished to accept a free wheel ) cassette.
You need to check the frame is the same with cable housing or run a full housing and cable.

 

[Reynard]

In theory, yes, why not. In practice, it would largely depend on the width of the rear triangle between the dropouts. And also, whether the conversion is financially viable by the time you've costed up the parts.

Assuming it is the same frame (the link doesn't really say) as the geared model, and the same dropout width, then it'd just be a matter of sourcing a compatible rear wheel fitted with a freewheel, a compatible twist or trigger shifter, a derailleur and a derailleur hanger, plus the cables. And you would need the wheel, as a single speed wheel has different dishing compared to a wheel that's got a cassette fitted.

If the dropouts on the single speed are narrower than on the geared bike, then you'll be stuck with what you've got.

You might well be better off looking for a second hand geared bike rather than buying the parts and doing the conversion.