Building a Single Speed

[novemberdelta]

Hi, I am looking at the 2 frames below to build a cheap SS. I am pretty technically inept but want to improve. Are there any obvious issues/things I would need to consider with the frames below? I know I would need a chain tensioner for the vertical dropouts. I am leaning on the caliper brakes more than the disc. Would the frames I am considering be suitable?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOBRV/holdsworth-brevet-endurance-frameset

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOLDELAN/holdsworth-elan-road-disc-frameset

 

[rogerzilla]

I'd get something with horizontal dropouts. Much neater to look at on a singlespeed, and can be fixed if you want to try that later. Or an ENO hub.

 

[Cycleops]

You could use either but you would need a chain tensioner with both as they have vertical dropouts, using a frame with horizontal dropouts would obviate the need for it. Arguably using a tensioner would make adjustments easier.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares/chain-adjuster-black/

Regards brakes discs provide better all weather stopping but calipers would be cheaper.

 

[novemberdelta]

You could use either but you would need a chain tensioner with both as they have vertical dropouts, using a frame with horizontal dropouts would obviate the need for it. Arguably using a tensioner would make adjustments easier.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares/chain-adjuster-black/

Regards brakes discs provide better all weather stopping but calipers would be cheaper.

Thanks for the input. Is using a chain tensioner complex of difficult, would it add difficulty to the build?

 

[Cycleops]

You'll probably need to dish the rear wheel so it lines up with chainring.
You might get some useful tip from RJ here;

View: https://youtu.be/nkNCXx10NqY

I'd say using a tensioner is easy.

 

[novemberdelta]

You'll probably need to dish the rear wheel so it lines up with chainring.
You might get some useful tip from RJ here;

View: https://youtu.be/nkNCXx10NqY

I'd say using a tensioner is easy.

Thanks. I think I might be better trying to buy a build bike. Dishing wheels etc is beyond me. I'm pretty bad at technical stuff and don't want to start something that becomes too difficult.

 

[Soltydog]

Hi, I am looking at the 2 frames below to build a cheap SS. I am pretty technically inept but want to improve.

If you are wanting to keep costs down, buy an old frame/bike rather than new That's what I did for my ss build & still ended up spending close to £500 I bought an old Raleigh for £25 & spent £35 on shot blasting & powder coating, so £60 for the frame Trouble with mine was that I didn't use any other component from the original bike, everything else was brand new & that didin't help at all with costs.
Rim brakes will probably make a cheaper build too rather than discs.
If you buy a complete bike & strip it down, you will also learn a little about how the bike works & goes together

 

[Cycleops]

Thanks. I think I might be better trying to buy a build bike. Dishing wheels etc is beyond me. I'm pretty bad at technical stuff and don't want to start something that becomes too difficult.

I should ask Planet X for advice, I'm sure they could recommend or sell you the correct wheels if you explain your project to them ,but then that adds to the cost.
Going used can work out cheaper as above, maybe just buy new wheels?

 

[novemberdelta]

If you are wanting to keep costs down, buy an old frame/bike rather than new That's what I did for my ss build & still ended up spending close to £500 I bought an old Raleigh for £25 & spent £35 on shot blasting & powder coating, so £60 for the frame Trouble with mine was that I didn't use any other component from the original bike, everything else was brand new & that didin't help at all with costs.
Rim brakes will probably make a cheaper build too rather than discs.
If you buy a complete bike & strip it down, you will also learn a little about how the bike works & goes together

The thing I was worried about on an older frame was standards being different with bolts, bb, headset etc. How did you get such cheap painiting?

 

[Soltydog]

How did you get such cheap painiting?

Rung around a few places, £15 for the blasting & £20 for powder coating, but the powder coating is more of an industrial job Not perfect, but being plain black most of the poor finish doesn't stand out. It depends how good you want the finish to be. Plenty of places online to get all the bits you need, even for older frames & plenty of advice from the knowledgeable folk on here if you are unsure of anything

 

[Cycleops]

A rattle can is even cheaper the work is in the preparation. Just depends on what standard you want . An oily rag frame makeover is considered cool now .

 

[Cycleops]

Something like this would good for a conversion, just eighty notes


Road Bicycle, Raleigh Sun Solo, 1980s, XL Bike Frame,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Or this already to go;

Genuine Phillips vintage frame REYNOLDS 531, size 22in, SALE , you pay only for frame/single speed,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

 

[CXRAndy]

Hi, I am looking at the 2 frames below to build a cheap SS. I am pretty technically inept but want to improve. Are there any obvious issues/things I would need to consider with the frames below? I know I would need a chain tensioner for the vertical dropouts. I am leaning on the caliper brakes more than the disc. Would the frames I am considering be suitable?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOBRV/holdsworth-brevet-endurance-frameset

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOLDELAN/holdsworth-elan-road-disc-frameset

If you're willing to learn and buy tools, then it is very satisfying building up a bike from a frame. Just bear in mind, that unless you go secondhand for most items then it will cost nearly as much as a newly built bike.

Example 2019 Genesis single speed disc brake
https://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/bikes-c97/road-c110/genesis-day-one-10-road-2019-p72544

I bought a 2018 model in the sale and saved £250. I spent a further £500 or so to upgrade items I wanted-di2 hydraulic brakes, B&M high end lights, better dynamo, rack I wanted etc..

This puts it just below the cost of a Day One Ltd. version. So in the scheme of cost, I would of been better buying the Day One ltd, but I wanted to fettle the bike the way I wanted it to be. There is the fun/satisfaction of it.

 

[novemberdelta]

Would this perhaps be a reasonable, low cost option?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-S...h=item3fbac8e5ee:g:qmAAAOSwydZb~tqF:rk:9:pf:0

Would like to put some drops on it, perhaps change the colour....

 

[Cycleops]

Looks fine and has some decent equipment on it but with secondhand you never know until you inspect it. Sharp price so that might allow a few remedial repairs.