I'm BACK !!!!! and a question on cost ???

[gb155]

Oh Baby


It's not pretty but it damn sure is a bike :-)

I want to convert it to SS, what do I need and how much is it going to cost ?

Im guessing a new chain ? but I also assume I could keep the crank and a cog from the cassett by using spacers ?

As you can tell, I dont have a clue, but could do with some direction please folkes

 

[DrSquirrel]

Probably a good start here - http://www.sheldonbr...conversion.html and then http://sheldonbrown....conversion.html

The front will depend on what gearing you want to run.

 

[Rob3rt]

Oh Baby


It's not pretty but it damn sure is a bike :-)

I want to convert it to SS, what do I need and how much is it going to cost ?

Im guessing a new chain ? but I also assume I could keep the crank and a cog from the cassett by using spacers ?

As you can tell, I dont have a clue, but could do with some direction please folkes

The most basic way, take the rear mech off, and shorten the chain to the get the right tension on whatever cog you want to use. If you already have a chain tool, it wont cost you anything.

 

[HLaB]

Ive thought about making the sirrus a single speed (but I've never went further than that). The one obvious problem I saw with the sirrus (and there's probably others) is it has vertical drop outs; so you can't finely adjust a single speed chain tension; I think you can buy separate chain tensioners but I've no idea how effective they are or if they spoil the look of the bike.

 

[Number14]

Do it for free. Put it in the gears you want and then adjust the hi and lo screws so that the derailleurs won't move.

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

or just bang it in the gear you want and ride all day without changing gear, bet you can tell I am not a single speeder

 

[gb155]

ok, to go fixie , whats the cost ?

I assume I'd need a new wheel ?

 

[Davidc]

That's possibly a better bike than you're giving credit for.

Marlborough bought Holdsworth in 1985 and Holdsworth bikes were made by them in 1986 and 1987, and included most of the former Holdsworth frame varieties and equipment specs. This is a link to a web site with some details.

That looks like one of the Marlborough badged ones, which were a good frame with a reasonable set of accessories and sold cheaper than the Holdsworth badged ones.

I looked at a 531 tubed one in a shop in Brighton and was going to buy it, but had to spend the money on repairs to uninsured bits of my house after the October 1987 storm. I just kept my then 10+ year old for another 10 years!

If you do make it a SS it's probably worth keeping all the bits you take off for when and if you sell it on!

 

[Ravenbait]

ok, to go fixie , whats the cost ?

I assume I'd need a new wheel ?

If you build it yourself and aren't fussed about expensive components, you can fix that bike for about 60 quid. I spent rather more than that fixing my Raleigh Sun Solo, but I am fussy. You might need to change the bottom bracket, though, to get the chainline right. If you do, again it depends on the quality of your components.

Sam

 

[PpPete]

ok, to go fixie , whats the cost ?

I assume I'd need a new wheel ?

Prob not need a new wheel. From the age I'm thinking freewheel rather than cassette. If you've not got the right freewheel remover, a decent LBS should be able to get it off for you. (Tip: take the wheel in with fully inflated tyre still on)

Then thread on either a single speed freewheel, or a fixed sprocket. If the latter, use the lock ring from an old school BB. Tighten it up tighter than a tighter thing. Really mullah it on.

Prob best to run it on the small chain ring. You might be able to remove the outer ring, but not necessary.

Shorten the chain. Pull the wheel back in those horizontal drop outs until chain is tight. If it's a QR wheel you want it tight - so you can only just push the levers over. Most people recommend a nutted wheel, but mine runs OK on QR

BTW - using a wheel designed for a freewheel is called a "suicide hub" - but it's not as dangerous as it sounds if you leave both brakes on.

If chainline is off - put a new carttridge BB on to correct it. The existing will be loose ball or cage bearing in all likelihood, and then you'll have a lockring.

Total cost £5 for a fixed sprocket, if you have a friendly LBS to take the wheel off, and a lockring lying around.
Another £15 for a BB if you need it.

 

[Roadrunner78]

I agree with PpPete. On friday i changed cogs on my fixie. I read this on a forum, a way to take off a fixed cog without buying a chain whip is to refit the wheel after you take off the lockring, then go down hill and leg brake. Once you feel it break loose grab the brakes (dont do this if you dont have any brakes obviously!!) all at slow speed as well.

Well, full weight on it and several attempts it didnt move. I think they used thread lock at the factory.

So BB lockring and threadlock would be fine for fixed with brakes.

I bought a chainwhip after all.

 

[biggs682]

mine cost me a total of £75 all in incl frame all secong hand parts except single speed kit , easiest to do with a shimano free hub wheel so loads on e bay , nice marlborough enjoy it