Single speed parts

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beetlejuice

Well-Known Member
Location
Northumberland
Is there a recommended place/shop to buy the necessary parts when converting to single speed please?
I'm changing my Carrera Gryphon 9 speed hybrid to a bullhorn single speed but I'm unsure of all the parts I need in respect of changing the 9 speed cassette to a single speed.
I have the bars, time trial brake levers, bar tape, etc for the front end but I'm a novice st the rear end conversion - from what I've read, I'll need a chain tensioner as the dropouts are vertical but what sprocket and spacers do I need? Also what is the best chainring and sprocket combination to start with?
Thanks
 

jim55

Guru
Location
glasgow
44*18 is a good place to start ( re gearing ) , depends on the terrain , some may find this spinny but it's. Got a b low enough for u to get up hills, you will get most stuff on eBay and the like , watch a few videos on YouTube to get a few ideas , it's really not hard, where r u
 
OP
OP
beetlejuice

beetlejuice

Well-Known Member
Location
Northumberland
44*18 is a good place to start ( re gearing ) , depends on the terrain , some may find this spinny but it's. Got a b low enough for u to get up hills, you will get most stuff on eBay and the like , watch a few videos on YouTube to get a few ideas , it's really not hard, where r u
Thanks jim55, it'll be used mainly on flat roads for commuting which is just over 8miles and approx 200ft climb each way. I'm averaging around 17-18mph on my commute although a little faster in the summer
 

jim55

Guru
Location
glasgow
Well ul prob wana up it a bit ( 16 on rear and a bigger front ring )to maintain a good cruise speed ( but bearing in mind it's harder to get these going from lights and anytime u stop) ,make sure you have a good( straight ) chainline
 

3narf

For whom the bell dings
Location
Tetbury
As with any activity, avoid specialists if you want to keep the cost down! :laugh:

I'd love to be able to patronize the likes of VeloSolo for a £50 freewheel, but it's not really an option for most of us.

Besides, finding a bargain is half the fun... :okay:
 

TheDoctor

Europe Endless
Moderator
Location
The TerrorVortex
Get a single speed kit - essentially, it's a sprocket and a load of spacers. Assemble them on the rear wheel so as to give you a good chain line with the chainring you already have. Use your existing rear mech as a tensioner. Sorted :biggrin:
 
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OP
beetlejuice

beetlejuice

Well-Known Member
Location
Northumberland
Thanks everyone.
I've considered removing the small chainring from the crankset and sticking with the larger 50t up front - has anyone done this before and is there anything I need to consider beforehand? Or is it just easier buying a new single crankset?
If I mated this to a 17t or 18t rear sprocket, would this be any different to using a 46t front with a 15/16t rear?
 

3narf

For whom the bell dings
Location
Tetbury
There are various gear inch calculators which will give you the right combination of chainring and sprocket. Try Sheldon Brown etc.

Actual gear is a very personal thing!
 

Sharky

Guru
Location
Kent
Thanks everyone.
I've considered removing the small chainring from the crankset and sticking with the larger 50t up front - has anyone done this before and is there anything I need to consider beforehand? Or is it just easier buying a new single crankset?
If I mated this to a 17t or 18t rear sprocket, would this be any different to using a 46t front with a 15/16t rear?
Often done that. You can remove either ring and place it either on the inner or outer position. Which ever has the best alignment. You just need a set of shorter chainwheel bolts or spacers.
Just browsed the sjs cycles website and their (sturmey archer) single free wheels go from a 16 up to a 22ish, so gives you quite a bit of flexibility.
 

derrick

The Glue that binds us together.
Thanks everyone.
I've considered removing the small chainring from the crankset and sticking with the larger 50t up front - has anyone done this before and is there anything I need to consider beforehand? Or is it just easier buying a new single crankset?
If I mated this to a 17t or 18t rear sprocket, would this be any different to using a 46t front with a 15/16t rear?
It's trial and error till you find what suits you, It's a good place to start though.:okay:
 
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