What options to change hub on Specialized Centrum Sport?

[NickChelt]

Hi,
I have a Specialized Centrum Sport which i've only ridden a few times. It is a single speed but i am finding that I need either a three speed hub or a higher ratio gear as I'm pedalling too fast.
I have a 14 mile round trip each day that I'm planning on doing during the summer (if we ever get one :-)
Would really appreciate anyone's input / recommendations on what my options are?
Replacement hub, what size cog?
Prices and any links to parts.
Thanks a lot in advance Niko

 

[simon.r]

A new hub won't be cheap. You'd also need new spokes and the rebuild-cost will be a few quid. It might even be cheaper to get a new wheel. Add on the cost of a shifter and I suspect you'd be lucky to get change out of £100. Then you've got to route the cable, which may be a bit of a bodge-job if your frame doesn't have cable guides.

There are 2 options if you want to stay singlespeed, either a smaller freewheel or a bigger chainring. There are any number of calculators on the web that will show you impact that different sizes will have. Sheldon's is good IMO.

If your hub takes a standard freewheel, then a new smaller one will cost anything from a fiver to seventy quid plus.

A larger chainring will cost upwards of £20. You'll need to know the BCD and the number of holes. You'll probaly need a new (longer) chain if you go down this route.

'Normal' road singlespeed gearing is about 44:16 ('though some individuals will vary significantly) so I'd suggest getting a smaller freewheel to get you to about that ratio and trying it out. At least if you still don't get on with it, it won't have cost you much.

 

[NickChelt]

simon.r - Thanks for the reply. I think i'll try the smaller freewheel first of all and see how i get on with that.
I don't particularly want to throw loads of money at it at this stage. I really just want to be able to put a bit more power down without my legs whizzing around so fast so i think that's the way to go for now.
Great info by the way.
Thanks again.