project singlespeed

john the sparky

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so, I thought I'd have a bit of a play at building up a singlespeeder....

and I've run into a few problems......

1. the chainring bolts are loose, because I only have one ring on..... does anyone know where I can get spacers?
or is there a better way of making it work?

2. with the bits I have, I am running 32:14 which I think is a bit high, I can run 36:14 if I can get hold of a non drive side crank arm 175 long
or can I run a 11 or 12 cassette ring between my spacers?
and what ratio would you recommend to run?

3. I need a couple of bits for a lx canti.... I was going to bolt on some vee's that are kicking about.... but couldn't do it :roll:

other than that, it's fairly pikey... but I just want to see how I get on with it, and also... quite fancy being able to use it for quick trips, so don't really mind the pikey looks as hopefully it won't look worth nicking...
so....what do you reckon????

ss003.jpg



John
 
either get some bmx race chainring bolts . file down the female part or cut an old chainring and liberate it of the tabs and use those as spacers

i woudnt recommend using the old geared chainring , itl want to shift onto chainrings you havnt got as there is no longer a mech to hold it in place

ive used old sprockets in the past to pack out a freehub body , infact still am on the turbo trainer . old cassettes can be harvested for the spacers between the sprockets too
 
I don't think that's pikey at all. You'll enjoy riding it, it's nice to have something simple.
Gearing's personal. My singlespeed is usually 34/18, and I'm fat and slow. Better to have a bigger sprocket than you have, really; it'll last much longer.
What do you need for your canti?
 
can you recommend a chainring then?

I've tried to have a quick browse... and found charlie the bikemonger... read his bit, and am now scared :shock: :lol:

but couldn't find a chainring that I want :? but I have now imbibed some beer :oops: :roll:

John
 
anything without ramps and pins that aid shifting , ie completely flat and with nice tall teeth

personally i like the surly stainless steel ones , if im going to have to pay £30 for a new chainring i want it to last :lol:

cheapest chainring bolts ive seen are the odyssey ( very good bmx company ) on ebay for about £6.50 posted

i think charlie sounds like noel fielding ( mighty boosh ) :lol:
 
Spa Cycles sell non ramped, sexy Stronglight chainrings in all kinds of sizes for £8.
Really, really good. Not as good as a Surly ring, but muich cheaper.
 
Loads of rings out there...my favourite has been the Gusset Tribal...its chunky mind...no need for slim-line chainring bolts with this fella.
Couldn't find a 5 bolt in the size I wanted for my next project so I have bought a Blackspire Mono Veloce...I'll be reporting back on this one...hope its good.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=28730
Ratio depends on your ride style and where you ride etc etc etc
My main ride is 38/16....loads of road stuff/canal path/easy singletrack etc...plenty of hills too :wink:
My next project will be 32/16 as it will be mainly used for beach riding/mucking about in the woods....slow stuff.
Oh...I think Charlie sells slim chainring bolts.
Cheers
Carl
Picture of the Tribal ring....no longer own this bike...mmm..that was a mistake
Ebaystuff059-1.jpg
 
I just used single ring bolts on my commuting SS bike with a 36/13 gear

Brought a Gusset mini SS converter for the rear which is very tidy and has the bonus of coming with 12 & 13 cogs. Think they do them in different sizes though.
 
You can get away with using a ramped ring and sprocket for a couple of rides to see if you like it. I wouldn't go out and put all your trust and power through it but you'll get the idea and will know if you wish to persue this stupidity any further...


and you almost certainly will :lol:
 
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