Q for single speeders

[Harryburgundy]

Getting all the kit tomorrow to convert to SS.
My Q is, I'm going to use a Surly Singleator thingy, but how do you set the correct chain tension. Sprocket to ring and add a link?
Ta, HB

 

[cchris2lou]

Set your chain as tigh as possible without the Surly tensioner ( it should be quite loose ) , then follow the instructions provided by Surly .

Best tensioner ever .

 

[gump]

I set the chain as short as possible. The tensioner can only take out a small amount of slack.

 

[Harryburgundy]

Thanks chaps, looking forward to trying this ss lark.
The ratio I have chosen was a bit of a guess..38/16...not very hill friendly I think, but I can change that.
One final Q, I have bought one of these spacer kits
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SINGLESPEED-eight ... m153.l1262
that don't have a lock-nut.
Will I be able to use ine from an 8 speed cassette, or do I need something else. Just preparing myself for not being able to get it alll done tomorrow
Thanks

 

[gump]

Any lockring should work.
You can guarantee though that on your freehub, with your cog, you will have just the wrong spacers so you either can't tighten lockring, or not enough thread engagement!
Useful if you have an old cassette - whip the spacers from between the cogs as these will likely be different width to the spacers.

Enjoy
38:16 is pretty high..

 

[xizang]

A standard shimano lock-ring will work ok

 

[cchris2lou]

use the spacers to get the correct chain line .

like gump said for the spacers , but if you have no cassette , go to B & Q and get a pvc tube big enough to fit on your freewheel and cut to size .

 

[Harryburgundy]

Thanks again!

 

[Harryburgundy]

18mm cone spanner to adjust the tension on the chain tension thingy...damn...ain't got one :cry: .
Getting there

 

[cchris2lou]

I use a hub spanner .