Single Speed Conversion

[Dead Rats]

how do you keep your chain tensioned? EDIT - I think you may have just got lucky with your chain tension?

the other reason to keep the middle ring in it's normal (middle) position is that it probably won't fit on outer position - but it looks nicer on the outside and you just move the cog outwards by approx 4mm to match it in terms of chainline

 

[saltyman]

i used tensioners on 2 of my single speeds, the other 2 have had none.......i just try and get the chain as tight as possible.........never had a problem.

 

[Dead Rats]

i used tensioners on 2 of my single speeds, the other 2 have had none.......i just try and get the chain as tight as possible.........never had a problem.

I've managed to run one (my mate's Giant) without, just don't like the hanger dangling away! I don't think the chain is supposed to be as tight as possible though, doesn't that wear the cogs quicker? IMO an £8 tensioner is more cost effective than having to replace your cogs more regularly :?

 

[saltyman]

well i have found after a few miles, the chain will loosen up, just enough where you can see it sag when rested, but still tight enough not to slip off.

 

[IDB1]

Took my tensioner off the other day (after over-shortening a chain :roll: ) and I'm hoping to get away with no tensioner for a while..

That's on a 32/16..

Just building up to ride the thing now

 

[suburbanreuben]

whack it all together and your done. you dont really need tensioners etc.

just make sure the rear cog lines up with the chainring ( the main reason it has to be mounted on the reverse side of the crank ).

To get away with not using a tensioner, you have to be EXTREMELY lucky, or have calculated the "magic ratio", perhaps resulting in a compromised gearing.
Instead of using unsightly washers behind the chainrings, spend £2.95 on some shortened chainring bolts (which won't go rusty), Adjust the chain line using the cog spacer kit from velosolo.
It's cheaper than using Charlie bikemonger's kit.

 

[Dead Rats]

whack it all together and your done. you dont really need tensioners etc.

just make sure the rear cog lines up with the chainring ( the main reason it has to be mounted on the reverse side of the crank ).

To get away with not using a tensioner, you have to be EXTREMELY lucky, or have calculated the "magic ratio", perhaps resulting in a compromised gearing.
Instead of using unsightly washers behind the chainrings, spend £2.95 on some shortened chainring bolts (which won't go rusty), Adjust the chain line using the cog spacer kit from velosolo.
It's cheaper than using Charlie bikemonger's kit.

+1

you can also get away with just the chainring nuts being shorter and using your old double ring bolts

to be fair I'm sure saltyman was using s/steel washers!

 

[TSP]

Thanks every one for your help, especially Dead Rats

IDB1, what cranks are you using? They look a bit like the FSA cranks I used to use when I was younger... The ones I've been going mad trying to think of their name for the last day or so

So, I have to decide if I build the kit up myself (probably with a very bad outcome! ) or I buy a built kit. I'm starting from a bare frame so either way could work.

One nice thing is that Charlie the Bike Monger is only an hour away so it might be an idea to actually go into his shop and try and get a few bits to make the conversion easier.

Thanks everyone, much appreciated

 

[TSP]

This looks pretty cheap too.... Could do the job?

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CST ... d-crankset

 

[Dead Rats]

Took my tensioner off the other day (after over-shortening a chain :roll: ) and I'm hoping to get away with no tensioner for a while..

That's on a 32/16..

Just building up to ride the thing now

can't you just put the links back on the chain?