Singlespeed advice please

[Andy R]

I've started running my '88 Explosif as a single speed - initially just as an experiment , but now that I've found that I like it a lot I plan on using it that way for a while at least.

At the moment I'm running 32:18 which, as luck would have it, I can do without having to use a tensioner. That ratio is a bit "spinny" on the road to say the least, but as I only need to travel at most one mile to my local trails I can live with that for the minute. Plus, I appreciate the slightly lower gearing on the climbs...

I am, as a temporary measure, using a single 18T sprocket from a HG cassette spaced to suit the freehub body but ideally I would like to use a deeper tooth sprocket and proper machined spacers.
However, as I am using a 7 speed freehub I guess that kits like the Gusset or On-One convertors won't do the job unless I machine 4.5mm off the total sprocket and spacer width? Is there anything out there that will fit a seven speed freehub with no mods?

Also, what's the best chain tensioner available - (obviously I'll need this if I want to use different sprocket combinations) and what chain would anyone recommend? - at the moment I'm using a SRAM PC890.

Cheers,

Andy.

 

[kaiser]

Have a look at the dmr kit which is made up of multiple spacers, could be made to work on 7 speed. Theres a good pic on ebay.

 

[Andy R]

Thanks Kaiser - yes, having had a look it appears that the DMR one would work ok. I might give it a try anyway.

 

[messiah]

Nice Explosif! U-brake on the back and V on the front - love it!

I busted up old cassettes and a used an HG cog when I first built my Explosif up as a singlespeed. There are a heap of kits now that are built of individual rings. Nicest being I think the Endless Bikes Fibonacci - they deserve a plug.

http://www.endlessbikes.com/products/components/spacers.html

I use 33 x 18 which is also a bit spinny on the road but perfect for the hills and singletrack where I ride.

I made a tensioner as per the dragon tongue site - it worked really well until my frame cracked.

http://www.geocities.com/mtnwuff/SStens.html

If you only need to take up a little slack this is the best design of tensioner out there.

My current and absolute favourite chain is an amazing SEDIS that refuses to stretch. But I also like the Wipperman Intrax 708

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11285

I love my singlspeed explosif )

 

[andy.l]

Im currently running a Lava Dome singlespeed,36:18,using a Surly sprocket as the tooth profile is deeper,i had the same problem with my 24/7 spacer,i filed that down to suit and eventually got it right,i use a gusset tensioner,not the best but not bad.

 

[cce]

given that i dont have any dead cassettes, what's the best bet for a 7-speed hub?

 

[velomaniac]

See http://www.charliethebikemonger.co.uk
He has spacer kits comprising many individual spacers you add and remove to suit your freehub.
Alternatively split one or more old/past it cassettes and use those spacers.
Best tensioner is a two jockey wheel type such as the expensive rolhoff tensioner, or one marketted by chainreactioncycles do not bother with an old deralier they have too much lateral flex.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=16663
Ghost gear is another option see Sheldon Browns site about singlespeeding.

Cheers

 

[messiah]

Pic of my homebuild tensioner in here - built as per dragon tongue. It worked for about three years and the only reason I stopped using it was because I got track ends welded onto the frame after the chainstays broke.

http://retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/mai...2_GALLERYSID=ca4607ae4d675678299f3c399ad4f591

Charlie does this spacer kit...

 

[FSR-Si]

Wooly hat shop on Ebay do a nice one for about a tenner i think that will work on 7 speed but you will need 1 cassette spacer off your old cassette, comes with 2 cogs 16t and 18t, 3 spacers, Lock ring.

 

[Andy R]

Well messiah - of course I'm stuck with the U-brake, but it looks pretty cool and a lot of these young whippersnappers have never seen one so it gives them something to laugh at . I have a home constructed travel adaptor fitted which lets me use the same levers for front and rear brakes though.
Many thanks for the links and useful advice - I've been meaning to set one of my bikes up as a singlespeed for a few years but only got round to it last week. Now I wish I'd done so years ago, it's like riding bikes was when I was a kid blasting round tracks on my father's farm. Spin out along here, grind up there, freewheel down here and if all else fails push or carry the thing. Great stuff !!!