singlespeeding retro racer

[Drapoon]

After some advice pls fellow retrobikers

I picked up a nice Holdsworth Road bike at the wkend (£3 from the local recycling centre!), turns out it's a circa 1979 Equipe in v good condition. I'd like to singlespeed it for a nice cakeshop / training bike. I dont have much knowledge on road cassettes so I need help. It has sliding drops so guess all I need is a single rear cog & s/s chain, but where do I get one that will fit my old wheels? Are they screw-on? I will take a pic this eve if this helps

thanks in advance

Martin

 

[hamster]

They should be screw-n. I'd get a cheap freewheel from the LBS and some wide chain. As you need a special tool to remove the freewheel, get the LBS to do the swap.

You may need to fiddle with the chainline a bit, which could mean swapping the chainrings to the opposite side or even fitting a different length bottom bracket.

 

[Drapoon]

aha, I'll take the wheel in tomorrow & see what they say...

 

[awaycaboose]

Whilst in the LBS get them to re-dish the wheel and re-space the hub axle, this should help sort out the chainline. Also my advice would be to go for a reasonable freewheel the likes of a shimano 'cos the cheapo dictas are a nightmare to remove when they're worn out.

 

[Drapoon]

v good advice, thanks. So any shimano freewheel should fit ok?

thanks again all ;-)

 

[DM]

Yeah, any Shimano freewheel will fit.

They have a reasonable lifespan and actually have fittings for a removal tool when they finally die... The Dicta ones can't be easily removed as they have no slots for the removal tool to engage :roll:

 

[ededwards]

Martin

If the rear wheel has a quick release you may need a new axle on the back with nuts because with a q/r you may not be able to get it tight enough to deal with the extra torque that starting/sprinting/riding uphill in a "larger gear than you would select if you had a choice" entails. Then again, why not give it a go and see how you get on?

Remember to get the chain tight enough so it doesn't unship over every little bump (chainline helps here too as above) although not necessarily drum tight (chainring may not be round and/or seated centrally on the spider so you will have tighter and less tight spots, get the chain too taut and you'll get more wear on your parts than you want. And you don't want prematurely worn parts).

Great find with the Holdsworth as well, my first 'proper' bike was a Holdsworth Avanti in about 1992, also my first eBay sale for pennies (mainly Nuovo and Super Record equipped by then too). The thought of packing it up to send still leaves my heart sad.

 

[Drapoon]

Hi All

Really good tips there Ed, I'll be sure to follow & thankyou. Here's a few pics mid-build. Waiting on tyres & then It'll be time to sort out the rear cog....!

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2232049/

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2232046/

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2232047/


cheers

Martin

 

[ededwards]

Martin

That is super sweet and with the nutted rear axle you don't even have the q/r issue I was wittering on about above.

Aero brake levers and a Brooks saddle in dark brown would look ace, a really inspired purchase

 

[Drapoon]

Cheers Ed. Was looking pretty sorry for itself Last friday I can tell you. Looks to have done 20 miles max in it's lifetime. Tyres were perished & saddle plain ugly.

You will have to link me into some Aero levers

So singlespeed with a 44 tooth crank upfront should be an ok ratio?

Cant wait to go out for a rip, never owned a road bike!