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MTB Conversion

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  • 26-09-2016 9:07am
    #1
    ImThatGuy
    Registered Users Posts: 64 ✭✭


    I've got a XC KTM mountain bike that is a 5 years old, I initially used it for mountain biking and commuting but since relocating mountain biking is no longer an option for me so it's gradually becoming a commuter.

    I have a road bike too which I cycle during the nice weather but it's brakes, grip and handing are horrific in the wet so it's time to switch back to the mountain bike.

    However it's been a bit unloved and it's in need of a good service, front derailleur selector is broken, rear derailleur needs a service and an adjustment, rear hub is seized and it's got me thinking if I actually need gears.

    They're the main reason I don't cycle the bike and I'm thinking of converting it to a single speed. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is it easy to do yourself? Or is it cheap enough for a bike shop to do?

    I'd love a zero/low maintenance bike that just need the odd tyre pump and brake pad replacement.

    Thanks!


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    #2
    Miklos
    Registered Users Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Miklos


    There are kits available to convert bikes from multiple speed to single speed, made up of a chain tensioner, a cog and a spacer kit. You would probably need to take one of the chainrings off your crankset too.

    The kits seems pretty simple to use, provided you have a freehub that will accommodate it.

    Here is one at CRC, it's out of stock but have a look around and you'll find an equivalent.


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    #3
    seamus
    Registered Users Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    I have the DMR one above. Retired in a box in the shed. Will hand it over for a tenner if you want to give it a shot.

    It worked fine tbh. Same thing as you - I had an MTB frame lying around, converted it to a single-speed commuter.

    Downsides are getting the alignment and tension right. Both front and rear. I've never had a chain come off so often. You think you've got it all set up and purring, then one day you hit a hill, stand up to give it a bit of welly, the chain pops off and you crack your nuts on the stem and split your knee on the end of the handlebar.

    A proper singlespeed bike is already correctly aligned, so that's less of an issue. I did ride it for more than a year like that though, it wasn't all bad. The reason I retired it is because I got bored of only having one gear and spinning out on the commute. I got a few punctures while I had it; it's a little more troublesome to repair on the side the of the road, but not much.


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