Advice on Single Speed please

karlitob

Hi all,

Just recently back to cycling - doing a daily commute (25km a day). I gotta say - I'm loving it. Besides my commute bike I have an old road bike and I'd love to change it into a single speed (think I'b be too afraid of the fixie) for zero monies! Would appreciate any comments/advice on the below. (P.S. don't know much about bikes but looking to learn)

Giant SCR 4 (2007)
- so the plan is to strip the bike
- remove cassette. Use one of the cogs as my new single speed cog and use the spacers of the cassette instead of buying a conversion kit.
- then modify the rear derailleur as a chain tensioner.
- finally finish with a slick coat of plasti-dip.

- the goal is to learn about bikes and hopefully have something ok in the end. I'm happy to make mistakes.



Specialised Sirrus Elite (2011)
- My commute bike.
- Got it serviced recently. The mechanic said that the front cogs are a little blunted, it'll probably skip a bit, the chain is a little loose and worn but its fine.
- When it does go I should just change the lot. Sensible advice which I appreciated.


What I wondered was
- should I (or even can I) swap out the better components from the SCR to the Sirrus?
- otherwise appreciate any comments on the DIY single speed (except telling me that I shouldn't do it or that SS are stupid).

Thanks all.



Giant SCR 4.0
Shifters: Shimano 2200 16 speed STI
Front Mech: Shimano 2200
Rear Mech: Shimano 2200
Brakes: Dual pivot long reach
Brake Lever: Shimano 2200 STI
Cassette: SRAM PG850 12-26
Chain: Shimano HG73
Cranks: TruVativ Touro 2.0 36/50
Bottom Bracket: TruVativ Power Spline
Rims: Alex DA22
Hubs: Formula
Spokes: Stainless steel
Tyres: Kenda 700x26mm

Specialised Sirrus Elite
Brakeset Forged 6061 alloy brakes, EZ fire levers
Shift Levers EZ Fire
Front Derailleur Shimano Altus
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Crankset Shimano FCM171, 28/38/48 teeth
Pedals Composite
Bottom Bracket Sealed
BB Shell Width 68mm
Rear Cogs 8-speed, 11 - 32 teeth

iwillhtfu

Without going any further both frames have vertical drop outs so no use for a single speed. Others may know of a work around but I'd leave it as is even if you do get a cobbled together rear mech to work as a chain tensioner the whole project sounds pants to be honest.

Pick up a fixie on adverts for small money and sell the ocr to fund it if single speed is the way you want to go.

karlitob

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Without going any further both frames have vertical drop outs so no use for a single speed. Others may know of a work around but I'd leave it as is even if you do get a cobbled together rear mech to work as a chain tensioner the whole project sounds pants to be honest.

Pick up a fixie on adverts for small money and sell the ocr to fund it if single speed is the way you want to go.

Thank you - it's more the fun of building it really.
You're correct - not ideal with vertical dropouts but the chain tensioner should do the trick.
Swapping components? Would it be worth it?

Wishbone Ash

.....or just leave it one particular mid-way gear and don't use the shifters.

iwillhtfu

karlitob wrote: »

it's more the fun of building it really.

I get this part of your plan alright.

I'd look at picking up an old frame and see about actually building one up from parts you source. You'll probably get one built up for under €100 if you're frugle.

Good luck.

karlitob

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

.....or just leave it one particular mid-way gear and don't use the shifters.

Thanks - I probably should've known better.

- otherwise appreciate any comments on the DIY single speed (except telling me that I shouldn't do it or that SS are stupid).

karlitob

iwillhtfu wrote: »

I get this part of your plan alright.

I'd look at picking up an old frame and see about actually building one up from parts you source. You'll probably get one built up for under €100 if you're frugle.

Good luck.

Thanks for that.

This link got me thinking i could do it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66osGJOdk9c&t=15s&ab_channel=SpinMotiv