I live in a flat area and, I only ever really use the highest gear and I like the simplicity of a single speed bike. Is it possible to convert this to a single speed or do I need an entirely new bike? How much would the conversion cost and what would I need?
by AdventurousSpace1235
6 Comments
Yes it can’t be a fixed gear, but I can definitely be a single speed. You’ll need a single speed, crank a free wheel, single speed and a chain tensioner. If you do all the work yourself probably under $100 more if you take it for a shop because you need things like a crank puller and a chain breaker to do the work effectively.
Absolutely. Cog and a tensioner. Yank a chainring off and swap what size you want. Super easy.
https://preview.redd.it/6zp6r1tci4og1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04ecead5cbc78a06ccc0932e649daa0b250fd5bd
It’s a horizontal dropout so going single speed would be simple. Looks like a freewheel so you just need to figure out how many cog teeth you want to run for your ideal ratio. [Singlespeed Bicycle Conversions](https://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html)
Absolutely. SRAM sell a very good conversion kit that includes cranks, chain, cassette, bottom, bracket, and rear derailer under the NX model name, it is the second cheapest. I prefer it over the cheap cheapest. it’s a great kit.
Shorten the chain, remove the shifters, use the derailleur as a tensioner.
Only cost is your time.
ETA: for $40 you can remove the derailleur. Use a [hurdy gurdy](https://surlybikes.com/products/hurdy-gurdy).
Oh yes. With the dropout looks like that, The rear hub can be shifted forward or backward for chain tensioning. Go for it! 😀