I inherited this single speed from my step dad who used it for training. With the rear drop outs not being ideal, should I just leave it as a sick single speed or would it be worth converting to fixed? Cheers.
by BlakewithaB
I inherited this single speed from my step dad who used it for training. With the rear drop outs not being ideal, should I just leave it as a sick single speed or would it be worth converting to fixed? Cheers.
by BlakewithaB
8 Comments
Leave it as a singlespeed. Maybe take a couple links out of the chain so the tensioner isn’t pulling it off the sprocket
No.
Do not consider changing this to a fixed gear. It will cost you a fortune and actually not be a good fixed gear.
You would need an eccentric rear hub (White Industries ENO) – pricey but works great. I have them on two old Cannondale conversions. You could go with an eccentric bottom bracket but I have no experience with any of them.
Your bike was the same as my fist fixed gear. I purchased it new in ’86 and promptly broke off the non replaceable derailleur hanger. While waiting for a crash replacement frame I made do with what I had on hand. It worked ok but I was lucky on the gearing in getting the chain slack reasonable. I rode it for about a month before the new frame came in.
https://preview.redd.it/gnwedgl9qqwf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69ee692242121a43d07c3b99655d26d02ea9502d
Naaaaah.
Is it worth it? No.
Can you? Yes but it’s difficult and restrictive, I’d know because I did it. To safely convert it you’d need to see how long the chain stays are and find a ratio that fits perfect so you don’t need dropouts.
Don’t do it, leave it single speed, as much as I love my Trek 1400
Fixed gear, when my new frameset arrives, It’s gonna become a single speed again.
TLDR: I did it so it’s possible, but don’t do it, it’s stupid and not safe.
also good luck finding a hub/wheelset that fits your rear dropout width because road bikes are not standard track dropout width.
Sick cranks
Probably not worth it in my opinion. Holding chain tension will always be a problem for you. Enjoy the single speed with the tensioner.