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- Monday, March 18, 2024

Southern California Message Boards

 Single speed
What is involved in converting a bike to single speed? The bike is a GT Avalanche hard tail.
Posted by Familyman a 36 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Stumpy fsr from Upland on 04/10/06

Responses: (1) (2) (3) Post Reply  

  •  Re: Single speed
    Stop shifting!

    Seriously, This website has everything for single speed conversion. You can buy it all there or just go through all of the items to get ideas. Click here

    You should go on some rides without shifting to see what gear you would like the best though.
    Posted by Duggle a ancient year old riding a Motiv XCE from San Diego on 04/10/06


    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)

  •  Re: Single speed
    you don't need to buy anything to convert this bike. see if you'll like SS. after a couple of months, then decide if you want to spend $$$.
    1) remove shifters (non-integrated) and cables
    2) remove granny ring (big ring also, but you'll need shorter chainring bolts)
    3) remove front shifter
    4) use rear derailleur as a tensioner, make sure derailleur is stretched out as much as possible to keep chain super tight. (keep a small piece of cable to adjust chainline, see pic... http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4286472267&idx=14)
    5) if the bike as an old XT cassette take it apart and use the cog that's 18 or larger (32x18 is a good gear). You'll need additional spacers. find PVC tubing that fits snugly over the free hub, cut several widths for fine tuning your chainline. If you have two old cassettes you should have enough spacers.
    6) make your cog lines up with the middle ring.
    7) make sure your derailleur/tensioner is perfectly in line with the rear cog (fine tune it with the short piece of cable and barrel adjuster)
    8) go for a ride on moderate hills (a road ride won't be very fun, 32x18 is very spinny on the flats)

    Posted by Wcoastbo a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a frankenbike SS from Los Angeles on 04/11/06

    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)

  •  Re: Single speed
    you don't need to buy anything to convert this bike. see if you'll like SS. after a couple of months, then decide if you want to spend $$$.
    1) remove shifters (non-integrated) and cables
    2) remove granny ring (big ring also, but you'll need shorter chainring bolts)
    3) remove front shifter
    4) use rear derailleur as a tensioner, make sure derailleur is stretched out as much as possible to keep chain super tight. (keep a small piece of cable to adjust chainline, see pic... http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4286472267&idx=14)
    5) if the bike has an old XT cassette take it apart and use the cog that's 18 or larger (32x18 is a good gear). You'll need additional spacers. find PVC tubing that fits snugly over the free hub, cut several widths for fine tuning your chainline. If you have two old cassettes you should have enough spacers.
    6) make your cog lines up with the middle ring.
    7) make sure your derailleur/tensioner is perfectly in line with the rear cog (fine tune it with the short piece of cable and barrel adjuster)
    8) go for a ride on moderate hills (a road ride won't be very fun, 32x18 is very spinny on the flats)

    Posted by Wcoastbo a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a frankenbike SS from Los Angeles on 04/11/06

    Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)

    
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