My newly built Single Speed

[Funrover]

Took me about 2 years and under $300 but it's done. I have only done a few rides so far but I love it!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0034.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0032.jpg

[rctr03]

nice build! love my single speed. (bianchi bass)

[1speed]

Nice job! Plan on your geared bike gathering a lot of dust.

[Funrover]

I took the geared bike out today, but man the SS is a blast. I did manage to mess up the crank already and hope that the loctite fixes it.... find out tomorrow Can't wait to get back on and ride it... I can't believe I waited this long!

[dieselcruiserhead]

Sweet. Also be prepared to get into shape. If you ride your SS early in the season you'll be in top shape all season long for your geared bike and way way stronger... I miss my SS only because my geared bike right now is so sick... but really, I have to get back on the SS.. :)

[Funrover]

Sweet. Also be prepared to get into shape. If you ride your SS early in the season you'll be in top shape all season long for your geared bike and way way stronger... I miss my SS only because my geared bike right now is so sick... but really, I have to get back on the SS.. :)

Yeah it kicked my but last night on a group ride. Did 2000+ climbing My legs are sore today but I can't wait to go again:bike_rider:

[Funrover]

Yeah you can do that if you choose.

[Funrover]

Thank's, I have just been looking through my bike stuff - something I am not sure about is 1) what tools I will need and 2) How exactly to do it.
I have a tool to take off crank arms but not much else.

Has anyone actually done this themselves?

Built mine up totally.

Wheels:
Front - any rim you normally use
Rear - I had and old 9 speed one. I bought the rear gear and shims. You will need to keep your lock ring to hold the shims and all in place.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0196.jpg

Crank:
I ended up breaking my first one, but it happens. As far as cranks go remove the 3 gears and keep the middle one (if you like that gearing.. I really like the 32x18 set up I have)

For spacing you will have to put shims in. This can happen to help give you a straight line on the chain and make it so you can tighten the chainring enough.(cranktool and allenkey/flat screwdriver to hold backside)

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0200.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0199.jpg

Last is the tensioner. Depending on the dropouts you may not need this, I did however. I used a Forte tensioner.. all you will need for this is an allenkey.
Remove your derailur and just bolt this in place

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Bike/DSCN0035.jpg

Chain:
I am using a Sram 9 speed chain. I shortened it a lot to pull it up higher of the ground so the tensioner and such would be less likely to be caught.

PM or ask more questions if you have them, it's all pretty easy and A LOT of fun!

[Funrover]

Post up when you finish!

[Funrover]

So you took the allen key and the cap off the top of the stem and loosened the 2 aleen keys on the side and it still didn't come out?


SS - the rear facing drops are nice, they eliminate the need for the tensioner.. think BMX days where you pulled the wheel back to tighten the chain.. same concept and it works really well.

[1speed]

Well, I took the top allen key thing out but it sure didn't have any more allen key sockets, or anything else to 'un-do' for that matter, nor even anything down the actual tube.

I have been working on the bits and pieces of bikes I have to see what I could do to fix up my daily rider which is still in pieces and I am mighty tired of finding that bike A doesn't fit with bike B doesn't fit with bike C. Look's like a bike graveyard here. Barely one working one among the lot of junk.. damn it.

I would highly suggest this book. http://www.ebikestop.com/park_tool_bbb_2_big_blue_book_of_bike_repair-MA0999.php

[Cackalak Han]

Nice build. I tried out SS'ing a little while ago and was hooked. I have a SS MTB and this season, I'm hoping to build up a Surly Cross Check.

[Funrover]

Nice build. I tried out SS'ing a little while ago and was hooked. I have a SS MTB and this season, I'm hoping to build up a Surly Cross Check.

It's crazy, I ride the SS all the time now. Surly is a nice ride!

[Funrover]

Well, I took the top allen key thing out but it sure didn't have any more allen key sockets, or anything else to 'un-do' for that matter, nor even anything down the actual tube.

I have been working on the bits and pieces of bikes I have to see what I could do to fix up my daily rider which is still in pieces and I am mighty tired of finding that bike A doesn't fit with bike B doesn't fit with bike C. Look's like a bike graveyard here. Barely one working one among the lot of junk.. damn it.

You have any pictures? I am getting myself confused over here

[Cackalak Han]

I've read over at mtbr that it is preferable to mount that chain tensioner so that it pushes the chain up rather than down. They said since it will grab more teeth, there is less chance of slippage. Take that FWIW.

[jatibb]

try one of the tensioners that bolts down solid and doesnt use spring tension, when i converted an old bike to try ss'ind i fould in really bumpy climbs if you hammer it the chain can bounce enough to cause skip (worst time to skip)
and yes pushing the chain up instead of pulling down helps.
even with slotted dropouts a friend of mine needed surly tugnut on driveside to keep wheel from slipping.
try a 29r ss when you can, match made in heaven i think.
i ride a haro mary ss now and am gonna sell my 05 specialized s-works stumpy to build a 29 (hardtail or susp. cant make up my mind)
totally sold on 29r, dont believe the negative myths...

[Funrover]

I really have not had an issue with the tensioner, but I have the chain tighter than a lot of others I see