[links0311]

I have this frame:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_173397_-1_201511_10000_200450
and want to convert it to a single speed using this kit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SINGLE-SPEED-FI...Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a018100a

Will this work? Any other ideas for turning a frame with this type of dropouts into a single speed? I'd like to try running a single speed in some races this year, but don't want to buy another bike. Thought I would post both here and single speed/fixed forum to see what ideas I could get. Thanks.

 

[Todd_H]

I've done some research on this too and I believe that kit will work. I found this to be informative: http://www.cxmagazine.com/how-to-convert-your-bike-to-singlespeed

As far as being laughed at, not sure, but I think unicycle cross races have made most crazy cross ideas safe from ridicule and shame.

 

[d2p]

use a half link

 

[pretender]

The frame isn't the prettiest but I hardly think you'll be laughed at.

I might spend a little more on a cog and tensioner, those kits are a bit cheap.

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

Should be more than fine.

If the spring tension on the tensioner doesn't cut it, you can use a zip tie or rubber band to keep it engaged (rubber band being preferable if you want to be able to swap rear wheels.

Edit: I have seen, raced and been beaten by worse. . .

 

[Coolhand]

Yeah, I have seen some godawful hoopties in cross, but its all good once they say "go!".

 

[Thom H]

Coolhand is right, that ain't the nicest frame out there. But it is more important how it goes in cross then how it looks. The Singlespeed is the most hoopty of the hoopty classes. I promise there will be a lot more "rat bike" looking rigs than yours by a lot. You might even be one of the most respectable rigs in some races. SS cross is also the most fun of the whole series of races IMHO. I even sometimes race my SS in the geared class even though I have a great geared bike. I do not even pretend SS is faster and know I am in for a whuppin, but it is just so darn fun banging the SS rig around the course..

 

[links0311]

Thanks for all the great replies. I think I'll give it a try maybe with a better conversion kit if I can find one. Thanks again. I have the frame already, had it for about 2 years and thought it would be fun to convert it over.

 

[cyklopath]

If you're strong, those cogs will be fine, but for they would be too tall. I run an 18 or a 20 tooth cog with a 39 ring (I'm a backmarker, not a front of the pack guy) but the 16 was definitely too tall for me.

 

[links0311]

I think I've rounded up all the parts I need:
Singleator from JensonUSA
Origin8 Spacer Kit from Harris Cyclery
39T chainring and white chain from DansComp

 

[atpjunkie]

no one will laugh

as long as you are passing them

 

[Coolhand]

as long as you are passing them

No one will laugh if they pass you either- unless you are wearing a costume.

 

[gobes]

You should go with the soulcraft tensioner. It's the nicest I've seen.

 

[links0311]

That Soulcraft costs more than everything on my list and then some. If I was going to spend that much I'd probably go with an ENO hub from W.I. I hear those things are awesome.

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

They are nice hubs, but the Soulcraft is functionally better, IMO/IME.

 

[gobes]

You'll appreciate the soulcraft when you need to change your wheel quickly.

 

[pretender]

The Shimano Alfine tensioner looks good at a nice price. Certainly less dear than the Soulcraft.

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

Exactly. Only sliding drops and EBBs are better when it comes to wheel changes.

 

[toddre]

I hope the frame is acceptable because it looks like that's what I'll be riding this year..with 600EX 8-speed shifters non-the-less :thumbsup:

 

[seahuston]

This will work though I would recommend looking at getting a more single speed specific cog. While I doubt you will be using superlight/nice wheels if this is a rat bike a narrow cog like those on ebay may dig some fun groves into the freehub body.
Check out Surly's singlespeed conversion page they make single speed cogs that have a wider contact point to help reduce the notching.
Hope it comes out well and you ride the heck out of it.