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Just building up my hardtail frame from spare bits that I have in my garage, and have decided to give singlespeed a try. I have a couple of questions however..... I'm just trying to convert my existing pro2 hub, and have seen various kits which include spacers etc, has anyone any experience of these or any recommendation? Also, what are the chances that I will need a tensioner? Presumably high as I have vertical dropouts on my frame. Finally, I am unsure as to what ratio to run. I am thinking maybe a 32t front and 18 sprocket as I am not the strongest (although fairly fit). Again, any comments on how people have found this?
Cheers.
you will be very lucky of you get the magic chainline so better to factor in a chain tensioner
the kits with different sized spacers are better than just two piece ones as you can adjust the chain line easier
32:16 is standard unless your area is really hilly
i have an unused 18 T cog you can have for postage
Existing hub with something like [url= http://on-one.co.uk/i/q/SKOOSSKK/on_one_singlespeed_converter_kit_with_16t_sprocket ]this[/url] will be fine.
Yes you will probably need a tensioner.
32/16 should be fine unless it's really hilly.
1) Normal ratio on 26" is 2:1. Adjust for local terraine accordingly
2) Pro2 hubs have alloy freehub bodies, so go for a wide foot sprocket Like the On-One groove armada or the Surly one to avoid tearing the splines
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/surly-cassette-cog-191-p.asp
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/halo-fat-foot-18-singlespeed-cog-1419-p.asp
this one comes with a nice collection of spacers too
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=58&products_id=266
3) You will almost certainly need a tensioner. Surly singulator is top quality, or try one of the On-One or superstar components ones
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/surly-singleator-25-p.asp
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FSOOSSD/on_one_doofer_singlespeed_chain_tensioner
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=58&products_id=268
This is all great info, thanks. My freehub body is already pretty chewed up, although it works fine, so not too bothered about it getting worse, although might opt for the wider cog anyway. Junkyard, thanks for the offer - might take you up on it but at work so will email later if I decide I need it. Just one more thing - I intend to use an old Deore steel 32t chainring to kick me off. It is a bit worn, but I have the chain that I was running with it and it was working fine as a triple - no slipping etc. Do you reckon this is likely to be okay, or am I going to lose my knackers through slippage? I haven't even ridden a singlespeed mtb before, so really unsure what to expect. The simplicity really appeals to me though.
p.s. I take it getting a straight chainline is important?!
Just done the exact same thing myself. I used a Gusset converter for the hub with a 16t cog (the Gusset ones have a widened flange to avoid damage to the freehub body), then got an e13 32t cog up front on xt cranks, I guess you could use and existing cog but I think there's maybe less chance of slippage on a single front specific ring as the teeth are longer as there is no need to aid gear changing. I then put a Spank half link chain on which lets you get the chain tension much closer. I've been out for a couple of rides and had no problem as yet so maybe see how it goes before buying a tensioner?
yep unless you want to lose your knackers 🙂I take it getting a straight chainline is important
worn 32 chainring should be fine aslong as your chain doesn't break 🙂
Alloy freehub might be trouble, feels like you put more strain through chain and cog SSing but I'm sure an engineer/physicist will be along shortly to say 22x34 will put a lot more force through the drivechain.
You can use plastic waste pipe if you're too tight to pay for proper spacer kit, I originally used that and several years later despite having a proper spacer kit in the cupboard I've yet to fit it.
I used an on-one tensioner, lasted years no problems, just take your time getting chainline right.
Do you reckon this is likely to be okay, or am I going to lose my knackers through slippage?
you'll be much better off with a SS ring imo.
I've used various old rings no problems, SS cog is pretty important tho I reckon.you'll be much better off with a SS ring imo
UPDATE!
Went for my first ride on the singlespeed today, and I have to say I loved it! Once I got used to it and wasn't randomly jabbing the bars with my thumbs looking for gears which no longer exist I found it a highly enjoyable exerience. Got some minor slippage when cranking steep climbs, so am going to splash out on new chainring and chain now I know that I like it. Thanks for all the advice.
Welcome to a whole new world of riding fun.
How did you get on with chain tensioning, did you need a tensioner?
And then a pic of said bike is needed. 😀
I got a Superstar tensioner, which seems more than adequate for my needs. It was a bit of faff getting the tension right until I realised that it needed to be a bit tighter than I had first thought. Pic later this week when properly finished!
if you have a few old cassettes with the spacers between the cogs , then strip them down and use the spacers .add a single speed cog . use the outside cog and lock ring to hold it all together
Welcome to the SS fold.