There’s an old GT laying around in bits in the spare room. It’s been there since the beginning of time almost. A fair while anyway. And so I’m thinking it’s about time I got my hands dirty and built it back up.

However, since I already have 3 bikes it doesn’t make sense to recreate what I already have, hence singlespeeding it. It’ll probably only be used for shopping trips really, and the odd quick blast. Not because of any real needs – more because it’s already there. A proper old hack. So I want to spend as little money as possible.

What do I need – Singlespeed kit freehub jobby wotsit (I see On-One are doing them for a tenner), and a chain tensioner (vertical dropout)? Is that everything?

I’ll need a chain too, but apart from the obvious, is there anything else, and any recommendations for really good bargains?

Superstar for ss kit and tensioner cheap cheap.

Dont get a superstar tensioner they are crap.

Half Link Chain and a SS kit for the cassette – tensioners are unnecessary.

any chain will do, even an old one unless its goosed

used a superstar kit for a while no probs just the same as other brands with different badge. (personally i’d go for the static style over the spring loaded ones)

Do I need a singlespeed chainring up front. Or can I ghetto it with the middle ring from a triple?

any old chain, any old mech, thread cable backwards and lock it up as a tensioner. ride it like you stole it.

Surly Singleator. Best 40 quid you’ll ever spend and it will never ever die.

Gusset 1 1/8 Slinky Chain.

DMR SSKit’s the standard.

Do not buy a DMR Tensionseeker 2.

Let’s talk ratios 😈

SS sprockets are wider (8sp) so you normally need an 8sp chain. Any chainring will do as you can use an 8sp chain on a 9/10sp chainring.

Do I need a singlespeed chainring up front. Or can I ghetto it with the middle ring from a triple?

nope it will be fine.

Much tidier using a half link chain, than having a tensioner in the way:

Ragley Ti Single Speed by brf, on Flickr

Being thick here, but what’s a half link chain?

footflaps…

How much for your shiny bike?

😥

Half link chain is just what is says, more links allow better adjustment of the chain tension. Half link chains stretch too, so be ready to re-adjust the chain. Strongly recommend half link chain, or BMX style chain. Standard cassette based chains will break, eventually.

You could always ask Charlie… nice guy, good advice, independant bike shop that sells all things Singlespeed.. One geared bike shop chap

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93M9lvl8LM8[/video]

Watch that and buy this….

One speed kit

Half link chains and no tensioner can work, but not for long, it does not allow for chain stretch.

Half link chains and no tensioner can work, but not for long, it does not allow for chain stretch.

Just take a half link out when it stretches…

How much for your shiny bike?

I bought the frame off STW Classifieds for half price….