[Closed] Budget single speed build

yes, I just used middle ring from a triple chainset, and a 16t sprocket - I decided to go for a SS specific chain, and run a tensioner (as I run with a bit of excess chain as I sometimes change to an 18t sprocket when it gets gloopy).

A half link chain may negate the need to use a tensioner.

Good work! Here's my old Kula as an SS. The forks have been replaced with P2's now though

I use a standard 9spd chain with an unramped Hope 32T

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9sp will be fine.
I use a 9sp chain on a 9sp ring with a sprocket off an old cassette and this is fine. The sprocket is spaced on a 9sp hub with two bits of plastic plumbing pipe.
I did use an old rear mech with the limit screws in the right place but now have a proper tensioner. The only purchase you will need to make (assuming you have the rest of the bike somewhere!) is some shorted chainring bolts, about £3 iirc.

old rear mech works as tensioner - better IME.

Yes you can get away with using the 32t on the front and you're ok for the back but the chainline may not be right. Ideally you should have a single 16t sprocket and spacers to allow a smooth running transmission. You can get these from Charlie the bikemonger, velosolo or on-one for not much money. Yes you will have to use a tensioner to take any slack out of the chain.

I do have a step by step guide on my blog under technical help. www.followingthechainline.blogspot.com

9 speed chain is also fine.

Jez. North East Single Speed

cynic-al - Member
old rear mech works as tensioner - better IME.

I've got most of original bike lying around the work stand (the wheels can be seen in the background).

P2's - threaded
Kona Control Centre headset
Velocity stem + orig 50cm Ti bars (wide huh?)

Kato your build looks great, what forks are you running?

I was planning to bung discs on but finding a 42cm fork with disc mount that has straight struts is neigh impossible. (pace have some 42cm RC31s but they're £200 8O). So I've opted for Magura HS33s as I know that's not really 'budget' but it's cheaper than the disc route.

Then the whole frame will be wrapped in old inner tubes to stop the Epping clay/mud eating the frame.

They were a pair a bladed Aluminium Mosso things off eBay. Changed them for Kona P2's now. THere's something nice about an old Kona wearing P2 forks

You still running discs?

Yeah, no disc mount on the back though so running an A2Z adaptor and an Avid mount which has cone washers. Helps remedy the fact that the adaptor isn't straight!

The P2s you got do they have disc tabs?

I manage to run my old kona without any tensioner and it works but I think that's a fluke

Turns out my middle ring looks like a giant ninjas throwing star so I'll need one of them as well.

Here's the bike half built.

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eyerideit - Member

The P2s you got do they have disc tabs?

Yeah, IS mounts and no v-brake posts

The Alfine tensioners are quite good, less clunky than a rear mech but more effective than the simple bolt on ones with a roller. I happen to have a superstar standard tensioner for sale if you need (and a bunch of other v cheap bits!).

Mowgli - YGM, show me your wares.

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First outing today, I snapped the chain (I'll get a 1/8th chain), the tensioner is rubbish so I need to find a better one.

I had complaints that the bars are too small of on the hunt for some wider ones. I also might experiment with fatter tyres for a bit more suspension, but when it get really muddy thin tyres are best aren't they?

Ride wise, arms aere a little tired from the rigid fork, arse isn't sore and legs don't feel tired (it was only 17miles) so all in all a positive feeling about riding SS. 😀

I used to use a tensioner like that - I ran the chain over the top and pushed the tensioner upwards. Seemed to get a good wrap round the sprocket.

Looks fantastic!

Looks very nice.
RE arms, you are stuck with sore ams I'm afraid. I had a similar set up to you, Maxlight steel rigis forks, RF alloy bars and I was using skinny tyres too, Panaracer 1.8"s. Even fireroads would leave me with sore arms.
Now have Trigon carbon forks, Max-M carbon bars, foam grips and 2.3" tyres. Far, far better.
Those brakes are excellent, I had a set on my old SS. 5yrs old when i got the, used them for another 3 before i got a bike with disc mounts, never need any bleeding or anything, always worked. Be warned though, if it's wet and sady mud they will eat pads at an alarming rate.

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Mines a fire mountain nothing like as like as posh as an explosif.

I tensioned the chain using a bb mounted device it works better than the rear mounted POS I had before.

1/8" chain and rings I got a good 32t ring from velosolo for ~£20 I think goldtech do some decent ones too.

thought I'd post a picture of mine, since I commented earlier (and its turning into a Kona SS love-in) 🙂
Points of interest - purple bottle cage, v-brakes, probably a fraction too much chain,Bombers, milk-bottle mud-guard (not pretty but practical)

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i've got a decent tensioner if you're interested. a godspeed one, very nicely made and a good looking subtle thing. all adjustable . yours for a tenner posted http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/330817338286?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla

it's new and unused by the way... no worries if not

Seeing as we're showing the love for SS Konas here's mine-

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The colour looks better in the flesh, but it spends most of it time caked in mud this time of year

Mucho kona love. Think I'll join in. Mine is in commuter mode at the moment.
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Is that a half link chain? I can't get mine to run without a tensioner using a normal 9spd chain

it's sliding dropouts

Ah yes. Where are my glasses......

hosepipe - mail me eyerideit AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk

Looks like we're having another Kona lovefest 😀

steveoath: what forks are you running they look like RC31's?

I'm on the hunt for some old suss forks as well so if you have any laying around that might fit give me shout.

kato are those rigid forks on your kona?if so what make?

I [i]thought[/i] 32:17 was a magic ratio on those old steel Konas, so a halflink chain might get away without a tensioner.

I have a similar one in the garage but no 17t sprocket to confirm unfortunately.

brassneck - Member
I thought 32:17 was a magic ratio on those old steel Konas, so a halflink chain might get away without a tensioner.

I'll have to borrow a 17 to try it.

Have to say though running 32/16 on mine it verges on under geared surely 32/17 would be a bit of a spin fest...

34:16 was the magic ratio on my old fire mountain, it was a 92 tho so things may have changed over the years, love these kona ss's 🙂

Same 34:16 here but again it's an old one