Forum menu
I'm going to turn my shop/pub/gym bike into a proper ss mtb (if a ss can be a proper mtb?!) however I'm going to need some proper drop-outs putting on instead of the tensioner bodge I'm currently using as well as a disc mount and hose guides. Then it'll obviously need respraying as well...
Has anyone got any experience of doing this and which framebuilders did you use?
I realise it'd be cheaper and easier to buy a new frame etc etc but tbh if I was bothered about making life easier I wouldn't want a rigid singlespeed!
Is it steel or aluminum?
Steel - so should be easy enough in theory... (well, I'd have thought so but I'm asking strangers on a forum so I'm clearly not that confident!)
Argos apparently do a top notch service, but for a price, I think.
The problem with converting a frame to SS is that proper SS frames have stiffer chainstays. Bikes designed for deraiileurs don't need such stiff chainstays and can thus enjoy the benefits of a supple ride.
Hopefully it probably won't be a major problem, but your chain can drop if the chainstay flexes too much when you're stomping up a steep hill. This can cause eyewatering damage at the toptube/groin interface.
Proper SS frames are cheap these days - plenty 2nd hand.
OP it is not cheap (£150+ as an estimate) and you will almost certainly be better getting an inbred unless your existing bike is nice.
The problem with converting a frame to SS is that proper SS frames have stiffer chainstays. Bikes designed for deraiileurs don't need such stiff chainstays and can thus enjoy the benefits of a supple ride.
Sorry but that is utter rubbish.
but your chain can drop if the chainstay flexes too much when you're stomping up a steep hill
Even better! You must have some thighs to compress a chainstay that much.
I've used Argos in the past to update and respray a DeKerf Generation frame. I couldn't have had better service - they even called to check the job before removong / adding the bits. As said, it was not cheap, but it was well worth it.
Again, as said, you may be better off simply buying a second hand (or new, for that matter) singlespeed frame, as the cost will be similar. It's all much of a muchness.