Single speed. What do I need?

After my rear mech fell off on my P7 a couple of weeks ago I thought I'd use it as a single speed, still with my old cassette on, and see how I'd get on. I love it. 😀
Have been looking at the Gusset single speed spacer kit on charlie the bike mongers site. Are they any good? What's a good chain to use as well?
Thanks.

Hi,

Im a recent convert and loving it too. Used a on-one doofer, a KMC 1/8" gold chain from charlie the bike monger, and a superstar (16t) cog and spacers. all works fine. The wide BMX chain seems to shed the clag well.

New knees by the time you are 40?

I'm 47 and ride a singlespeed and my knees are fine, thank you.
Maybe it's because singlespeed make you strong like bear

Interesting facial hair seems to be obligatory

No facial hair but legs are shot.
+1 for Charlie – buy the full gusset kit – about £40.

Does it really knacker your knees up? I mentioned this to a rider who rides single speed a lot and he said it's rubbish. More to do with wrong spd positions. I ride flats anyway.
I have noticed the facial hair thing though amongst the one geared lot.
It's a good job I've stocked up on Tescos 26p for ten razors then.

I used the Gusset spacers and gold KMC chain – the £7.50 one not the £47 one – on my P7 and it worked out fine. No tensioner needed with the horizontal sliding thingys.

No it doesn't knacker your knees. Old wives tail. Gusset kit is as good as any I've seen. Any reason you don't want to use a mountain bike chain?

Any reason you don't want to use a mountain bike chain?

I didn't think you could use a 9 speed chain.

BMX chains are stronger afaik, so more suitable to the strains of SS.

It's fixed gears that can cause knee problems, as can poor cleat positioning and indeed not using gears properly.

On topic. Loads of info on the forum that's just a search away. Check out lfgss.com/ for principle 'mechanics' too.

Big calves are usually involved

I converted my old Kona Muni Mula to a SS last year, using the DMR spacer and tensioner kit and the 9sp chain that was on the bike. If/ when that snaps, I'll get the thicker cog, chainring and chain… Let us know how you get on… 😉