How do I make my Raleigh a singlespeed?

WillT19 · Mar 25, 2013

Hi, after riding hardpacked snowmobile trails all winter I realized I was carrying around a lot of weight that I didnt need. (5.5 lb fork and a 3x8 drivetrain) Of course on smooth snowmobile trails you really dont need a fork, or gears for that matter. So I would like to make my 2002 Raleigh M60 a single speed (if possible) for next winter.
I would like to make it a belt drive but have no idea if that would be possible. I'm also fine with the traditional chain drive.
And also if there are any good kits out there let me know.

phsycle · Mar 25, 2013

First read http://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/single-speed-faq-780004.html Then continue to search either here or Google. So much info on the net about this. I think even some YouTube vids.

Lastly, forget belt drive. Expensive and you need to cut the frame.

mack_turtle · Mar 25, 2013

it looks like your rear hub should have a cassette/ freehub interface, instead of a freewheel. this makes things easier.
1. buy a single-speed cog and spacers and a derailleur hanger-mounted tensioner. 16-18t sized cogs should work just fine. also get a single-speed specific chainring with some short chainring bolts, or just wrap the chain around the middle ring and don't use the other rings. if you chain is worn out, get a new one. otherwise, you can use your old chain and just shorten it.

2. remove your derailleurs, shifters, cables, and cassette. replace the cassette with the SS cog and use the spacers to get it to line up with the middle chainring. wrap the chain around the front ring and the cog and break off the excess links with a chain tool. re-attach the chain with a proper master link or master pin. install the chain tensioner on the derailleur hanger.
3. ride and smile.

Bro · Mar 25, 2013

WillT19 said:
on smooth snowmobile trails you really dont need a fork, or gears for that matter.

Contrary to popular belief, you actually do need a fork and gear(s). You can use a rigid fork if you want, but that's still a fork, and even if you have just one gear ratio, that's still a gear.

Traditional chain drive has worked for years and years and years. There's no need to change that. And converting to singlespeed is easy. Just take off the stuff that you don't need, and go ride!

WillT19 · Mar 26, 2013

erik1245 said:
Contrary to popular belief, you actually do need a fork and gear(s). You can use a rigid fork if you want, but that's still a fork, and even if you have just one gear ratio, that's still a gear. QUOTE]

:madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman:

Bro · Mar 26, 2013

WillT19 said:
:madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman::madman:

It's a peeve of mine. Y'know. Precision of language and whatnot. I'll apologize if you want me to, but I won't be sorry.

mtnbikej · Mar 28, 2013

To make your bike a SS......just don't shift.

Sorry.....someone had to say it.

tooclosetosee · Mar 28, 2013

erik1245 said:
I'll apologize if you want me to, but I won't be sorry.

This is awesome.

fishcreek · Mar 28, 2013

Keep the suspension fork. Rigid fork + alu frame = teeth chattering

MassgraveX · Mar 28, 2013

And a little "please" and "thank you" will get you pretty far in this forum. Try it.

GrayJay · Mar 28, 2013

Belt drive is not really viable option to retrofit on an aluminum frame. You need to have an open joint somewhere in the rear triangle to allow the belt to loop through the frame. Not terribly hard to braze and retrofit a opening into a steel frame but not a good idea to try with aluminum.
Post a good picture of the rear-dropout, that will help to better determine how to achieve chain tension adjustment.

How do I make my Raleigh a singlespeed?

WillT19

phsycle

mack_turtle

Bro

WillT19

Bro

mtnbikej

tooclosetosee

fishcreek

MassgraveX

GrayJay

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities