REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Best way to convert my old Trek HT to a SS - xpost from Drivetrain board

814 Views 3 Replies 4 Participants Last post by czryan, Aug 12, 2004

dgangi

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2004

What's the best way to convert my old Trek HT to a SS? It's not a SS frame, so I'll need something to keep tension on the chain. I know there are a lot of variations on those devices, but which is best?

Right now the bike is spec'd as follows:

1997 Trek 8000 Easton frame (last year of the bonded frames I believe)
8-spd XT drivetrain (shifters, derailleur)
SRAM 5.0 8-spd cassette (still have the old XT cassette in a box)
Nuke-Proof hubs + Mavic 517 rims
Kooka cranks (compact 94mm 5-bolt version) w/Ringle chainrings (22/32/44)
Avid 7 v-brakes + levers
Noleen Mega-Air fork (@80mm)
SRAM PC69 chain
Kore (Easton) flat bar
Kore stem

And what gear/cog ratio should I run? I'm a pretty strong biker, but this will be my first SS bike.

Thx...Doug

Save

1 - 4 of 4 Posts

Drevil

· #2 · Aug 12, 2004

Read the FAQ at the top of the page. It'll answer your Qs.

Save

AdroitBreaker

· #3 · Aug 12, 2004

dgangi said:
What's the best way to convert my old Trek HT to a SS? It's not a SS frame, so I'll need something to keep tension on the chain. I know there are a lot of variations on those devices, but which is best?

I can't say which is best but I run the newer style Surly Singleator. I like it. You do have to get a 18mm (or 14?? can't remember) cone wrench to install it.

dgangi said:
And what gear/cog ratio should I run? I'm a pretty strong biker, but this will be my first SS bike.

This depends on your terrain. You can search single speed on ebay and find a kit by flashpoint_cycling that includes spacers and a cog for about 10 bucks. I decided to get an 18 and a 20 but it's a little mountainous in Central VA. I never really use the 32-20, but the 32-18 is a little harsh on days when I am not feeling so strong. If you are near the coast or someplace flat, you could probably pick up a 16 and an 18 and see what works. You just have to email the guy about getting two cogs.

Save

czryan

· #4 · Aug 12, 2004

I also think the Singleator is a good choice for a tensioner. It comes with two springs, so you can rig it to push up or down, the tension is adjustable (you do need an 18mm cone wrench), the pulley floats a little bit, the cage guides the chain but won't get jammed with debris, and you can run either 3/32 or 1/8 chain with it. So far mine has been bulletproof. Pricepoint has them for $40. As far as cogs, my LBS had some ancient seven speed cassettes that I bought for 5 bucks and took apart; this gave me some spacers and the cog I wanted to try. Once you settle on a ratio then you can buy a good SS cog.

Save

1 - 4 of 4 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month