[wasilly]

I need some help on a ss build. Using a mid 90's privateer frame with vertical dropouts. Do i need a chain tension device or is there a gear ratio that will work instead? I noticed some builds using 36:18 that seem to work. I'm new to this and used the search function already. Thanks,

 

[Captain Crash]

I need some help on a ss build. Using a mid 90's privateer frame with vertical dropouts. Do i need a chain tension device or is there a gear ratio that will work instead? I noticed some builds using 36:18 that seem to work. I'm new to this and used the search function already. Thanks,

It will help to know the chainstay length, that way you can pick the correct gear combo to span the distance without a tensioner and get the ratio you want. You may need some funky sizes though. My old Fisher works perfectly with 32x18.

I used ssConvert to do the calculations:
http://www.teambigtime.com/software/ssConvert.htm
it seems to work well. YMMV.

Also, check the FAQ above has lots of info. http://mtbr.com/faq/ssfaq.shtml
HTH

 

[aka brad]

Worked for me...

I need some help on a ss build. Using a mid 90's privateer frame with vertical dropouts. Do i need a chain tension device or is there a gear ratio that will work instead? I noticed some builds using 36:18 that seem to work. I'm new to this and used the search function already. Thanks,

I had a medium 98 Bontrager frame and a 32:18 worked without a tensioner. The rule of four says if the frames are the same 36:18 should work. I also used a half link with a 32:16 with no problem.

1G1G, Brad