[sulr]

Hello,

I am new to forums for biking. I only know about basic repairs to bikes but do thoroughly enjoy biking.

I have a 2005 Giant Boulder SE. I really only use it to commute, and never really find myself on trails (in parks I just use the paved way). I enjoy using a MTB in the city(of Philadelphia) because many of the roads here are horrible.

Anyway, I think I need new gears (skipping a lot, had to replace them before when it got like this) and have always wanted to use SS(my mind is made up!). I've been reading about singlespeed conversion, and I think I understand the idea and the application of converting, but have a few unanswered questions.

1) Do I need replace the chain rings on the front? If so, will I need spacers and such to make up for empty space caused by removing two of the chain rings? What kind of tools will I need to remove the crank and the chain rings?

2) I was looking at conversion kits by origin8, are they a good brand to go with?

3) If 2) applies, then the origin8 conversion kit I see all over the internet http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Single-Speed-Conversion-Kit/dp/B002UZFU7G

has 16t and 18t cogs. Which might you prefer to use in an area like Philadelphia?

Thank you very much for assisting me !
Sulr

 

[ISuckAtRiding]

it's best to use an unramped chainring so you dont throw your chain and crush your nads.
You shouldnt need spacers, but single ring chainring bolts will probably be needed as the stock ones may be too long after you remove the outer ring.
I have no experience with the orgin8 stuff.
For city riding, you're going to want something big in the front and small in the back. Something like a 40tx16t might work, but i really dont know. I only ride dirt, which generally would require something more like a 32tx18t.

 

[sulr]

Thanks for the fast reply.

What do you mean by "unramped chainring". Is that what some one else refered to me as single right hand side crank ?

Might you have suggested parts for converting my MTB into a Singlespeed? I am looking to spend under a 100$ ( I was told this is possible).

or better yet, a generally well received online retailer for these sorts of products?

Thanks!

 

[boomn]

the middle and large chainrings for geared bikes have small pegs and ramps on the inside to help the chain shift onto the ring. They also have shorter teeth than singlespeed rings.

 

[lidarman]

I have run ramped rings and have never dropped a chain.

For commuting a gear ratio of 2.5 plus is great. It depends on the hills in your area.

If you want to get rid of all the chainrings except for the middle, you will need short chainring bolts because the large ring acts like a spacer.. If you want to go really cheap. leave on the big ring, even though you won't use it.

You will probably need a singlelator on the rear to take up the chain slack since your frame probably has standard dropouts. if you can manage it, make the singleator press the chain toward the chainstay for the most wrap around rather than pull it out.

 

[wjphillips]

You can do this very cheap.

Just remove the front and rear deralluers and shifters. You will need to shorten your chain so you will need a chain tool (or just buy a new chain for $20).

Now put the chain on and make sure the chain line is straight.
It's possible your rear cassette is hyperglide. This complicates things. Which means you'll have to buy a conversion kit, but it is usually possible to get by with just the existing rear cassette.

Do a google search for "Sheldon Brown Single speed". He's got everything you'll need.

Done.

 

[sulr]

how can i tell if I have a hyperglide or not?

 

[wjphillips]

The teeth on the rear sprockets will have curvy grooves in them. It's designed to make shifting quicker and smoother, but can cause problems for a single speed setup. Just go get the conversion kit. If there is a performance bike in your area, then you can get one there as cheap as $21. Check their web site too.

 

[Sheepo5669]

i have that same Origin 8 kit on my SS. it works great but i need to use a half link to get perfect chain tension. when the tensioner is too loose i drop my chain and when its too tight i can just tell my bearings are being smoked. Its also noisy. Overall, its good quality for the money. Happy Trails!