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Trek Stache 7 Single Speed Conversion

2186 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by BansheeRune, 2 d ago

RatBikeRod

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2022

I finished up my Stache 7 SS conversion this weekend and got it out to ride a bit.

I had the original 30 tooth front chain ring and picked up a 32 and 32 as well. I got the Surly single speed conversion kit and picked up 18, 19 & 20 tooth rear Surly cogs. I started out in the middle with the 32 chainring and the 19 cog. So far it feels pretty good. I need to do some more riding to decide if this is where I will keep it.

However, if you look at the pictures I am posting, I think I may not be able to run the wheel all the way forward. I shot for the middle of the drop out, but even there running the 32/19 there is not a lot of tire clearance before I hit the seat tube. And I am running a 29x2.8 tire down from the original 3.0. Let me know what you think.

The chain is a Izimi Super Tough. It is kinda differenet not only in color but instead of a quick link it has a screw and nut that hold the connector link. I will see how that works out. I got it at the recommendation of a local builder who does a lot of SS conversions for bigger guys like me.

Anyhow, would like to know your thoughts. I do think I will ultimately update the brakes on this bike as well.

Bicycle Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Wheel Crankset Bicycle seatpost

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wschruba

· #2 · Jan 17, 2022

IF the Izumi is 1/8" width, you can use a 1/8 half-link to effectively move the wheel back. The narrow-wide chainring won't care, as long as the 'narrow' part of the chain clears the wide teeth.

Weinerts

· #3 · Jan 20, 2022

I have been wanting to do this to my stashe since I go it - but my son has been riding it and he is my same height - but only weights 146 lbs. I don't think he would be happy with the effort.
Very nicely done.

Reactions: 1

RatBikeRod

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 20, 2022

I am definitely having to reach down and dredge up some additional fitness that I did not have. I hope this makes me both a better cyclist and fitter person. It is definitely more of a challenge than my old Rig. But I like the difference and the easy maintenance.

Just need to get to the trail more now….

erikleb

· #5 · 1 mo ago

I am looking to convert my Stache as well. Any chance you have a link to the kit you used?

I’m getting a bunch of mixed ideas from local shops and since yours is proven, I appreciate taking the guesswork out.

Thank you I’m advance!

RatBikeRod

Discussion Starter · #6 · 1 mo ago

erikleb said:
I am looking to convert my Stache as well. Any chance you have a link to the kit you used?

I’m getting a bunch of mixed ideas from local shops and since yours is proven, I appreciate taking the guesswork out.

Thank you I’m advance!

Really simple I just used the Surly single speed kit from Jensen.

Surly Single Speed Spacer Kit | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

Then ordered a number of front chain rings and rear cogs that I could mix and match. Where I live is pretty flat, so the 32:19 works pretty well.

I also switched to an Izumi Super Tough 3/32 Chain. It is expensive but it is TOUGH!

Reactions: 1

Shinkers

· #7 · 1 mo ago

Am I seeing that right? Is that chain $100?

wschruba

· #8 · 1 mo ago

Shinkers said:
Am I seeing that right? Is that chain $100?

Yeah, it's correct. Izumi only makes bicycle chains for NJS (Keirin) racing now. The cert marks up the price of a part %100-400 percent, typically. It's similar to how a pressure certified shrader valve might cost $20, instead of $0.20. It doesn't help that the chain plates are blued, instead of plated. Makes the price shoot way up.

If you want to have a fainting spell, look up how much NJS certified chainrings/sprockets cost.

You will get most of the functionality from a KMC 'B' series chain (these also have full-length bushings, which is one of the reasons Izumi/other NJS track chains are generally accepted as "better").

RatBikeRod

Discussion Starter · #9 · 1 mo ago

wschruba said:
Yeah, it's correct. Izumi only makes bicycle chains for NJS (Keirin) racing now. The cert marks up the price of a part %100-400 percent, typically. It's similar to how a pressure certified shrader valve might cost $20, instead of $0.20. It doesn't help that the chain plates are blued, instead of plated. Makes the price shoot way up.

If you want to have a fainting spell, look up how much NJS certified chainrings/sprockets cost.

You will get most of the functionality from a KMC 'B' series chain (these also have full-length bushings, which is one of the reasons Izumi/other NJS track chains are generally accepted as "better").

What he said.

For me it was worth the investment, I am 6'6" 245lbs. I tend to break lesser chains.

erikleb

· #10 · 1 mo ago

RatBikeRod said:
Really simple I just used the Surly single speed kit from Jensen.

Surly Single Speed Spacer Kit | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

Then ordered a number of front chain rings and rear cogs that I could mix and match. Where I live is pretty flat, so the 32:19 works pretty well.

I also switched to an Izumi Super Tough 3/32 Chain. It is expensive but it is TOUGH!

i appreciate it. It’s on back order. I signed up to get an email when the inventory is back up.

DBAD

· #11 · 1 mo ago

I have not had good luck with half links. I have broken 2 KMC half links. If you do go that route use the Gusset Slink link paired with 2 old school motorcycle style 3 piece KMC master links, I didn't break that one and I used it for two years. When the chain wore out I gave up on the half links. Ultimately I didn't really notice the small ~ 1/4 inch shorter rear end that the half link allowed my setup to achieve especially after I bruised my knee badly when one of the KMC links blew up. Also, if I recall correctly, you cannot use a half link with a narrow wide chainring. The 1/8 half link may fit a narrow wide 9/10/11/12 speed chainring but I'm pretty sure the 3/32 link does not work.

DBAD

· #12 · 1 mo ago

I also should mention I do have a Stache. Great bike! Mine is not SS though. Some people have had problems with Stache in SS mode. I have not tried mine in that mode but if you search around you can find some complaints particularly with the carbon version. If my rigid SS dies I will definitely switch the Stache over to give it a shot as a singlespeed. As far as your tire clearance is concerned, go for it assuming you have the aluminum version.

bankofdad

· #13 · 1 mo ago

Erikleb,
Universal cycle has them in stock

Universal Cycles - The Largest Selection of Road and Mountain Bike Parts

Universal Cycles - 30,000+ mountain & road cycling parts. Online & in Portland Oregon since 1997. West Coast & Midwest warehouses. Instant price matches. 29er, BMX, freeride, single speed, & downhill products.

www.universalcycles.com

www.universalcycles.com

grundy

· #14 · 6 d ago

DBAD said:
I also should mention I do have a Stache. Great bike! Mine is not SS though. Some people have had problems with Stache in SS mode. I have not tried mine in that mode but if you search around you can find some complaints particularly with the carbon version. If my rigid SS dies I will definitely switch the Stache over to give it a shot as a singlespeed. As far as your tire clearance is concerned, go for it assuming you have the aluminum version.

I'm one of those people and after failing to get my (carbon) Stache working properly without a tensioner, I added a Zee derailleur as a tensioner and never looked back. It's such a great bike, and I've really been enjoying it as a single.

Reactions: 1

RatBikeRod

Discussion Starter · #15 · 3 d ago

As an update, the one problem I did have, which was common to the Stache in general, is that I finally cracked the rear wheel. So it got an upgrade to a RaceFace Arc 40 with a Hope Pro 5 hub.

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BansheeRune

· #16 · 2 d ago

Mmmmm, Pro5!! That should be very nice, indeed.

RatBikeRod said:
What he said.

For me it was worth the investment, I am 6'6" 245lbs. I tend to break lesser chains.

My trials bike destroys low quality chains and good quality chains are only part season lifespan.
Buy quality chains or bad things can happen when one lets go.

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