[dir-T]

Sorry guys, I'm not moving over to the dark side yet but I would like to convert my townie to an 8 speed (actually a 6 or even a 4 would be ideal except for the difficulty finding and up/downgrading parts). I'd like to keep only a 42 or 44 tooth ring on front and was wondering what the best way to go would be.

Other than simply removing the grannie and middle ring what are my options for a suitable crank (preferably in the sub-$100 range) that only has a spider for 1 ring?

 

[shiggy]

Actually, the "Dark Side" is riding a multi-speed full-squishy. Makes the riding too easy and the maintenance too hard.
You have Seen The Light when you go singlespeed!

Don't sweat the crank. Just remove the rings you don't use. You will need BMX/track chainring bolts if you do not use a guard ring. Very few actual "singlespeed" cranks, excluding BMX.

Easy to go 2, 3, 4 or 5-speed on the rear, too. Break down a cassette. Pick the cogs you want. use the loose spacers between cogs and to fill the FH body. Adjust the limit screws on the derailleur and you are good to go!

 

[wolfy]

right spacers

I'd add that you need to use the right spacers for the type of shifter. 7, 8, and 9 have different spacing. I think. Also "breaking down" a cassette can necessatate a hack saw.

Nice complexity bashing, Shiggy.

 

[SS Jerry]

Take equal parts Spedu-o-phed.....

Oooop's wrong forum, I thought we were talking about crank..., not cranks.....

But while were are on the subject, I like the Eno cranks myself.

-JS-

 

[shiggy]

But while were are on the subject, I like the Eno cranks myself.

-JS-

Me, too. Can not touch them for <$100 though.

 

[shiggy]

I'd add that you need to use the right spacers for the type of shifter. 7, 8, and 9 have different spacing. I think. Also "breaking down" a cassette can necessatate a hack saw.

Nice complexity bashing, Shiggy.

Just use a lower-end (Deore or lower) cassette. No cog carrier. May have to drill out a couple of pins - no hacksawing. The spacers you need are in the cassette. Just need a few extra for space filling.

 

[shiggy]

...Nice complexity bashing, Shiggy.

BTW

Dark Side

The Light

​

 

[DiRt DeViL]

FC-M510 (Deore) is what I'm currently using.