Looking to convert a freewheel, not freehub, to single speed--what course do i take?

Question

Looking to convert a freewheel, not freehub, to single speed--what course do i take?

Answer 1

You can put a singlespeed freewheel right on the hub you have.  You'll almost certainly need to swap around some of the spacers on the axle and re-dish the wheel in order to get proper chainline, and in addition to that you may need to play around with the chainring position on the spider (with or without spacing washers).  Depending on the chainring bolts you already have, you may or may not be able to snug up the single ring.  If not, pick up a set of single ring bolts at the bike shop.  You can order colored aluminum ones direct from Vuelta on their website (lots cheaper than from a shop for some reason).   If you get them from a shop, check the prices on ones labeled for bmx bikes...same thing and they're often half the price for some unknown reason.  

That basic stuff will work with most bikes, but with some you might also need to choose a different bottom bracket spindle length...just depends on what you have.

Getting proper chain tension can be tricky if you want to do it without a chain tensioner for a clean look.  Or, you can use a chain tensioner.  lol.  If you have the Campy horizontal dropouts you can probably make it work easily, but sometimes it takes a little monkeying around with gear selection, and using a half-link chain link for $2 can be really helpful.  They make those in 3/32" if you can find them but many shops seem to only stock the 1/8" size.  Another option would be a new half-link chain (pricey and heavy, but very cool looking).

No matter what gear combination you choose, you'll probably want to stick close to a 2.5:1 ratio.  42T x 16T works for me in our area.  If you have many hills you'll want something easier.  

Unless you really mash hard on the pedals, a normal quick release skewer will be fine.  You can switch to a bolt-on skewer or a nutted axle if the wheel slips.

Hope this helps.....if you need anything more just post up again.   :o)

Answer 2

flat one maby

Answer 3

Check out the link below.