Conversion to Single Speed

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romegadave

romegadave

Joined
Feb 26, 2008
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rome, georgia
You guys have some damn nice bikes. Me? I've got a 4 yr old Specialized Hardrock Sport so I am low end. I broke the derailleur hanger and it got me to thinking about converting it to a single speed due to the riding that I do (managable on a single-road and light trail). I thought about converting and then saving up for a better multi speed. Cost to repair = $30....cost for conversion 50 - 100? My question is if conversion on older bikes is the way to go given that some bike shops are not interested in trade-ins or they won't give you much for an older bike? I've never mech'd on bikes either. Just thinking I might save $$ down the road on an older bike by simplification. TIA for everyone's thoughts--dave
 
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You can buy a gusset ss conversion kit for about $20 from several online retailiers. You will need something to tension the chain, like a Surly Singulator ($50) and you'll need a tool to remove the Cassette from the rear hub ($5) and an old piece of chain to make a chain whip tool to keep the hub from spinning while trying to loosen the retaining ring. It's not rocket surgery, and there are TONS of videos on the youtubes about how to wrench on bikes. Just search "single speed conversion".

Did rockhoppers of that generation have the replaceable derailleur hangers?
 
Thanks for your info TCB....this model does have a replaceable hanger. I'm just fishing around. Given the lack of super wear on this bike I may just ride it like hell and do a conversion when it's shot. Thanx again, Dave
 
I snapped the stock hanger on my 05 hardrock in the first year I had it. Bought a new hanger for around 5 bucks and put it back on. Seriously a 10 minute job, :banana: mechanic easy. All you need is a few allen wrenches to pull the old derailler off and have at it.
 
Thanks for all the good advice (haven't located a $5 hanger yet) and will follow up. Gracias.
 
It is possible that you can convert to singlespeed for $0.

Calculate a gear that uses your middle front ring and one of the sprockets from your casette and you may find one that will just work with your vertical dropouts. Here's a program that will help:

http://eehouse.org/fixin/javafmu.php

You can often get used cassettes from a bike shop for free if you need a size that you don't already have. Then you just need spacers for the freehub body. Those can be made from PVC or copper pipe, or you can scavenge spacers from a few cassettes and stack them.
 
Fast Eddy said:
It is possible that you can convert to singlespeed for $0.

Calculate a gear that uses your middle front ring and one of the sprockets from your casette and you may find one that will just work with your vertical dropouts. Here's a program that will help:

http://eehouse.org/fixin/javafmu.php

You can often get used cassettes from a bike shop for free if you need a size that you don't already have. Then you just need spacers for the freehub body. Those can be made from PVC or copper pipe, or you can scavenge spacers from a few cassettes and stack them.
Click to expand...

Don't listen to Fast Eddy, he suffers from the single speed disease.
 
I converted my '98 SWorks (M2 era aluminum is a good indicator) to SS. If you have the same longer chainstays (I think 16.75 or 19.69 I think) I found the magic gear twice by accident. 36/15 is just killer for townie, or 36/21 or even 36/22 works for MTB just killer.. Hope it helps!
 
I have been riding single speed for about 6 months now and love it.

I don't have anything against gears and derailleurs I just prefer my Single Speed.

Right now I have it set up with a 52 tooth front ring and a 16 tooth rear freewheel cog. I ride it to work and back about 9 miles total with a very small hill. Sometimes I have a headwind the entire commute and I have to really mash on the pedals and remind myself that I love my bike!
IMG_0925.webp
 
Total Hijack:

What is the proper tension on a single speed chain? I am sure google is my friend but what is a good site for SS info?
 
Ruadhrigh said:
Total Hijack:

What is the proper tension on a single speed chain? I am sure google is my friend but what is a good site for SS info?
Click to expand...

You don't want it to be able to fall off the chain ring or break. As long as the chain does not fall off when you ride over bumps and obstacles. You don't want it too tight because it causes excess stress on the chain and other components.

best info here

and a great forum!
 
Good info on chain tension....went with a new hanger for the time being --thanks, dave
 
Hello, my name is dixie_cragger and I, TOO, am a singlespeeder :)

Technically, all you really need is a chain tensioner to replace your hanger to convert to SS. Then get some spacers for your rear cog and pick which tooth cog (I ride 16 but i do live in Texas) you want in the back. I did it on my older Trek 9.8 and it's the best thing i ever did. I'm about to build a beater fixie that's about to get more use on road than my blinged out Cervelo Soloist.
 
dixie_cragger said:
Hello, my name is dixie_cragger and I, TOO, am a singlespeeder :)

Technically, all you really need is a chain tensioner to replace your hanger to convert to SS.
Click to expand...

I personally do not like chain tensioners. The bikes I have converted to SS that had vertical drop outs I converted to custom horizontal with the use of drills and grinders! Just don't take to much metal off!
 
I never thought about the drilling and grinding. Somehow, i just dont think i could make that work on my 9.8 since it's full carbon :D

True, chain tensioners arent for the purists but at least they can get people into singlespeeding on the cheap!

Whatever people do, just get into it! Singlespeeds are the BEST!
 
I started riding SS this past season, too. Just wait till you test out a 29er SS. I did, and I sold all of my 26" geared bikes. Now, all I have is my SS 29er (Monocog) and my roadie.

OP - I'd give the SS a shot. If you don't like it, you can always change it back.
 
I highly suggest to rebuild your rear wheel with a White Industries Eccentric ENO hub.
White Industries

I've tried the chain tensioner route before and it does not work. Go with the ENO, it simplifies everything. White Industries fabricates beautiful and well engineered parts. You might pay a little more but in the long run you won't regret it!

Single-speeding is pure and fun mountain biking...enjoy it!
 
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