What is the quickest/simplest/easiest-to-go-back way of converting to single speed? I've got a 9 speed Fisher HKEK, and want to try single speed, but possibly will wuss out:flipoff2:. So, without buying tons of parts, is there a way to use a single speed chain ring (my present ring in the cassette is pretty cooked, cause it stays there most of the time) and some PVC pipe or something? maybe half a derailler too. I've heard bits and peices on how to do it, just not a step by step thing.
Thanks!
C

dont shift.

turn your shifters over and out of the way.

thats what I do, but they still weigh something, and the chain keeps spitting off, and it'd be nice to simplify more. I have a single speed chain ring on the front, w/no derailler (why my chain spits) and would like to clean up the back as well...

drop the drailers and shorten your chain till it wil fit tight like a single speed then cut the gears off with something onec you figure out which ones youll be using.

1. Remove shifters and derailleurs.

2. Remove big and little chainrings.

3. Remove cassette and remove whatever gear that will be close to a 2:1 ratio with the front chainring from the cassette

4. Get some PVC that is the same diameter as the cassette bodt and cut 2 pieces to aling the rear cog with the front chainring, then use the cassette lockring to hold it all together.. You can also get a crapload of cassette spacers and stack them up, this way gives a little adjustability. * Some cassettes have more loose cogs than others, you may need to go to a bike shop to get a cog for the rear. Just ask for a used 18T cog from an old cassette.

5. See if you will need a chain tensioner by cutting the chain to fit tight as can be. Some frames will work without a tensioner some will not. If you start dropping the chain alot you can reinstall your rear derailler and use it as a chain guide. If you do this make the chain tight so that the derailleur is pulled forward pretty tight, then use the limit screws on the derailleur to line it up with the gears.

It's pretty ghetto but it works fine and you can see if you like the singlespeed thing for free or under $10. The best solution for converting a verticle drop out frame to SS is a White Industries ENO hub IMO.

The End

Buy a converision kit for 19.99 from a bike shop with cogs/spacers etc. Install. done. When you want gears again install your other stuff.

surley makes a thing called the singulator, its used to tension the chain. i think its pretty cheap. if you want an easy way to switch back get a single speed rear wheel. not the cheapest way but by far the easiest.

The Singulator is a solid idea, but they used to flop loose. The coil wound spring would waller out the hole on the unit, and eventually render it useless. Maybe they've re-engineered this since I last held one in my hand, I sure hope so.

Certainly not the cheapest solution, but I sure do like the eccentric rear hub. It does a very good job of keeping tension, without any extra crap bolted to your bike. It's the next best thing to having horizontal drops.

combination of all the above: 18 tooth cog, pvc spacer, and a singleater(sp?). we''l see in about a week how much of a wuss I am...:flipoff2:

The Soulcraft Convert tensioner is better than the Surly but about 50% more expensive.

The Soulcraft Convert tensioner is better than the Surly but about 50% more expensive.

http://www.soulcraftbikes.com/63eba2e0.jpg

This will be the next choice (over my surly unit) for me if I convert another or change gears on my current ride.

I don't see any problem with the singleator, I'd recommend using the spring that pushes the chain up rather than the one that pushes down. This allows the pulley wheel to grab more chain. If you're lucky like I was you may just need a half link to make the chain fit nicely.

The singleator work fine for me for a long time, once I installed the "push up" spring.

The singleator work fine for me for a long time, once I installed the "push up" spring.
what is this "push up/down" spring you speak of? My parts haven't come in yet, so I'm still 9 speeding it...:)

I can't remember too well but i think that with the singleator you get two different springs. One that pushes the chain up in the direction of the chainstay and one that pushes the chain down, away from the chainstay. I think that most people usually use the spring that pushes down because you'd assume that that would be the best way and it also works the same way as a derailleur. This is usually not true though because in most cases pushes the chain up works best because the pulley is able to grab more chain and because over bumps, etc the chain is less likely to come off.

I can't remember too well but i think that with the singleator you get two different springs. One that pushes the chain up in the direction of the chainstay and one that pushes the chain down, away from the chainstay. I think that most people usually use the spring that pushes down because you'd assume that that would be the best way and it also works the same way as a derailleur. This is usually not true though because in most cases pushes the chain up works best because the pulley is able to grab more chain and because over bumps, etc the chain is less likely to come off.
;)