Road Bike to Single Speed

avalanche

Okay - slightly mad idea this.

I have a carbon fibre Orbea Onix with SRAM Rival groupset. - its a lovely bike and runs perfectly. Unfortunately due to a back problem I cant get to use the bike the way it should be used but i do want to use it someway. Im thinking of stripping the group off , selling it and converting the bike into a single speed. This idea isnt fuelled solely by the back problem to be honest, although the more upright position with handlebar mounted brake should help the back issue, I love tinkering with things and am curious to see how the bike will turn out.

Opinions? - better off leaving it as it is and picking up a lower end bike for street cycling or go ahead with the modifications, get some cash for the group and get to use daily.

ps -- any idea how much a second hand practically new SRAM RIVAL group is worth?

Harrybelafonte

Wouldn't bother. You'll mOst likely have vertical dropouts on the frame so chain tension will be difficult to sort. You'll need a kit or get your chain length perfect. You'll need new wheels too. I'd just pick something up second hand if I were you, less hassle in the long run.

Lumen

Would you not keep the bike as it is until your back is fixed, or have you given up on that hope?

avalanche

thanks for the sensible feedback. pity i was looking forward to some mindless changes but you are of course. right.

Lumen -- i think its going to be a good while before i get back on the bike, possibly a year or two. hopefully that time will fly. I certainly wont.