Converting mountain bike to single speed

doh777

Any suggestions for parts or equipment to convert a 7 speed mountain bike wheel to a single speed?

I've taken the 7 speed shimano freewheel./cassette off the wheel.

Thanks.

omri

doh777 wrote: »

Any suggestions for parts or equipment to convert a 7 speed mountain bike wheel to a single speed?

I've taken the 7 speed shimano freewheel./cassette off the wheel.

Thanks.

Just some spacers on a freehub and one cog till you get the right chain line.

Shorten the chain and maybe put chain tensioner or whatever its called - youcould probably just use the derailler not sureif the limit screws will let you to fix it in one position.

Thats about it. Check velosolo.co.uk as far as I can rember they had some spacers and photos of how such a conversion looks like so at least youll get the rough idea.

FirstinLastout

Loads of vids showing how to do this on Youtube, just try searching and you'll find plenty.

mtbr.com has a singlespeed section in it's forums which should be a useful source of information.

.ak

Out of interest, why would somebody want to do this?

lennymc

to enter to european single speed xc cships? single speed and mud is much more fun.

If its a freewheel rather than a freehub you should be able to get a single speed freewheel (from a bmx or something) to go on the wheel, but I dont know what that would do to the chainline. Depending on the frame you may need to buy a chain tensioner, or you could modify a rear derailleur to suit. There are lots of guides online to doing it, the fact that it is a MTB shouldnt make any difference.

OldBean

They make great commuters too. I had one and wish I never sold it on.

Biopace

.ak wrote: »

Out of interest, why would somebody want to do this?

I run a single speed MTB (and roadbike) all though winter, teaches me to spin fast on the flat and downhills, also my ability to climb at low cadence is improved as is leg strength, also when cycling trails on an SS you learn much more about the importance of keeping momentum. It's quite surprising how much tech stuff you can ride on a singlespeed MTB, plus the absence of gears etc means a light and quiet bike.

doh777

For me to use as a commuter.

Cheap mountain bike with slick tyres, looking for something easy to maintain and as light as possible.

Thanks for a replies.