Questions tagged [single-speed]

A single-speed bicycle is a type of bicycle with a single gear ratio. These bicycles are without derailleur gears, hub gearing or other methods for varying the gear ratio of the bicycle.

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5 votes
2 answers
73 views

How to adjust rear axle width?

I fixed a puncture on this kid's bike (not mine) but when I went to put the wheel back in I noticed the axle is narrower than the dropouts & the dropout has been significantly bent in before to ...
8 votes
2 answers
4k views

How do half link chains perform for long term use?

I was wondering if there is anyone with a Rohloff hub riding using a half link chain for its longevity. OK, the hub isn't essential it's just a single speed chain, so experience from anyone who rides ...
1 vote
3 answers
106 views

Chain type and chain alignment for a fixie single speed

I've got a 10-year old bike I'm trying to revive. It was a single speed that I converted to a fixie. I'm anticipating just casual riding on flat ground. It has an old-school looking Shimano SGX 46t ...
3 votes
1 answer
53 views

Dia-Compe Gran Compe shot lever - is there a fix for 31.8mm bars?

I have a Dia-Compe Gran Compe shot lever and want to change the bars on my track bike for 31.8 diameter bars — is there a fix (i.e. replacement clamp band) that anyone can point me to that I can use ...
2 votes
4 answers
17k views

How to convert a multi-speed bike to single-speed with coaster brake?

Now I don't want to take all the credit for this bike, but I'm pretty sure Trek must've lovingly had me in mind when they made this. I mean come on. This bike is awesome. Buying their beach cruiser ...
0 votes
1 answer
120 views

Does chain tensioner (tug nut or spring) is needed, for horizontal dropouts?

Is a chain tensioner (tug nut or spring) needed for horizontal dropouts ? I assume that in case of horizontal dropouts, chain tensioner is not needed. Nevertheless, does it provide any added value ?
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

Single speed chain tensioner comparison

I would like to dicuss PROS and CONS of 2 method for chain tension for single speed. Chain tensioner with Bolt (left upper and left lower image). Chain tensioner with a kind of spring + arm + roller ...
2 votes
1 answer
87 views

How can I know / check if I can use KMC Z7 for my single speed bike instead of KMC S1

I have 2 spockets: front and rear. Front 52T, 110 BCD (Narrow wide tooth). Rear 18T,18T (34 mm/1.34''). This is all information which I have. The front sprocket should be fine with KMC Z7, since, it ...
5 votes
1 answer
787 views

How do you grease a coaster brake?

I needed to fix my coaster brake, but I don’t know which grease to use or how to apply it. When I hold it in my hand, the sprocket turns the hub; and when I turn it backward, the brake engages. But in ...
2 votes
1 answer
430 views

What are ball bearings for in coaster brakes?

I tried to fix my coaster brake with no understanding of what I was doing. Suffice to say it's a long process. I broke one of the ball bearing cages in disassembly, so I thought they were pointless ...
3 votes
3 answers
5k views

Single Speed / Fixie - Chain tension / uneven tension

I recently changed my chain and noticed it has uneven tension (probably my chain ring being out of rounds). I followed Parktool's video and set the tightest spot to have about 0.25 inch movement up ...
5 votes
4 answers
1k views

Are there single speed electric bikes already?

Let's see how far the trend of motorcycle-disguised-as-bicycle is at. Electric drive is penetrating most market segments. The front derailleur is dead. I believe all types of electric motors have an ...
0 votes
2 answers
277 views

I need advice about what bike to buy for daily commuting

I have route to do daily to go to work. Could you recommend a model of bike available in France for less than 350€. My physical condition is not too bad. I am athletic. Maybe a single speed can be a ...
1 vote
2 answers
361 views

BLB Viper - Is this frame OK?

I want to start building a fixed speed bike and think about having the BLB Viper frame set. Is it a good frame to start with or would you recommend to get a different ONE, like a Leader frame or a ...
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Setting up chain tension on a fixed gear with road bike frame

I got a road bike frame with vertical drops, so can't set the tension up. Tried to remove one link but then the chain becomes too short. My next idea was to change the front sprocket, currently have ...
8 votes
5 answers
2k views

Regulations regarding Braking redundancy on single speed bikes.

Recently there have been an increase in the number of fixed gear bikes in my (U.S.) city. Increasingly they tend to have one or zero brake levers, justified by their ability to stop with pedal power ...
1 vote
1 answer
210 views

Crankset for single-speed vs racing bicycle

What is the difference between a crankset for singlespeed bikes and one for racing bikes? If we assume that the teeth count is the same, would the SRAM S-Series be better than the SRAM Rival 1? ...
1 vote
2 answers
5k views

How to calculate what BB spindle length I need for a mystery crankset?

I'm building up a bike frame with spare/junk components to be my beater bike for commuting. It will be a single speed, chainline on my rear wheel is 42mm. I have a crank set to use, but I'm not sure ...
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

How do I properly torque a track cog lockring?

I see a torque rating is stamped onto a lot of track cog lock rings: However, I cannot find a way to use a torque wrench when tightening the lock ring. All the tools I've found, like Park Tool's HCW-...
9 votes
4 answers
3k views

How am I able to simulate gears on my single speed?

Sometime ago, I bought a cheap bike from eBay for my daily commutes which turned out to be a single-speed bike. It works fine but I am curious as to how I am able to have a shifter that simulates gear ...
13 votes
8 answers
5k views

Can I convert a 1x9 speed bicycle to single speed by putting 9 identical cogs into cassette?

As the cogs in cassette seem separable, can it be converted into single speed by just putting the 9 identical cogs of the gear you like and retaining the rest of the gear mechanism as it was? Such a ...
1 vote
4 answers
1k views

18 Speed Mountain Bike Single Speed Conversion

As of right now I currently have an Apollo 18 speed freewheel bike (3 Front and 6 Rear) I bought from Halfords but I have decided that I want to convert it into a single speed bike. This is because I ...
1 vote
3 answers
31k views

Turn single speed into multi speed!

I have just bought a cheap cycle for regular use (Kross Bolt 26"), but it comes in single speed. Can I put a 1×6/7 gear set in it?....the same model (28") comes with 21 speed gear set-up. How much ...
5 votes
1 answer
524 views

Can I use fiberfix tape to reinforce this shoddy weld?

I recently built a hi-ten steel bike and I just realized that it had a large hole in one of the welds near the seat tube and the top tube. Tried taking it back to the shop that shipped me the frame ...
0 votes
1 answer
226 views

Rear wheel not aligned with frame but cog and crank is aligned

My bike was previously a 26er mtb 3x7speed and I converted it now to be a single speed freewheel bike. Is the bike safe to use if the rear wheel is not straight to the frame? It is closer to the drive ...
0 votes
1 answer
179 views

Is my bike safe to use if cogs and crank is not that aligned?

Hey guys is it fine if my freewheel bike which is single speed is not that straight with its chain line, because my cogs and crank arent that straight but it is also not that far, im thinking if it is ...
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

How do I use a freewheel as a single-speed?

Can I disassemble a free wheel sprocket and use it as a single speed sprocket or I have to buy a single speed sprocket?
0 votes
2 answers
1k views

Fixed gear bike chain alignment

I have recently converted my old early 90s 18 speed Peugeot road bike to a fixed gear. The chain is clicking when pedalling and is out of line by about 10mm as you can see in the photo. The rear cog ...
3 votes
7 answers
16k views

How to align a chain on a single speed

My bicycle currently has poor chainring/rear sprocket alignment (as in the chain at the front is more than a chain's width from the chain at the rear). I'm wondering what the procedure is to correct ...
3 votes
1 answer
159 views

Chain keeps falling off chainring

I picked up an old Raleigh Sirocco from the 1980s ish and am attempting to convert it to single speed. I thought it was finished, but when taking it out for its first ride, the chain kept falling off ...
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Rear dropout with adjustments screws of a single speed bicycle

I have got a single speed bicycle (Pure Fix Original Series) and I need to remove the rear wheel to the replace the punctured tube. The rear dropout has adjustment screws (I am not sure if this is the ...
0 votes
1 answer
348 views

Alternative to Cane Creek 200TT Brake Levers [closed]

I'm newbie. Looking for silver TT levers (not aero) for bullhorn on single speed (caliper brakes). I'd like all silver levers (without tblack parts). There's Cane Creek 200TT. But it has black ...
1 vote
2 answers
265 views

Upgrading cycle from single to multi-speed

I own a single speed MTB . I'm planning to upgrade it to multi speed. As I'm on a tight budget, should I just upgrade my rear to multi speed or upgrade both front and rear. Is it a good idea to ...
6 votes
3 answers
15k views

Single speed to multi-speed conversion with internal gear hub

I currently have a single speed 52m Crew District. I got it as a commuter once I got moved closer my workplace. I live in a fairly hilly area and I am thoroughly missing the option to downshift and ...
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Convert single speed, steel framed, vintage track bike to geared

Is there any way to convert a steel framed single speed vintage track bike to a geared bike? I have a track bike with only the rails for the wheel but I've moved out of the city and there are more ...
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Convert track bike to geared

Is there any way to convert a track bike to a geared bike? I have a track bike with only the rails for the wheel but I've moved out of the city and there are more hills where I am now living so would ...
0 votes
2 answers
75 views

Need help with gears and wheel alignment

i have an aluminium frame single speed. I wanted to know is it possible to add gears to it (correctly). I saw same model with gears installed but the rear wheel was not in line with front wheel and ...
27 votes
10 answers
32k views

Is having your hands "on the hoods" of drop handlebars safe for braking?

I've never had a bike with drop handlebars, but may get one for commuting in busy London (likely a single-speed with mechanical disc brakes). This would mean riding with my hands mostly on the hoods, ...
4 votes
4 answers
4k views

BMX gearing - for road / commuting

I have a 2010 Haro Pro Race, which I bought for commuting and general tomfoolery. I commute on it 2 miles a day, and I want to be able to go faster by changing the current single-speed gearing ratio. ...
5 votes
1 answer
267 views

Chain slipping off from singlespeed rear cog

After I have worn out the cogs and chain to the point where my chain tensioner couldn't keep up anymore, I have replaced my drive train pieces, the axle and spacer are still the same. So I went from: ...
6 votes
2 answers
630 views

How I can remove this freewheel (without "destroying" it)?

How I can remove this freewheel (without "destructing" it) ? By "destructive removal" I mean this: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/freewheel-destructive-removal P.S. I ...
3 votes
2 answers
605 views

Freewheel threading on Miche flip-flop hub

I'm currently building a parts list for a new single-speed bike. In the process, I came across a nice looking flip-flop hub from Miche: The "Primato Pista/Strada" I figured that adding the fixed ...
0 votes
1 answer
860 views

Conversion to single speed: crankset specs?

I picked up a cheap frame recently which came with bottom bracket, 3x speed chainring, crank arms and pedals, handlebars, forks, and front & rear rim brakes. I've removed the chainring and right ...
22 votes
12 answers
59k views

Looking for Techniques for Riding Uphill on a Single Speed

I commute on a Single Speed (SS) bike about 13mi round trip. Going home is not a problem as the gradients are low and I can climb them. However, going in to work the gradients are much steeper and I ...
8 votes
8 answers
22k views

Does having bigger wheels mean less effort pedaling?

Assuming that we are using a fixed-gear bicycle and width of the wheels are the same, I wondered, does having bigger wheels mean I need to less effort to get from point A to point B in an urban ...
0 votes
2 answers
397 views

Can I use an 1/8" chain on an old 8speed I'm converting to single speed?

I am in the process of converting an old road bike of mine into a single speed. I bought new crank arms, rear wheel (with a conversion kit), and a rear derailleur. Do I need to use a 3/32" chain, ...
1 vote
1 answer
4k views

BB spindle length standard for single speed bike?

Is there a common spindle length for typical fixie/single speed bikes? Namely a bike with: a 68 mm BSA bottom bracket shell a square taper bottom bracket cartridge bearing 120 mm dropout distance ...
3 votes
1 answer
642 views

Strida single speed - upgrade to 2-3 speeds possible?

Would it be possible to upgrade a single-speed Strida to 2-3 speeds? I know there is a Strida model with 3 speeds but the frame is different with respect to the one of a single speed. In particular, ...
3 votes
2 answers
637 views

Bottom bracket needing repacement more often in a single speed bike

I used to live in quite a hilly area but managed well with a single speed Mango aluminium bike on most of these hills. I wanted to know if it is possible that due to extra pressure being exerted on ...
2 votes
2 answers
4k views

single speed freewheel Shimano SF MX 30 vs Shimano SF-1200

What is the difference between: single speed freewheel Shimano SF MX 30 and Shimano SF-1200 ? Why those freewheels donesn't appear on shimano website? P.S. From the pictures it's clear that the ...

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