Can i convert a regular hardtail frame into a Single Speed bike?

Question

Okay, I have a regular mtb frame that was design to be used with derailleurs and cassettes but I was wondering if I could switch it to a single speed in the back and front. Basically, i want to change from cassette to singlespeed and from a 3 ring crank to a single speed crank. Can it be done?

Answer 1

Absolutely! That's one of the hottest trends the last few years. There are lots of conversion parts and kits on the market....you can actually do it fairly cheaply. If you don't want to buy a new rear hub (or wheel), you'll need the spacer kit/cog conversion for the cassette body, and also a tensioning device for the chain like the Surly Singleator unless your frame has horizontal dropouts. For the front, you can most likely keep your same crankset and just remove the chainrings you won't use. This won't look as clean, but as long as there's no trouble with the chainline you're good as gold. It'd be wise to get a stronger singlespeed chain as well since you're bound to be stomping on the pedals on the hills.

If it's still there, www.webcyclery.com had some great info on converting to singlespeed. Have fun with it!

Answer 2

Yes. No problem, well, you need to buy some stuff, but it's doable.

I think that there are some single speed conversion kits around, try pricepoint.com, jensonusa.com and other sites.

What you need is most probably just remove the cogsets on your crank arms and replace it with a desirable one. Also change the cassette for a single cog, and a chain tensioner.

I'm not sure if you would need a new chain, but I think you doubt.

There are other guys that lurk here that might have better info on this.

Answer 3

You can totally do it. It's fun too. You've already gotten good answers to point you in the right direction. It's not even bad switching back and forth if you want some gears.