Single speed projects

[Fork-it]

Or maybe go into the Aladdin's cave that is Woodstock Cycle Works and search for a frame/build there?

 

Aaah, I see you are in the wrong side of the Pretty Mountains.

 

Is it not you guys that are on the wrong side....?

[Jewbacca]

Old steel frames have angled/almost horizontal drop outs, so you don't need to do any of the bodging.

 

The rear wheel slides from front to rear and that variation is more than enough to take up chain slack.

 

DJR's picture shows it perfectly.

 

You can use a regular wheelset with a shimano freebody, spacers to position the cog and I would suggest using the 39 inside ring. I start at 3 to 1 (39/13) and play with how strong you are and where you ride and go from there.

 

This advert clearly shows said drop outs;

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bike-frames/419867/hansom-reynolds-753

Edited August 12, 2020 by Jewbacca

[Fork-it]

So much knowledge and skill to be shared here - thank you. I am getting really excited about this. 

[PhilipV]

Is it not you guys that are on the wrong side....?

When it comes to access to singlespeed parts living in Hipster City helps.

[DJR]

That looks very nice! Where did the wheels come from? I think I will go for the flat/riser bars instead of the racer bars. 

Wheels from Rook. On Novatec hubs. Good value for money. 

[Fork-it]

Wheels from Rook. On Novatec hubs. Good value for money. 

Do they sell wheels separately? I have a spare set of road wheels which I am thinking of converting. Obviously it will then just be single speed and not fixed

[MORNE]

Do they sell wheels separately? I have a spare set of road wheels which I am thinking of converting. Obviously it will then just be single speed and not fixed

https://rookcycles.com/collections/parts-and-accessories/products/wheel-sets

 

yes. if i'm not mistaken those on that piece of art that is DJR's son's bike is the matt black 45mm ones. (the polished braking surface/lip is custom if you followed that thread)

Edited August 12, 2020 by morneS555

[DJR]

Do they sell wheels separately? I have a spare set of road wheels which I am thinking of converting. Obviously it will then just be single speed and not fixed

Yup, they sell wheels and components separately. Nice crowd to do business with. Helpful, friendly and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and a chat. Oh darn, I see you live very far on the wrong side of the boerewors curtain.

[MORNE]

The Rook's are pretty neat yes, that is basically what I am aiming for. Re the build - a frame with horizontal dropouts is a good start yes. Then the research and sourcing will start. Wheels - would I be able to convert a set of road wheels? BB and cranks...

ps...also look here:

a bit closer to home for you perhaps and they have some cool restored frames that are VERY well priced.

 

https://www.whippetcycles.co.za/frames

[Ampandy]

Not sure if I am ready for that yet, but sure seems very cool!

Sorry pic did not load for some reason. If at first you dont succeed......

[Ampandy]

Not sure if I am ready for that yet, but sure seems very cool!

[Pieta Swanepoel]

Stylish. And on the couch 

[Fork-it]

Opinions needed:

 

Would you think this is salvageable into an SS bicycle?

 

[Fork-it]

Opinions needed:

 

Would you think this is salvageable into an SS bicycle?

 

So it turns out the wheels on here are 650 and not 700's. If there is enough space in the fork and frame would it be possible to easily change to 700 wheels, and if so, what impact will that have on brake positioning?

[MORNE]

So it turns out the wheels on here are 650 and not 700's. If there is enough space in the fork and frame would it be possible to easily change to 700 wheels, and if so, what impact will that have on brake positioning?

looks like it from the pics...the biggest issue is usually having enough adjustability in the breaking blocks to get the surfaces lined up for the bigger wheels. If you can manage that...the rest looks like it might fit from the pics. There seems to be space in the frame for a bigger wheel. Otherwise just make it a fixie...no brakes required.

 

I'll ad though that the fork looks bent to me. As in it took a knock from the front? might be wrong though. Maybe take it out and have a look at the steerer. 

Edited August 19, 2020 by morneS555

[Fork-it]

looks like it from the pics...the biggest issue is usually having enough adjustability in the breaking blocks to get the surfaces lined up for the bigger wheels. If you can manage that...the rest looks like it might fit from the pics. There seems to be space in the frame for a bigger wheel. Otherwise just make it a fixie...no brakes required.

 

I'll ad though that the fork looks bent to me. As in it took a knock from the front? might be wrong though. Maybe take it out and have a look at the steerer. 

 

There seems to be enough space yes. I was just worried about the brakes so I will have to make a plan there. I am not too keen on the fixie idea (not sure if I am ready for that yet) perhaps just a rear brake? Rear seems to be an easier fix than front. 

I will also have a look at the fork, thanks! Lots more questions to follow....