Converting 3x10 to SS

[Kooskoos]

Hi, guys I have a bicycle that I want to convert into a SS. I have a GT avalanche 3.0 and an old Felt, both are 3x10 and I was just wondering how hard/ easy it would be to convert to a SS.

Thanks very much for help

[braailegend]

Those frames are not SS specific, so you'll need something similar to this to keep tension, as well as the rear cog(although you can break up an old cassette and use on of those rings)

http://dialdbikes.co.za/dmr-single-speed-conversion-kit.html

http://dialdbikes.co.za/images/thumbnails/0/250/b1dc10e2-a88a-4bd2-b8ef-9de900bf9e2b_800x800.jpg

 

As for the front, just remove 2 blades (most basic), but for better results you can buy a SS specific chainring without pick ups, which people say run smoother (I dont know, because I have only run single front)

 

Not sure if 10 speed chain will work on SS specific rings, but an SS chains are cheap as chips, from like R70

[shaper]

Lots of the questions you have will be covered here https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/116927-lots-of-questions-for-my-ss-build/

 

It is worth reading some of the threads in the fixie and single speed forum

 

As the frames are not SS specific then you will need a tensioner as braailegend has highlighted. The 3x10 crank you can remove the larger and smaller rings and just kep the 32 ring. By having only 1 ring you will need new chainring bolts which are shorter as it will only be holding 1 ring, short chainring bolts you can get for your LBS. In time you should change the chainring to a SS specific chainring.

 

You are basically removing everything from the bike except the brakes and using the spacers that come with the tensioner kit you need to. Line up the rear cog with. The front chainring, use a straight edge to do this rather than by eye. Then fit whatever chain you have as tight as possible. It will probably not be perfectly tight and is why you adjust and use the tensioner to take up the small amount of slack. Most use 7, 8spd or SS chains.

[CAAD4]

Check www.rapide.co.za.

 

Under the Single Speed tab they have the bits you need at affordable prices, tensioner, short chain ring bolts, single cogs, spacers, chains etc. do one bike first, get it right, then rinse and repeat.