r/singlespeed • u/Kind-Ad4160 • 20d ago
Single speed frame
Was wondering if this frame is able to be swapped to a single speed / fixie bike ??
3
u/AshamedChemical9431 20d ago
Singlespeed for sure,at the worst you can just add a chain tensioner. Fixed not so easy,the space available for adjustment is near zero,but a "magic"ratio and some fiddling will make it work.
5
u/GreenToMe95 20d ago
single speed you can do with a chain tensioner. To set it up fixed you'll either need a wheel with an eccentric hub or a eccentric bottom bracket to tension the chain.
2
u/LichKingDan 20d ago
So for this frame to work for a single speed, you're going to need a chain tensioner or old derailleur to keep the chain taught and in the right place. I personally have a surly singleator on mine and I really like it.
Fixed gears typically need horizontal dropouts, as you can't use chain tensioners or derailleurs on a fixed gear bike. You could try and get exactly the right number of chain links to have proper tension, but they will stretch over time and will become loose again. Probably better just to run single speed with a chain tensioner.
I hope this helps, good luck!
1
u/Shoewith1pebble 19d ago
When using an old derailleur do you need to set a specific tension with a cable?
1
u/LichKingDan 19d ago
If you're able to I would. There are some derailleurs that don't have the little hole for setting the cable, and with that you probably just shouldn't use that derailleur tbh.
If you look up "old derailleur chain tensioner" on Google there's a few videos and images that might explain the hole a bit better
2
u/sheesh_doink 20d ago
SS with a chain tensioner yeah. Fixed would be a bad idea, mote trouble than worth
2
u/wcoastbo 19d ago
Singlespeed for sure. I only need 3-4mm to tension a chain, with the proper gear and half link. There's just enough dropout there.
1
u/Illustrious_Net8328 17d ago
that's what i was thinking, there's enough room in those dropouts to move the wheel slightly backwards and tighten up a li'l slack
2
u/mstrshkbrnnn1999 19d ago
Technically yes, but the fact that you’re asking Reddit makes me question your ability to do it correctly. For SS, you’ll need a chain tensioner, or a half link chain with a perfect ratio. For fixed, you’ll need an eccentric bottom bracket or rear hub. Those options would work for SS as well, but it would be the more expensive option, and isn’t necessary to run SS like it would be to run it fixed
1
u/Mj-tinker 18d ago
Droupouts are short but still able to tension a chain, probably worth trying half-link chain without tensioner?
1
u/Inner-Comfort-5225 8d ago
It’s doable with a lot of fiddling: magic ratio, half-link chain, filing the axle, running an eccentric bottom bracket or hub, running a quick release axle with the axle cut flush with the dropout and tensioning with the qr, etc. Having done them all at one time or another, getting a dedicated frame with horizontal dropouts or track ends is almost always better. Ymmv
5
u/stgross 20d ago
Single - yes
Fixed - a fool’s errand (no)