Mixing
10 gears to singlespeed
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My second hand Hercules bicycle came with 10 gears. Two gears in the front and five in the back. The gearshift does not work well and since I cycle in the same gear all the time anyway, I consider turning it into a single-speed bicycle. Can I just remove the derailleur in the back and adjust the length of the chain? Any reason why I shouldn't do this besides the obvious fact that I will have less gears? Anything I would have to take care of?
gears derailleur-rear fixed-gear single-speed
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
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up vote
1
down vote
favorite
My second hand Hercules bicycle came with 10 gears. Two gears in the front and five in the back. The gearshift does not work well and since I cycle in the same gear all the time anyway, I consider turning it into a single-speed bicycle. Can I just remove the derailleur in the back and adjust the length of the chain? Any reason why I shouldn't do this besides the obvious fact that I will have less gears? Anything I would have to take care of?
gears derailleur-rear fixed-gear single-speed
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
My second hand Hercules bicycle came with 10 gears. Two gears in the front and five in the back. The gearshift does not work well and since I cycle in the same gear all the time anyway, I consider turning it into a single-speed bicycle. Can I just remove the derailleur in the back and adjust the length of the chain? Any reason why I shouldn't do this besides the obvious fact that I will have less gears? Anything I would have to take care of?
gears derailleur-rear fixed-gear single-speed
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
My second hand Hercules bicycle came with 10 gears. Two gears in the front and five in the back. The gearshift does not work well and since I cycle in the same gear all the time anyway, I consider turning it into a single-speed bicycle. Can I just remove the derailleur in the back and adjust the length of the chain? Any reason why I shouldn't do this besides the obvious fact that I will have less gears? Anything I would have to take care of?
gears derailleur-rear fixed-gear single-speed
gears derailleur-rear fixed-gear single-speed
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
asked 2 hours ago
Jonas
1062
1062
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonas is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago
Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
If your bike has slotted dropouts and a rear wheel secured with axle nuts (which Poster's answer implies you have) you can do a single speed conversion without the need for a chain tensioner device.
The derailleur can be removed, chain shortened and tensioned properly by adjusting the position of the rear wheel. The chain should be able to move 0.5 inch up or down at the halfway point between the sprockets.
Link to Park Tool video on single speed chain replacement and tensioning below.
You can use the existing chainrings and cassette like Poster did but you need to consider what gear ratio you want and what sprocket/chainring combination you will to use to get that. You ideally want a combination that allows the chain to run as straight as possible.
You probably want to get a new chain rather than shortening the existing one as it's more than likely worn out. Check how worn the cassette sprockets are too.
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I've got a 2nd hand Hercules too and I've done this exact thing. Get a quality chain tool and look up some videos on Youtube about how to remove and re-link a bike chain. I pretty much winged it as I had no clue what I was doing. It took a bit of work and a lot of frustration to get the chain length right. I probably did it wrong, but it works.
EDIT: Argenti Apparatus mentioned the dropouts.. One thing i did to get the chain tight was loosen the rear wheel from the frame, and pull it back as far as i could pull it. 
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Any bike can be converted to singlespeed, but you'll need a bit more than just cutting chain to length. Chains will stretch over time and require periodic tensioning to ensure they are correctly aligning with the cog and chainring. This can be accomplished with tensioning bolts through the dropout (only some frames come equipped this way) or using a chain tensioner that attaches to the same point as the derailleur but only contains a single jockey wheel with a spring that keeps the chain from going slack. A number of companies make them and all work in generally the same fashion. Surly singleator, The dangleberry... etc. Just do a web search for bicycle chain tensioner and you'll get many hits.
Just be sure to pick a gear ratio that works for your geography and desired level of effort. The most common gear ratio on modern singlespeeds is 42:16 if you want a starting point.
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
If your bike has slotted dropouts and a rear wheel secured with axle nuts (which Poster's answer implies you have) you can do a single speed conversion without the need for a chain tensioner device.
The derailleur can be removed, chain shortened and tensioned properly by adjusting the position of the rear wheel. The chain should be able to move 0.5 inch up or down at the halfway point between the sprockets.
Link to Park Tool video on single speed chain replacement and tensioning below.
You can use the existing chainrings and cassette like Poster did but you need to consider what gear ratio you want and what sprocket/chainring combination you will to use to get that. You ideally want a combination that allows the chain to run as straight as possible.
You probably want to get a new chain rather than shortening the existing one as it's more than likely worn out. Check how worn the cassette sprockets are too.
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
If your bike has slotted dropouts and a rear wheel secured with axle nuts (which Poster's answer implies you have) you can do a single speed conversion without the need for a chain tensioner device.
The derailleur can be removed, chain shortened and tensioned properly by adjusting the position of the rear wheel. The chain should be able to move 0.5 inch up or down at the halfway point between the sprockets.
Link to Park Tool video on single speed chain replacement and tensioning below.
You can use the existing chainrings and cassette like Poster did but you need to consider what gear ratio you want and what sprocket/chainring combination you will to use to get that. You ideally want a combination that allows the chain to run as straight as possible.
You probably want to get a new chain rather than shortening the existing one as it's more than likely worn out. Check how worn the cassette sprockets are too.
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
If your bike has slotted dropouts and a rear wheel secured with axle nuts (which Poster's answer implies you have) you can do a single speed conversion without the need for a chain tensioner device.
The derailleur can be removed, chain shortened and tensioned properly by adjusting the position of the rear wheel. The chain should be able to move 0.5 inch up or down at the halfway point between the sprockets.
Link to Park Tool video on single speed chain replacement and tensioning below.
You can use the existing chainrings and cassette like Poster did but you need to consider what gear ratio you want and what sprocket/chainring combination you will to use to get that. You ideally want a combination that allows the chain to run as straight as possible.
You probably want to get a new chain rather than shortening the existing one as it's more than likely worn out. Check how worn the cassette sprockets are too.
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
If your bike has slotted dropouts and a rear wheel secured with axle nuts (which Poster's answer implies you have) you can do a single speed conversion without the need for a chain tensioner device.
The derailleur can be removed, chain shortened and tensioned properly by adjusting the position of the rear wheel. The chain should be able to move 0.5 inch up or down at the halfway point between the sprockets.
Link to Park Tool video on single speed chain replacement and tensioning below.
You can use the existing chainrings and cassette like Poster did but you need to consider what gear ratio you want and what sprocket/chainring combination you will to use to get that. You ideally want a combination that allows the chain to run as straight as possible.
You probably want to get a new chain rather than shortening the existing one as it's more than likely worn out. Check how worn the cassette sprockets are too.
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
answered 1 hour ago
Argenti Apparatus
27k23168
27k23168
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I've got a 2nd hand Hercules too and I've done this exact thing. Get a quality chain tool and look up some videos on Youtube about how to remove and re-link a bike chain. I pretty much winged it as I had no clue what I was doing. It took a bit of work and a lot of frustration to get the chain length right. I probably did it wrong, but it works.
EDIT: Argenti Apparatus mentioned the dropouts.. One thing i did to get the chain tight was loosen the rear wheel from the frame, and pull it back as far as i could pull it.
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I've got a 2nd hand Hercules too and I've done this exact thing. Get a quality chain tool and look up some videos on Youtube about how to remove and re-link a bike chain. I pretty much winged it as I had no clue what I was doing. It took a bit of work and a lot of frustration to get the chain length right. I probably did it wrong, but it works.
EDIT: Argenti Apparatus mentioned the dropouts.. One thing i did to get the chain tight was loosen the rear wheel from the frame, and pull it back as far as i could pull it.
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I've got a 2nd hand Hercules too and I've done this exact thing. Get a quality chain tool and look up some videos on Youtube about how to remove and re-link a bike chain. I pretty much winged it as I had no clue what I was doing. It took a bit of work and a lot of frustration to get the chain length right. I probably did it wrong, but it works.
EDIT: Argenti Apparatus mentioned the dropouts.. One thing i did to get the chain tight was loosen the rear wheel from the frame, and pull it back as far as i could pull it.
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I've got a 2nd hand Hercules too and I've done this exact thing. Get a quality chain tool and look up some videos on Youtube about how to remove and re-link a bike chain. I pretty much winged it as I had no clue what I was doing. It took a bit of work and a lot of frustration to get the chain length right. I probably did it wrong, but it works.
EDIT: Argenti Apparatus mentioned the dropouts.. One thing i did to get the chain tight was loosen the rear wheel from the frame, and pull it back as far as i could pull it.
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 1 hour ago
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
answered 2 hours ago
Poster
212
212
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Poster is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Any bike can be converted to singlespeed, but you'll need a bit more than just cutting chain to length. Chains will stretch over time and require periodic tensioning to ensure they are correctly aligning with the cog and chainring. This can be accomplished with tensioning bolts through the dropout (only some frames come equipped this way) or using a chain tensioner that attaches to the same point as the derailleur but only contains a single jockey wheel with a spring that keeps the chain from going slack. A number of companies make them and all work in generally the same fashion. Surly singleator, The dangleberry... etc. Just do a web search for bicycle chain tensioner and you'll get many hits.
Just be sure to pick a gear ratio that works for your geography and desired level of effort. The most common gear ratio on modern singlespeeds is 42:16 if you want a starting point.
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Any bike can be converted to singlespeed, but you'll need a bit more than just cutting chain to length. Chains will stretch over time and require periodic tensioning to ensure they are correctly aligning with the cog and chainring. This can be accomplished with tensioning bolts through the dropout (only some frames come equipped this way) or using a chain tensioner that attaches to the same point as the derailleur but only contains a single jockey wheel with a spring that keeps the chain from going slack. A number of companies make them and all work in generally the same fashion. Surly singleator, The dangleberry... etc. Just do a web search for bicycle chain tensioner and you'll get many hits.
Just be sure to pick a gear ratio that works for your geography and desired level of effort. The most common gear ratio on modern singlespeeds is 42:16 if you want a starting point.
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Any bike can be converted to singlespeed, but you'll need a bit more than just cutting chain to length. Chains will stretch over time and require periodic tensioning to ensure they are correctly aligning with the cog and chainring. This can be accomplished with tensioning bolts through the dropout (only some frames come equipped this way) or using a chain tensioner that attaches to the same point as the derailleur but only contains a single jockey wheel with a spring that keeps the chain from going slack. A number of companies make them and all work in generally the same fashion. Surly singleator, The dangleberry... etc. Just do a web search for bicycle chain tensioner and you'll get many hits.
Just be sure to pick a gear ratio that works for your geography and desired level of effort. The most common gear ratio on modern singlespeeds is 42:16 if you want a starting point.
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
Any bike can be converted to singlespeed, but you'll need a bit more than just cutting chain to length. Chains will stretch over time and require periodic tensioning to ensure they are correctly aligning with the cog and chainring. This can be accomplished with tensioning bolts through the dropout (only some frames come equipped this way) or using a chain tensioner that attaches to the same point as the derailleur but only contains a single jockey wheel with a spring that keeps the chain from going slack. A number of companies make them and all work in generally the same fashion. Surly singleator, The dangleberry... etc. Just do a web search for bicycle chain tensioner and you'll get many hits.
Just be sure to pick a gear ratio that works for your geography and desired level of effort. The most common gear ratio on modern singlespeeds is 42:16 if you want a starting point.
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
answered 2 hours ago
jc allen
1313
1313
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
Very good answer, just mention the difference horizontal dropouts make. When your frame has horizontal dropouts you may not need the tensioner at all, but if your frame has vertical dropouts, the tensioner is amost obligatory.
– Jahaziel
18 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Jonas is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonas is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Lots of good ideas here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/11269/11160
– RoboKaren
1 hour ago
If I see correctly, you have a nice vintage Sachs rear derailleur. Those are interesting for Eroica bikes enthusiasts (not as much as Campagnolo, but still). Instead of throwing it away you can provide a second life for your groupset (which you are planning to ditch anyway).
– Mike
1 hour ago
Thanks for the hint. I'll give it away for free
– Jonas
18 mins ago