I have a 80's mountain bike and i want to make it a single speed. I have seen single speed kits for different wheels but I want to use a regular single speed wheel. So my question is, how do I get the rear drop outs closer together while keeping the sprockets in line?
Rear drop outs to far apart
- Thread starter stersam
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You can "cold set" (bend) the chainstays to narrow the axle width if your frame is steel... but not if it is aluminum
If you have an aluminum frame you will need to convert the rear wheel gear cluster (cassette) to single speed, leaving the axle the same width
Since you say your bike is from the 80's, it is most likely a steel frame
The Sheldon Brown website covers all this in detail http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html
If you have an aluminum frame you will need to convert the rear wheel gear cluster (cassette) to single speed, leaving the axle the same width
Since you say your bike is from the 80's, it is most likely a steel frame
The Sheldon Brown website covers all this in detail http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html
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Man y'all are gettin' too techno-call here. Jus' put yer frame on the ground and push on the back with yer foot till it squeezes down to the size you need. That's what I done. :lol:
No seriously good advice guys. :wink:
No seriously good advice guys. :wink:
I was going to suggest a C clamp on the drop outs, tighten until you fit the hub on and can tighten the axle bolts by hand, then pull the clamp and tighten the rest of the way down. It will pretty much center itself UNLESS you have a frame that is asymmetrical. Doubt it, but a tape will tell you really quick. Hope that helps some.
Depends on the frame!
A lightweight road bike frame I wouldn't dream of crushing! Or a thin an alum. frame, to much stress, cause cracking, alignment issues, all kinds of stuff! On those I just add a nut the inside, a washer and tighten like a regular wheel, no frame crush!
Non-american made imported frame, step on it and make it right!
A lightweight road bike frame I wouldn't dream of crushing! Or a thin an alum. frame, to much stress, cause cracking, alignment issues, all kinds of stuff! On those I just add a nut the inside, a washer and tighten like a regular wheel, no frame crush!
Non-american made imported frame, step on it and make it right!
