Jem
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Post by Jem on Sept 9, 2014 21:28:07 GMT
After our trip to the capital of single speed, my son is badgering me to research doing the conversion on his 'Pro.
I have read up (the Sheldon Brown pages in particular) and can see that the chainline might be an issue, and there would certainly be an issue if the bottom bracket needs messing with, and spacers on the back.
Would it be an idea to leave the old double chainring on the front and just use it on the smaller of the two? I think its about 42 teeth.
And then get a 16 or 17 tooth freewheel for the back?
Anyone had experience doing this on an Aerospace? Any recommendations?
Not much point me asking this on any other forum as they may not be aware of the intricacies of the Aerospace set up.
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Post by triitout on Sept 10, 2014 4:21:45 GMT
Yeh, I did it (Kiwi green) , but I went full out single speed and didn't try any spacer fixes with double chainrings. I used the Velo-orange grand cru thread less bb 107mm length with a flip flop fixie/freewheel rear hub. Excellent chain line. I think my combo was a 44/18 single chainring, single sprocket freewheel. It rides fantastic. A nice easy gear to cruise. Don't forget the early photo's of my conversion when this board was just a baby.
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Jem
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Post by Jem on Sept 10, 2014 19:23:32 GMT
Yeh, I did it (Kiwi green) , but I went full out single speed and didn't try any spacer fixes with double chainrings. I used the Velo-orange grand cru thread less bb 107mm length with a flip flop fixie/freewheel rear hub. Excellent chain line. I think my combo was a 44/18 single chainring, single sprocket freewheel. It rides fantastic. A nice easy gear to cruise. Don't forget the early photo's of my conversion when this board was just a baby. Ah yes, I recall now. I will go and look at that post. Ideally I was trying to get away from a 'big job' but you are perhaps right that it is the best way to do it. Thanks for the info. EDIT- found your post. Very good indeed. And can I just ask - is the GP frame the same as the 'Pro in all respects? |
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Post by vtchuck on Sept 10, 2014 21:35:38 GMT
Back in the dark ages (70's).... we built up single speed bikes using coaster brake hubs laced to 27" alloy rims. We'd use basic 10 speed steel frames and a caliper brake on the front fork. I built up one last winter with a Japanese Cro-Moly frame and parts I had in my workshop: Single
Ended up selling it on Craigslist because I'm not strong enough to power up the hills of Vermont on one gear With a set of fenders they were a good early season bike. |
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Post by triitout on Sept 11, 2014 0:07:15 GMT
Jem, as far as I can tell the GP and Pro are identical fillet brazed aerospace frames. Warn your son that he's gonna miss the 10 speeds if the Pro is his primary bike. I was lucky to have a near naked frame to play with when I made the Kiwi but for real riding I need gears  |
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Post by cusqueno on Sept 11, 2014 7:02:07 GMT
Jem's son is going to live in London though, and London is pretty flat. You see a lot of single speed bikes about. Perhaps the simplicity of maintenance appeals, as well as (lets face it) the coolness factor.
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bendo
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Post by bendo on Sept 11, 2014 12:26:43 GMT
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Jem
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Post by Jem on Sept 11, 2014 21:20:54 GMT
Triitout - do you think a 110mm would work? I am looking at the VO Grand Cru threadless but just struggling to justify £50 on that I'm looking at this option and wondering if I can get it at a budget price www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mavic-Fixe-Threadless-Bottom-Bracket-110mm-/181521952875?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a438d306bCusqueno - right on both counts (maintenance free and cool looking) and he should be ok when in London Bendo - I remember your Victor now; that Sugino Mighty looks mighty good. So, you can get away with just a front brake, no problems? EDIT- Just read up on the rear coaster brake - I get it now and realise why you'd have plenty of stopping with the two combined Vtchuck- That is a sleek minimal look!
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Post by cusqueno on Sept 11, 2014 22:14:08 GMT
If you're worried about it, to be street legal, a bike has to have two brakes. For a fixie slowing down using the pedals counts as one brake.
Prestine do threadless bbs that are quite cheap (£20 or less) but work well. I've got one on my gold Lambert. 119mm should be ok. The Mavic ones are high quality but require a chamfer to be cut into the ends of the bb shell to sit properly.
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Post by triitout on Sept 11, 2014 23:56:04 GMT
Jeez, for that price, I'd give the mavic a shot. I really don't think this chain line thing is an exact science. I agree with everyone that it's cool to have that minimalist bike in the arsenal.
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Jem
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Post by Jem on Sept 13, 2014 10:17:19 GMT
Ok, made a decision, based upon practicality and budget and gone for a 16 tooth freewheel, coupled with the existing inner chainring of 44 teeth and not swap the BB.
That way, if it doesn't work out for whatever reason, it's not too much trouble.
If he finds a nice vintage single chainring with 44 teeth in the future then I'll tackle the bb job then.
I'll feedback when i'm done.
By the way, I had a good few miles ride on it today and those bullhorns are really comfy for town riding. I might even set one of mine up like this!
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