Once again, I go back to your video's. I thought my chain was out of line. I couldn't ride as fast as i used to. I measured it all up as per 14:17. The chain line was 2 mm out. What the helll ?!? 2 miller metres was to blame! I just needed as reason. And that explains it. Thanks RJ. I need any excuse to deny the fact that I am getting older and slower!
To anyone who has doubts about working on their bike: RJ’s videos are so helpful( so thanks RJ!). I consider myself pretty handy but I had no knowledge on bikes whatsoever and they guys at my local bike shop are more intimidating than welcoming. Now I have built 3 single speed bikes. It can be nerve racking not knowing what the hell you’re doing but the best way I think is to just get in there and get your hands dirty, and not worry about bike snobs around you or in the comments. I still have a lot to learn but just thought I’d share after reading some “I don’t think I can do it” comments.
dont worry just buy a single speed from some hipster who realised that you need legs for cycling, they will allways choose theire skinny jeans over the bike:D sadly most of them bought only junk to begin with but sometimes i see online some pretty nice deals^^
There is some real gold here. Lots of comments here like "this is not easy" or "it's alot harder than I thought". He didn't say it was easy, he said it was cheap. The dishing technique and the home made chain tool are pure gold. Thank you!
I realize this video is older but....The detail of the wheel centering is something very helpful & needed. Now I need to work on "dishing" wheels & I can add that my resume. Thanks
I mean don't get me wrong. I loved this video and learned so much. A lot of this was more complicated being it was a freewheel. Freehub single speed kits have adjustable spacers. Not saying he should've done it that way as he is so dang clever and used what he had which I admire more than just buying whatever you need. Amazing Lesson here with single speed conversion.
You can get away with simply swapping to a ss/bmx cog and some trial and error with axle spacers to get decent chain line. When your vintage derailleur hanger becomes a gaping hole and causing your gears to skip every time you crank them cranks, that first ride on single speed is ultimately why I’m still riding today.
The clip show the wrong and hard way of doing it. The right way is with spacers on the back wheel, not taking apart all of the crack. Is obvious that he hasen't worked on many high ends MTB.
As I watched the process of moving the entire wheel over on the axle, I knew the wheel would no longer be centered in the frame and had my doubts. I wondered how you were going to address it. I almost turned off as soon as you began talking about re-dishing the wheel 10mm. After watching you do it, I’m confident I could manage it myself. I currently commute on a newer steel single speed but I still have my vintage Raleigh Technium hanging up in my garage calling out to me. Great video.
I reflect almost all of the comments here. I’ve been noodling with bikes for decades but I am awed by your expertise and execution. Thank you for the education!
Just some food for thought for people that don't have the tools or ability to "dish" a wheel. Use a wheel that has a cassette freehub body. You can space the single ring wherever you need it to be on the freehub body.
So I should basically buy an bmx rear wheel, remove the “bolt”(sorry dont know how it is called) and a sprocket, and insert it on the mountain bike wheel?
Completed a single speed conversion last night on an old Hardrock and wanted to stop by and say thanks for this video. The info was crucial to me in getting it done properly. I was able to space the axle properly and dish the wheel in a couple hours (not bad for a first timer). Didn’t even need a truing stand! I know the comments about this not being worth the effort are mostly tongue-in-cheek but I want to assure any newbies finding this video, dishing a wheel is not that bad! Buy a proper spoke tool at a bike shop and you’re in business. The conversion I did was very much worth the effort, and not overly difficult either. Thanks again for the videos!
I like how you didn't chop off the derailleur hanger, as I see on too many single speed conversions. You're a pro; careful to use an adjustable wrench properly, with the solid jaw taking the force. That was an excellent explanation of the myriad complexities of wheel/axle spacing, and chain line measurements- very concise and well-ordered! Thanks RJ!!
"You're a pro; careful to use an adjustable wrench properly, with the solid jaw taking the force." That's funny. He was careful to use an improper tool properly? An adjustable wrench is supposed to be a last resort for when you don't have a socket or wrench that fits. Since he has wrenches and sockets that fit, he doesn't have an excuse for using an adjustable wrench aside from "can't be bothered to do so."
Why remove the hanger? Maybe you need a chain tensioner. Maybe you want to convert it back. Either way it's frankly stupid to just remove mounts like that.
Its good to know how to use the adjustable wrench properly, but I work in a bike shop and we never worry about it with low torque applications like this.
An excellent description of how to do this without hitting the pocket other than the cost of 2 inexpensive components. The chain and the freewheel. As a lifelong single speed rider and ex bike mechanic, I've done many SS conversions and I can see nothing to criticise in this. One thing I would emphasise is that although many singlespeeders bling out on a fancy freewheel and chain, it's not necessary. A chain for a SS does not need the fancy features of a derailleur chain, so do as RJ suggests and buy a cheap chain. I'll recommend this guide to the next person who asks me - it will save me a lot of explanation.
Great video, you went into awesome detail and checked every box. I’ve done this to a few bikes in past years and it’s a simple fun modification that you can do! I’m so used to working in a shop and it’s great to see some garage built stuff, this video definitely deserves a like!
Well done RJ. I have done many many singlespeed and fixed gear conversions in my years a mechanic. The only things I may add, is sometimes you can reverse the Bottom Bracket spindle, which may cheat it in board a bit and when re-dishing a wheel that far, I always remove the tire, because the spoke heads frequently will protrude past the nipple and will need a touch up with the edge of a file. Thanks for the informative videos! Take care, Stephen
I picked up the same frame from a garage sale. I was not sure what I was going to do with it, but I think I know now. Thank you for the inspiration. I enjoy your channel and web site. You have bailed me out of rough spots more than once. Keep it up!
Hi RJ! Your video has been one of the most detailed video that I have seen on youtube. And I absolutely loved it! I actually just started my own project on a bike that I found on craiglist. I never would have thought so much detail are needed just to assemble a bike wheel, and you absolutely opened my eyes and made me love bikes even more! Thank you!
That was brilliant.When i decided to make a single speed from geared bike ,i thought it would be a synch. You have taught me better about lining up the back wheel.Thank you.
Honestly, it’s WAY easier to just keep the back spokes on the way they are and simply replace the chain onto just one of them. Saves you from a bunch of calculations and extra time (buying a new single speed spoke, etc). AWESOME video, gave me the confidence to pull this off on my own. Picked up a $10 Schwann 1985 Traveler 12 speed with a busted derailleur, and now I have a fully functional single speed bike. Thank you! Word to the wise: buy a chain breaker.
Same reason. I had a 21 gear bike and bought a second 3 speed bike just so I can convert it to a single gear. Gonna do the same as he’s doing to avoid messing with busted derailer
Thanks so much for delving into the details of a proper SS conversion!!! You’ve reignited a wet tinder in this guy! I’ve got a shitload of wrenching experience under my belt and a lifelong love of all things BIKE! My dream is to sort out a way to actually make a solid living, without all the industry BS. And I finally have a great idea(not sharing that for obvious reasons). Anyhow, your enthusiasm, attention to detail and love for our greatest human achievement is very apparent here and I applaud you for it. Cheers from Hawaii!!!
Great video. I did the exact same thing with a sweet old frame..only I had an extra 29'' rear mountain bike rim with a stripped cassette, so I mounted my fixed gear into the disc brake and I was able to adjust the chain ring with a spacer much easier..hence' dishing a rim is just about the hardest part of bicycle building. A true art ....great work
For someone learning to be a bike mechanic your videos are excellent tutorials. By watching I can easily understand abstract things taught in the books. I can't imagine what kinds of people would downvote these videos. Keep the Great work RJ 👍
I always keep the original cogs during conversions. When my customers come back next day and tell me they don't like the ratio I just place a chain on a different cog. And again. Until they 100% satisfied with a ratio. Sometimes they ride for a while and come to me saying "I changed my job and on my new route there are some moderate hills. Can you change my ratio again?" Boom. New ratio again. Easy. It's a simplest and most rational form of single speed conversion and it's absolutely free. And every time I cut those cables gives me an incredible pleasure. :) CUT CUT CUT Aaaaaaa.....
Oh yes. People are getting dumber and dumber each day thanks to smart technology. They can not do anything anymore themselves. I had a lady the other day with a Giant Acapulco. She asked for a maintenance of her bike because it was too difficult to pedal. I tried it. It was fine. So I asked her why is using such a ratio for gears. She was just starring at me. I asked which gears she usually using. Same effect. Anyways, she got this bike used "In beautiful colour, with lots of gears", but she thought they will change themselves like on a car. So...you know...whatever...I just do what they ask me.
I think this is a great tutorial... I am just getting into bicycling. I have been considering doing a single speed from an older bicycle. This is very helpful. Thank you!
I used to work on cars ..but I got my first bike this morning. Traded a tablet I got for really cheap for a somewhat crappy bike. However...I'm very used to getting something others see as "crappy" and breathing life into it. This video helped. I'm excited. Thanks!
Great video! Some added tips: ALWAYS use a spacer behind the freewheel. Grease or anti-seize lub is sometimes not enough to break the freewheel off the hub to change; make sure that the crank ring bolts are not too long or you will not be able to use a flat-head screwdriver to tighten.
Not knowing about that Dishing tool and what it does was expecting to see one of those funny looking offline wheel bicycles. Glad didn't quite watching. Nice video
This should be called, "Why burning your house to the ground then swan diving head first into a bed of cactus is preferable to trying to convert your bike to a single speed"
this is just the thorough, weight-saving, and overhaul way. you can easily just remove derailleurs, shifters, cables and keep the same freewheel but simply shorten your chain to only be on the desired sprocket combo as long as your chainline is straight.
Makes me want to convert my old peoguet into a single speed. I've a MEC single with a belt drive and it's great. Might be nice to have another single with a different gear ratio. Great video..... thanks for posting
Many thanks. Watched this. Followed the process for a 1970's Olmo and it worked fine. Re-dishing the wheel wasn't too tricky and much quicker than I thought it would be. The bike now rides fine and smooth and the wheel has held up fine on gravel trails. Certainly cheaper than a new wheel set.
You and bikeit UK are the only youtubers i can watch redtoring these bikes. Im working on a Peugeot Vintage and still not sure if i want it geared or single speed. Thanks for all these cool videos.
Always helpful and useful videos to bike enthusiasts like myself. Could you possibly do a video on chain tension? Especially for fixed gear/single speed bikes
RJ the bike guy is a true expert on fixing bikes he gives you the math technique on measuring how he fix or rebuild a bike so u know that is deep when u go to the math on rebuilding a bike, thanks RJ for the brake down on how to rebuild a bike.
I'm usually against converting road bikes 🚲 🚲 to single speed. With singles and fixies being so cheap to buy and build. Reverse adjustable dropouts work much better when you want to sprint like a track star.🌟 But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do these conversions and you always seem to do things the right way. Thanks.☺
tarstarkusz Cyclists have been riding fixed gear and single speed bikes in general for a very long time. at one point it was very common to switch wheelsets in the wintertime to fixed gear to keep the legs supple. Don't be a dick-- ride your bike and shut up. Signed, a hipster millennial
Thanks RJ. I uwatched this video then converted a Raleigh mountain 15 spd to a single speed for my wife (who never uses shifters anyway). The spacers already on the axle just needed rearranging, and redishing the wheel on the bike was a breeze. Its perfect, she loves it.
I know this has been up a while now but belated thanks for posting. You did a very thorough job, even down to the number of balls in the bearing race. I could have sworn I had 8 so went back and checked - all 9 present and correct ! Tomorrow I'll find out how out of line my sprockets are then tackle the dishing. Thanks again
I remember once when i was younger about 12 or so i took a old huffy i had and a old exercise bike and put the two together. The exercise bike had a solid wheel that weighed about 20 pounds and had a rubber coating on it. It was the older style exercise bikes so it used a chain drive similar to a bike. It had a fixed sproket similar to a fixie so thats pretty much what i created. The wheel fit perfectly only my huffy since both were 20 inch and man was that thing ridiculously fast compared to my friends. I started winning races left and right with people calling me a cheater. I guess i was cheating in a way i just had a ghetto fixie bike so i really wasnt cheating. I dont remember the tooth ratio for it. I wish i still had that bike. I have no clue what happened to it and no memory where it went but i really did enjoy it. Difficult to recreate as well since old school huffys are easy to come by but old school exercise bikes with the wheel design mine had are not.
Hey RJ! I’m fixing up a vintage Nishiki bike for my gf as a present and i decided I wanted to convert it to a single speed. The video was very thorough and I’ll definitely watch it a couple more times as the process goes on!:)
This is a fantastic video. Thank you for taking the time to add the detail. A lot of great old bikes like this make fantastic single speeds, and though they require a bit of work the effort is worth it, I think. I'm ready to tackle it now.
double lynx i have actually done this myself with a gusset ER single track conversion kit. No wheel redishing or axle nut and spacer juggling and a dream to get the chainline bob on dead centre with a bit of trial and error on the spacing shims. The only downside to this is that the wheel still remains dished to accommodate those other 7 or 8 freewheel sprockets that used to be on the freehub body and it is not as strong due to the unneeded amount of dish and flange offset. The good points are it is easily retrofittable and you usually get feed up with a single speed freewheel after a few months anyway. True fixie riders usually source a dedicated single speed hub with a lockable fixed sprocket thread on it but it is now becoming popular to bolt fixed sprockets onto the disc mount bosses and reverse the wheel in the frame.
Wow, I'm in my 50's getting back into cycling after 20 years off. Always liked simplicity in my bikes. Didn't really want to buy new single speed. Then saw your video. Now totally inspired to upcycle an old bike like this. Thamks. Subscribing was easy decision.
damn that looks awesome! I know I'm a year late but I was just thinking of building my own fixie this summer (riding a free wheel single currently, then a fat tire during the winter). I want to know the guts more so I can understand my bike more. This looks like a large investment on tools though which is a little discouraging.
Building a bike, discovered your channel, watched a few videos, subscribed. I love your style and knowledge and also, and mean no offense, you calm me to the point where I am able to sleep. This is a good thing. Thank you, keep em coming I hope.
If I had done that, it would have moved the chain out another 5mm or more. And I would have had to move the rear hub ever farther. I could have gotten a new bottom bracket with a shorter spindle, but that adds expense and the goal was to be cheap.
Great video! Been taking apart bikes since I was 8 and customizing them. 13 years ago I got my first welder and started welding up some crazy bike builds for 4 of my boys. Never heard of dishing a wheel I have four custom tall bike builds that I ride alot that need the rear wheels dished and building a fixe tomorrow.
Eh, if you're cycling you probably already have or should have a set of hex keys and screwdivers. If its a conversion you already have a frame with horizontal dropouts. Assuming you buy a fresh wheel designed for singlespeed and a cog, this requires no specialised tools except a chain splitter. Just remove all the geared stuff and stick the old chain on properly sized for the smaller chainring. RJ is doing a full conversion but there are simpler ways of doing this.
I never understood how to properly adjust chain tension. The tool that you made with the wire hanger came with my chain breaker tool. Now I understand what it is for and how to properly adjust chain tension. Thank you!
Why not just take off the derailleurs and shorten the chain? Yeah, you'll be carrying a few ounces extra weight with a multi-cog freewheel you don't need, but it's negligible.
Thank you. This is exactly what I need. I just bought an old bike off ebay that looks very similar and I want to turn it into a single speed. This video has all the information I need as an beginner. I wish I could give you more thumbs up!
Watched the video a few months ago and finally got round to dishing the singlespeed wheel to replace the gears on my bike. I always thought you needed to replace the spokes to dish the wheel by that much! Who knew you have that much available offset within a wheel as standard! Anyway I lined up the freewheel with the crank by eye and then dished the wheel so it was centred again between the brake blocks, didn't use a dishing tool as I don't have one. Everything looks ok...might have to add a bit more tension to the wheel but see how it goes after the test ride tomorrow. Thanks for the video, helped me make use of an otherwise wasted freewheel wheel. Have been running singlespeed with cassette conversion kits (MTB) which seem to wreck the splines of the cassette hub. Freewheels look stronger and cheaper to replace for singlespeed setup.
Great vid! Wheel truing/dishing has always seemed like magic to me. If I'd tried this, the wheel would have ended up looking like it was made out of taffy.
when younger, asked myself all the time "When am I getting rid of this stupid, heavy, ugly, single speed bike and get one with speeds so I don´t get everywhere tired and all sweaty"... now all that is trend. Just an expensive trend by the way.
I have this same frame but converted it to a fixie. 😎 The rear dropout are not completely horizontal but work fine to allow for proper chain tension. I skipped the engineering degree and just bought a used SS hub rear wheel from my local bike coop. (Still can't even true a wheel decently, much less dish one)
If you really wanted a cheap conversion, why can't you just remove the deraileurs and put a shorter chain around the small chain ring in the front and the gear in the back that is most in line with it? No spacing problems, no dishing needed. The gear ratio is in the middle of the multiple gears so it should be ok to pedal in most situations. Am I missing something?
After watching 5 videos today on how to true a wheel and then stumbling across this, I'm surprised I actually understood some of what you did. Thanks for documenting this build, it was interesting to see how the wheel gets adjusted with spacers and dished to line up the chain.
@@RJTheBikeGuy my argument would be that the loss in versatility of this bike isn't worth the reduction in maintenance :) but yes, sometimes you don't need all the tech. Good video in any case! Easy to follow and good shots.
Singlespeeds are #actually good. More efficient, lighter, more efficient chainline. Not good for professional racing, but who cares. Get where you're going, stand up on the hills. It's good.
I knew it was a bit complicated swapping my 2x10 gear road bike into a fixie. Neither having the tools nor the complete knowledge to go thoroughly through the process just changed the cockpit and I like it like that! Thanks for sharing this video.
Do you mean move the chain ring in? I couldn't move it in much because the chainring would have hit the frame before the chainline was straight. I would have had to mess with the wheel anyway.
RJ The Bike Guy it would have been ONLY 3 or 4 spacers ( about 6 mm ) . ( To reach exactly 10 mm was not really mandatory _ [ 1 mm. to the left or 1mm. To the right doesn't imply a dinâmic difference ] .
In this instance the bike is singlespeed not a fixie, some people prefer to have only one gear so the bike has a sleek look and is more simpler to ride than gears
Damn I didn't know I was watching a math word problem walk-through. This is honestly the first real-life application of math I've seen outside of college.
@Robert Trageser you can buy a WalMart SS in MINUTES and leave a vintage road bike on the market for somebody who wants one just the way it is. Bare frame builds are another story, but conversions are more trouble than they're worth.
New subscriber. I've learned so much from you in the past two days! Never new what was involved in bicycle conversions and parts swapping. I never did more than routine maintenance and changing flats!
Great job explaining. I thought this project was going to be much easier than it ended up being. Nice to see all the potential steps required to do it right.
I tell you what pal im glad i found your channel. Realy enjoyed that video, looks like i going to go and buy myself a truing stand as it seems very useful, Big thanks again from Scotland
Just had a single speed built for me to ride excercising and to ride about 2 miles to work, video was very informative and educational. Hopefully this will instill confidence to more effectively maintain my bike, which is a Torkor 11 district. Sorry,1st non store bought, unsure about particulars. But, enjoyed the video and learned a lot. Thank you.
For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy
Once again, I go back to your video's. I thought my chain was out of line. I couldn't ride as fast as i used to. I measured it all up as per 14:17. The chain line was 2 mm out. What the helll ?!? 2 miller metres was to blame! I just needed as reason. And that explains it. Thanks RJ. I need any excuse to deny the fact that I am getting older and slower!
To anyone who has doubts about working on their bike: RJ’s videos are so helpful( so thanks RJ!). I consider myself pretty handy but I had no knowledge on bikes whatsoever and they guys at my local bike shop are more intimidating than welcoming. Now I have built 3 single speed bikes. It can be nerve racking not knowing what the hell you’re doing but the best way I think is to just get in there and get your hands dirty, and not worry about bike snobs around you or in the comments. I still have a lot to learn but just thought I’d share after reading some “I don’t think I can do it” comments.
The fear factor is the biggest obstacle.
That's an awesome conversion.
This video made me realize there's no way I'm doing that myself..
It's at least $200 in tools, not to mention experience
dont worry just buy a single speed from some hipster who realised that you need legs for cycling, they will allways choose theire skinny jeans over the bike:D sadly most of them bought only junk to begin with but sometimes i see online some pretty nice deals^^
Way easier in really life...he added a million steps... And you don't need half the tools shown either...
@@bergbilch Or do like I just did and buy a Detroit Bikes Sparrow for 400 bucks :)
@@fendermon thats a genuinely nice bike
There is some real gold here. Lots of comments here like "this is not easy" or "it's alot harder than I thought". He didn't say it was easy, he said it was cheap. The dishing technique and the home made chain tool are pure gold. Thank you!
I realize this video is older but....The detail of the wheel centering is something very helpful & needed. Now I need to work on "dishing" wheels & I can add that my resume. Thanks
I mean don't get me wrong. I loved this video and learned so much. A lot of this was more complicated being it was a freewheel. Freehub single speed kits have adjustable spacers. Not saying he should've done it that way as he is so dang clever and used what he had which I admire more than just buying whatever you need. Amazing Lesson here with single speed conversion.
You can get away with simply swapping to a ss/bmx cog and some trial and error with axle spacers to get decent chain line. When your vintage derailleur hanger becomes a gaping hole and causing your gears to skip every time you crank them cranks, that first ride on single speed is ultimately why I’m still riding today.
Good video, but the title should have been "Why converting a road bike to single speed is much harder than you think".
The clip show the wrong and hard way of doing it. The right way is with spacers on the back wheel, not taking apart all of the crack. Is obvious that he hasen't worked on many high ends MTB.
Blog
It's not difficult at all except the spokes centering job.
@Robert Trageser
I'm very bad with spokes, probably
It's at least $100 in various tools not to mention learning how to use them
As I watched the process of moving the entire wheel over on the axle, I knew the wheel would no longer be centered in the frame and had my doubts. I wondered how you were going to address it. I almost turned off as soon as you began talking about re-dishing the wheel 10mm. After watching you do it, I’m confident I could manage it myself. I currently commute on a newer steel single speed but I still have my vintage Raleigh Technium hanging up in my garage calling out to me. Great video.
Would it have been possible to simply flip the wheel (or the axle) around?
#Stoney3k No. The freewheel (multi- or single speed) attaches to the hub by threadings. There are no threading on the other side of the hub.
I reflect almost all of the comments here. I’ve been noodling with bikes for decades but I am awed by your expertise and execution. Thank you for the education!
Just some food for thought for people that don't have the tools or ability to "dish" a wheel. Use a wheel that has a cassette freehub body. You can space the single ring wherever you need it to be on the freehub body.
Rich McNaughton That’s fax
mate of mine did that with a pair jubilee clips... looked pretty sketchy but worked fine
So I should basically buy an bmx rear wheel, remove the “bolt”(sorry dont know how it is called) and a sprocket, and insert it on the mountain bike wheel?
Completed a single speed conversion last night on an old Hardrock and wanted to stop by and say thanks for this video. The info was crucial to me in getting it done properly. I was able to space the axle properly and dish the wheel in a couple hours (not bad for a first timer). Didn’t even need a truing stand!
I know the comments about this not being worth the effort are mostly tongue-in-cheek but I want to assure any newbies finding this video, dishing a wheel is not that bad! Buy a proper spoke tool at a bike shop and you’re in business.
The conversion I did was very much worth the effort, and not overly difficult either.
Thanks again for the videos!
I like how you didn't chop off the derailleur hanger, as I see on too many single speed conversions.
You're a pro; careful to use an adjustable wrench properly, with the solid jaw taking the force. That was an excellent explanation of the myriad complexities of wheel/axle spacing, and chain line measurements- very concise and well-ordered! Thanks RJ!!
"You're a pro; careful to use an adjustable wrench properly, with the solid jaw taking the force."
That's funny. He was careful to use an improper tool properly? An adjustable wrench is supposed to be a last resort for when you don't have a socket or wrench that fits. Since he has wrenches and sockets that fit, he doesn't have an excuse for using an adjustable wrench aside from "can't be bothered to do so."
@@MaximRecoil Haha I have to say this is true!
Why remove the hanger? Maybe you need a chain tensioner. Maybe you want to convert it back. Either way it's frankly stupid to just remove mounts like that.
@@singletona082 I'd guess it's mostly for looks. Some people like a really clean look without extra unnecessary bits here and there.
Its good to know how to use the adjustable wrench properly, but I work in a bike shop and we never worry about it with low torque applications like this.
An excellent description of how to do this without hitting the pocket other than the cost of 2 inexpensive components. The chain and the freewheel.
As a lifelong single speed rider and ex bike mechanic, I've done many SS conversions and I can see nothing to criticise in this.
One thing I would emphasise is that although many singlespeeders bling out on a fancy freewheel and chain, it's not necessary. A chain for a SS does not need the fancy features of a derailleur chain, so do as RJ suggests and buy a cheap chain.
I'll recommend this guide to the next person who asks me - it will save me a lot of explanation.
Great video, you went into awesome detail and checked every box. I’ve done this to a few bikes in past years and it’s a simple fun modification that you can do! I’m so used to working in a shop and it’s great to see some garage built stuff, this video definitely deserves a like!
Btw, that “chain tool” you fashioned is straight genius!😮
Well done RJ. I have done many many singlespeed and fixed gear conversions in my years a mechanic. The only things I may add, is sometimes you can reverse the Bottom Bracket spindle, which may cheat it in board a bit and when re-dishing a wheel that far, I always remove the tire, because the spoke heads frequently will protrude past the nipple and will need a touch up with the edge of a file. Thanks for the informative videos!
Take care,
Stephen
I picked up the same frame from a garage sale. I was not sure what I was going to do with it, but I think I know now. Thank you for the inspiration. I enjoy your channel and web site. You have bailed me out of rough spots more than once. Keep it up!
Hi RJ! Your video has been one of the most detailed video that I have seen on youtube. And I absolutely loved it! I actually just started my own project on a bike that I found on craiglist. I never would have thought so much detail are needed just to assemble a bike wheel, and you absolutely opened my eyes and made me love bikes even more! Thank you!
That was brilliant.When i decided to make a single speed from geared bike ,i thought it would be a synch. You have taught me better about lining up the back wheel.Thank you.
Honestly, it’s WAY easier to just keep the back spokes on the way they are and simply replace the chain onto just one of them. Saves you from a bunch of calculations and extra time (buying a new single speed spoke, etc). AWESOME video, gave me the confidence to pull this off on my own. Picked up a $10 Schwann 1985 Traveler 12 speed with a busted derailleur, and now I have a fully functional single speed bike. Thank you! Word to the wise: buy a chain breaker.
Same reason. I had a 21 gear bike and bought a second 3 speed bike just so I can convert it to a single gear. Gonna do the same as he’s doing to avoid messing with busted derailer
Thanks so much for delving into the details of a proper SS conversion!!! You’ve reignited a wet tinder in this guy! I’ve got a shitload of wrenching experience under my belt and a lifelong love of all things BIKE! My dream is to sort out a way to actually make a solid living, without all the industry BS. And I finally have a great idea(not sharing that for obvious reasons). Anyhow, your enthusiasm, attention to detail and love for our greatest human achievement is very apparent here and I applaud you for it. Cheers from Hawaii!!!
Great video. I did the exact same thing with a sweet old frame..only I had an extra 29'' rear mountain bike rim with a stripped cassette, so I mounted my fixed gear into the disc brake and I was able to adjust the chain ring with a spacer much easier..hence' dishing a rim is just about the hardest part of bicycle building. A true art ....great work
For someone learning to be a bike mechanic your videos are excellent tutorials. By watching I can easily understand abstract things taught in the books. I can't imagine what kinds of people would downvote these videos. Keep the Great work RJ 👍
Very helpful video! I've watched a ton of these, but this one gave me last "push" to get out into the garage and tear my old 10 speed apart. Thanks!
Truly appreciate you sharing the knowledge. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
I always keep the original cogs during conversions. When my customers come back next day and tell me they don't like the ratio I just place a chain on a different cog. And again. Until they 100% satisfied with a ratio. Sometimes they ride for a while and come to me saying "I changed my job and on my new route there are some moderate hills. Can you change my ratio again?" Boom. New ratio again. Easy.
It's a simplest and most rational form of single speed conversion and it's absolutely free.
And every time I cut those cables gives me an incredible pleasure. :) CUT CUT CUT Aaaaaaa.....
People actually pay for that? :'D
Oh yes. People are getting dumber and dumber each day thanks to smart technology. They can not do anything anymore themselves.
I had a lady the other day with a Giant Acapulco. She asked for a maintenance of her bike because it was too difficult to pedal. I tried it. It was fine. So I asked her why is using such a ratio for gears.
She was just starring at me. I asked which gears she usually using. Same effect.
Anyways, she got this bike used "In beautiful colour, with lots of gears", but she thought they will change themselves like on a car.
So...you know...whatever...I just do what they ask me.
That was way more complicated than I expected. You know what your doing, very good!
One of the bets tutorials on UA-cam, your explanations were concise and on point.
A++++
5 years old, but the knowledge manifests itself into the curiosity of the common cyclist and homestead mechanic. Thanks RJ!
I think this is a great tutorial... I am just getting into bicycling. I have been considering doing a single speed from an older bicycle. This is very helpful. Thank you!
I used to work on cars ..but I got my first bike this morning. Traded a tablet I got for really cheap for a somewhat crappy bike. However...I'm very used to getting something others see as "crappy" and breathing life into it. This video helped. I'm excited. Thanks!
How's the bike doing, buddy?
So wholesome! I like it.
Great video! Some added tips: ALWAYS use a spacer behind the freewheel. Grease or anti-seize lub is sometimes not enough to break the freewheel off the hub to change; make sure that the crank ring bolts are not too long or you will not be able to use a flat-head screwdriver to tighten.
You are one of the few people I know that knows the correct math for ss chainline. Bravo!
Not knowing about that Dishing tool and what it does was expecting to see one of those funny looking offline wheel bicycles. Glad didn't quite watching. Nice video
I'm getting ready to convert my Surly to single speed. Your video helped to build my confidence. Great job and thanks for posting!
This should be called, "Why burning your house to the ground then swan diving head first into a bed of cactus is preferable to trying to convert your bike to a single speed"
You right it don't work. Cost more money and work than u can buy it for
haha my exact thoughts... nonetheless, he did an amazing job with his vast knowledge of this transformation! kudos for the patience and the video!
Succinctly put, Kyle! I really did L O L :-)
this is just the thorough, weight-saving, and overhaul way. you can easily just remove derailleurs, shifters, cables and keep the same freewheel but simply shorten your chain to only be on the desired sprocket combo as long as your chainline is straight.
Really wish I saw this comment before I decided to pull my bike apart and realise I'm fucked
This is probably the best how to video I have ever seen on bicycle maintenance
Makes me want to convert my old peoguet into a single speed. I've a MEC single with a belt drive and it's great. Might be nice to have another single with a different gear ratio.
Great video..... thanks for posting
Many thanks. Watched this. Followed the process for a 1970's Olmo and it worked fine. Re-dishing the wheel wasn't too tricky and much quicker than I thought it would be. The bike now rides fine and smooth and the wheel has held up fine on gravel trails. Certainly cheaper than a new wheel set.
Great video. Editing mistake though, you reassembled the axle twice lol.
Looking forward to more content
LOL
RJ The Bike Guy 19:22 then around 19:50 😉
Yep. I saw.
oh good. I'm not crazy.
You and bikeit UK are the only youtubers i can watch redtoring these bikes. Im working on a Peugeot Vintage and still not sure if i want it geared or single speed. Thanks for all these cool videos.
Always helpful and useful videos to bike enthusiasts like myself. Could you possibly do a video on chain tension? Especially for fixed gear/single speed bikes
Pretty sweet tutorial. Really like that you didn't rush through the rear axle layout on paper. 10/10
It's much more difficult than i was thinking.
Matías Vidal del Valle
A few spacers would do the very same trick.
Erratum : some say washers , rings ,,,
Manuel Luis I lined them up with string . Simple
According to my skill, i will just remove both derailleurs and shifters then call it a one speed bike LOL.
its not
my repair skills are growing in leaps because of you and Park Tool . Thank you for sharing your knowledge !
Damn you really went into detail on this, cool
Best video I've seen so far on how to deal with the problems Ive had on my bike build. Thanks so much!
welcome back we missed you!
RJ the bike guy is a true expert on fixing bikes he gives you the math technique on measuring how he fix or rebuild a bike so u know that is deep when u go to the math on rebuilding a bike, thanks RJ for the brake down on how to rebuild a bike.
I'm usually against converting road bikes 🚲 🚲 to single speed. With singles and fixies being so cheap to buy and build. Reverse adjustable dropouts work much better when you want to sprint like a track star.🌟 But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do these conversions and you always seem to do things the right way. Thanks.☺
bullwhip johnson
it's very difficult.
reason im using horizontal dropouts instead of track ends is because i use fenders and its much easier to remove wheel with fender
Just make sure any mods can be reversed at a later date.
tarstarkusz Cyclists have been riding fixed gear and single speed bikes in general for a very long time. at one point it was very common to switch wheelsets in the wintertime to fixed gear to keep the legs supple.
Don't be a dick-- ride your bike and shut up. Signed, a hipster millennial
+Dean Azarnush try rear plastic mudguard QRs the same as Esge put on the front. Then you can have track ends and guards.
Thanks RJ. I uwatched this video then converted a Raleigh mountain 15 spd to a single speed for my wife (who never uses shifters anyway). The spacers already on the axle just needed rearranging, and redishing the wheel on the bike was a breeze. Its perfect, she loves it.
Cool!
" I can't stand kickstand - they're ugly and stupid " LOL
I always tell my non-mechanic friends to take theirs off, all they do is make them fall over and damage the derailers
@@Aeshir2 i think the point of a kickstand is that it doesnt fall over
@@Grovichun it's tru I have a kickstand and I'll be darned if it doesn't hold that sucker up! Every time!
I know this has been up a while now but belated thanks for posting. You did a very thorough job, even down to the number of balls in the bearing race. I could have sworn I had 8 so went back and checked - all 9 present and correct ! Tomorrow I'll find out how out of line my sprockets are then tackle the dishing. Thanks again
I remember once when i was younger about 12 or so i took a old huffy i had and a old exercise bike and put the two together. The exercise bike had a solid wheel that weighed about 20 pounds and had a rubber coating on it. It was the older style exercise bikes so it used a chain drive similar to a bike. It had a fixed sproket similar to a fixie so thats pretty much what i created. The wheel fit perfectly only my huffy since both were 20 inch and man was that thing ridiculously fast compared to my friends. I started winning races left and right with people calling me a cheater. I guess i was cheating in a way i just had a ghetto fixie bike so i really wasnt cheating. I dont remember the tooth ratio for it.
I wish i still had that bike. I have no clue what happened to it and no memory where it went but i really did enjoy it. Difficult to recreate as well since old school huffys are easy to come by but old school exercise bikes with the wheel design mine had are not.
LOL!
I am definitely going to attempt this but first I have to get a degree in engineering from MIT.
Hey RJ! I’m fixing up a vintage Nishiki bike for my gf as a present and i decided I wanted to convert it to a single speed. The video was very thorough and I’ll definitely watch it a couple more times as the process goes on!:)
That's a really nice frame!
This is a fantastic video. Thank you for taking the time to add the detail. A lot of great old bikes like this make fantastic single speeds, and though they require a bit of work the effort is worth it, I think. I'm ready to tackle it now.
Your better off using a wheel with a cassette, easier install.
double lynx i have actually done this myself with a gusset ER single track conversion kit. No wheel redishing or axle nut and spacer juggling and a dream to get the chainline bob on dead centre with a bit of trial and error on the spacing shims. The only downside to this is that the wheel still remains dished to accommodate those other 7 or 8 freewheel sprockets that used to be on the freehub body and it is not as strong due to the unneeded amount of dish and flange offset. The good points are it is easily retrofittable and you usually get feed up with a single speed freewheel after a few months anyway. True fixie riders usually source a dedicated single speed hub with a lockable fixed sprocket thread on it but it is now becoming popular to bolt fixed sprockets onto the disc mount bosses and reverse the wheel in the frame.
Wow, I'm in my 50's getting back into cycling after 20 years off. Always liked simplicity in my bikes. Didn't really want to buy new single speed. Then saw your video. Now totally inspired to upcycle an old bike like this. Thamks. Subscribing was easy decision.
damn that looks awesome! I know I'm a year late but I was just thinking of building my own fixie this summer (riding a free wheel single currently, then a fat tire during the winter). I want to know the guts more so I can understand my bike more. This looks like a large investment on tools though which is a little discouraging.
Building a bike, discovered your channel, watched a few videos, subscribed. I love your style and knowledge and also, and mean no offense, you calm me to the point where I am able to sleep. This is a good thing. Thank you, keep em coming I hope.
Hello, is it possible to put the 46t chain ring on the front of the crank arm for a cleaner look?
If I had done that, it would have moved the chain out another 5mm or more. And I would have had to move the rear hub ever farther. I could have gotten a new bottom bracket with a shorter spindle, but that adds expense and the goal was to be cheap.
Great video! Been taking apart bikes since I was 8 and customizing them. 13 years ago I got my first welder and started welding up some crazy bike builds for 4 of my boys. Never heard of dishing a wheel I have four custom tall bike builds that I ride alot that need the rear wheels dished and building a fixe tomorrow.
Cheap* assuming you've got a whole stack of tools already...
and a bike!
Eh, if you're cycling you probably already have or should have a set of hex keys and screwdivers. If its a conversion you already have a frame with horizontal dropouts. Assuming you buy a fresh wheel designed for singlespeed and a cog, this requires no specialised tools except a chain splitter. Just remove all the geared stuff and stick the old chain on properly sized for the smaller chainring. RJ is doing a full conversion but there are simpler ways of doing this.
@@hendrixinfinity3992 crank puller
not only tools, but also parts as washers, nuts, ...
I never understood how to properly adjust chain tension. The tool that you made with the wire hanger came with my chain breaker tool. Now I understand what it is for and how to properly adjust chain tension. Thank you!
Instructions unclear, turned it into a BMX somehow
😂😂😂👍
anonymous 712 get a granny basket on it with an ET and the moons your oyster! 😂😂😂
Umm I just discovered your channel and I am sort of amazed at how good and how clear your style is. This video is amazingly helpful.
Why not just take off the derailleurs and shorten the chain? Yeah, you'll be carrying a few ounces extra weight with a multi-cog freewheel you don't need, but it's negligible.
Thank you. This is exactly what I need. I just bought an old bike off ebay that looks very similar and I want to turn it into a single speed. This video has all the information I need as an beginner. I wish I could give you more thumbs up!
looking great .. tnx for explain .. greetings from germany
Watched the video a few months ago and finally got round to dishing the singlespeed wheel to replace the gears on my bike. I always thought you needed to replace the spokes to dish the wheel by that much! Who knew you have that much available offset within a wheel as standard! Anyway I lined up the freewheel with the crank by eye and then dished the wheel so it was centred again between the brake blocks, didn't use a dishing tool as I don't have one. Everything looks ok...might have to add a bit more tension to the wheel but see how it goes after the test ride tomorrow. Thanks for the video, helped me make use of an otherwise wasted freewheel wheel. Have been running singlespeed with cassette conversion kits (MTB) which seem to wreck the splines of the cassette hub. Freewheels look stronger and cheaper to replace for singlespeed setup.
ua-cam.com/video/DaWZ_uoE9TY/v-deo.html
When you know all the necessary steps but still watch an RJ video. :)
stipzao Present.
Second time watching the same video here. o/
Great vid! Wheel truing/dishing has always seemed like magic to me. If I'd tried this, the wheel would have ended up looking like it was made out of taffy.
Wish I had a dollar for every time the word here was used, reminded me of Phil Liggett commenting on one of the big races, ( Tour etc. ).
I'm a barrel picker from way back and I like simple things so this video is double satisfying. Good job.
when younger, asked myself all the time "When am I getting rid of this stupid, heavy, ugly, single speed bike and get one with speeds so I don´t get everywhere tired and all sweaty"... now all that is trend. Just an expensive trend by the way.
I have this same frame but converted it to a fixie. 😎 The rear dropout are not completely horizontal but work fine to allow for proper chain tension. I skipped the engineering degree and just bought a used SS hub rear wheel from my local bike coop. (Still can't even true a wheel decently, much less dish one)
If you really wanted a cheap conversion, why can't you just remove the deraileurs and put a shorter chain around the small chain ring in the front and the gear in the back that is most in line with it? No spacing problems, no dishing needed. The gear ratio is in the middle of the multiple gears so it should be ok to pedal in most situations. Am I missing something?
After watching 5 videos today on how to true a wheel and then stumbling across this, I'm surprised I actually understood some of what you did. Thanks for documenting this build, it was interesting to see how the wheel gets adjusted with spacers and dished to line up the chain.
ua-cam.com/video/f1SHmFBihKM/v-deo.html
It's a perfectly good bike!!!! Why would you cripple it by reducing it to one speed??? WHY?
Are you aware that there are other people in this world who like different things than you?
@@RJTheBikeGuy my argument would be that the loss in versatility of this bike isn't worth the reduction in maintenance :) but yes, sometimes you don't need all the tech. Good video in any case! Easy to follow and good shots.
@@Humming3ird I live in a hilly area and it wouldn't be practical here. For people who live in a places that are pancake flat, it might be useful.
Singlespeeds are #actually good. More efficient, lighter, more efficient chainline. Not good for professional racing, but who cares. Get where you're going, stand up on the hills. It's good.
I knew it was a bit complicated swapping my 2x10 gear road bike into a fixie. Neither having the tools nor the complete knowledge to go thoroughly through the process just changed the cockpit and I like it like that! Thanks for sharing this video.
1 min 38 seconds into the video and its a good video because kick stands do in fact look stupid
So far so good RJ Guess you we’re getting cabin fever, time for a new project. Good to see you back
you couldn't have just used spacers to line up the drivetrain? i feel like redishing the wheel was a little much..
Do you mean move the chain ring in? I couldn't move it in much because the chainring would have hit the frame before the chainline was straight. I would have had to mess with the wheel anyway.
RJ The Bike Guy i mean put spacers behind the freewheel
I couldn't fit 10mm of spacers there and still have enough threads for the freewheel. I would still have had to mess with the wheel.
RJ The Bike Guy it would have been ONLY 3 or 4 spacers ( about 6 mm ) . ( To reach exactly 10 mm was not really mandatory _ [ 1 mm. to the left or 1mm. To the right doesn't imply a dinâmic difference ] .
The chain can bend both sides more than 6cm.
Love this guys videos. Dude owns every weird and wonderful bike tool you could dream of xD
very beutiful bike, but you have to show when you (or someone) drives it :(
Thanks for the tip with the vice! I'm fixing up an old Panasonic and I always dread doing the wheel bearings. This'll make it way easier!
I do not understand. Why would anyone want to remove gears? Having a fixed gear is so inefficient?
Love the Raleigh BTW!
In this instance the bike is singlespeed not a fixie, some people prefer to have only one gear so the bike has a sleek look and is more simpler to ride than gears
Although I also love the look of raleigh vintage road bikes
Hipsters like it that way and they're ready to pay good money.
Everything that's old is new again. Personally, I think the best solution is a 1x system.
Style points.
Your videos are second to none. Very informative, well taught and entertaining to boot! grateful I found your channel!
Damn I didn't know I was watching a math word problem walk-through. This is honestly the first real-life application of math I've seen outside of college.
I use math all the time.
@naomisfine Arithmetic is a branch of mathematics.
Mate what a legend. Just doing my first single speed and this has been so helpful. Thank you. Learned so much
Too much work for something soo simple 😑
@Robert Trageser you can buy a WalMart SS in MINUTES and leave a vintage road bike on the market for somebody who wants one just the way it is. Bare frame builds are another story, but conversions are more trouble than they're worth.
I didn't realise dishing was so simple really just need some time and patience, really cool vid!
Hey Rj You explain things very nicely and I enjoy learning from you.
Thank you for making such videos.
New subscriber. I've learned so much from you in the past two days! Never new what was involved in bicycle conversions and parts swapping. I never did more than routine maintenance and changing flats!
Great job explaining. I thought this project was going to be much easier than it ended up being. Nice to see all the potential steps required to do it right.
I tell you what pal im glad i found your channel. Realy enjoyed that video, looks like i going to go and buy myself a truing stand as it seems very useful, Big thanks again from Scotland
I love my truing stand! Makes life easier!
Awesome, how to re-spacer the rear axle was exactly what I need! Thank you!
Just had a single speed built for me to ride excercising and to ride about 2 miles to work, video was very informative and educational. Hopefully this will instill confidence to more effectively maintain my bike, which is a Torkor 11 district. Sorry,1st non store bought, unsure about particulars. But, enjoyed the video and learned a lot. Thank you.