changing to single speed
Discussion
Ive got a DMR sidekick set up for a bit of all mountain kind of things. Now im at university I could do with something other than my bmx to get to and from lectures as its got no brakes 
So I was thinking of using my DMR but converting it to single speed as I dont really get to use the bike properly anymore as Im too busy.
What gearing do people generally use on a 26inch bike? Im looking at the DMR single speed conversion kit which comes with a 16t cog. At the moment ive got some Shimano Hone cranks up front with 32 tooth ring.
What are the opinions so I can get to lectures quick but also get up some little hills without too much effort.
Cheers guys
So I was thinking of using my DMR but converting it to single speed as I dont really get to use the bike properly anymore as Im too busy.
What gearing do people generally use on a 26inch bike? Im looking at the DMR single speed conversion kit which comes with a 16t cog. At the moment ive got some Shimano Hone cranks up front with 32 tooth ring.
What are the opinions so I can get to lectures quick but also get up some little hills without too much effort.
Cheers guys
To add balance, my advice would be to leave gears on if you have them already and they work fine. I tried singlespeed and while some people love it and swear by it, it wasnt for me. I only found it fun for so long struggling up hills, and then not being able to pedal fast enough to make any significant difference to my speed downhills! But others do love it so give it a go if you can cheaply but dont throw your gears out until you know you want to stick with singlespeed.
You don't say what rear hub you've got. Can I recommend a Superstar Components wide sprocket. As for ratios a 32:16 will be a bit low on the road.
Alternatively, you could use the 11 or 12T sprocket from your cassette. You'll still need s/s spacer kit. Woolly Hat Shop and Superstar do complete kits cheaper than the DMR stuff.
Alternatively, you could use the 11 or 12T sprocket from your cassette. You'll still need s/s spacer kit. Woolly Hat Shop and Superstar do complete kits cheaper than the DMR stuff.
I run 42-15 on road and to be honest it's a bit high; a steepish hill can be a bit of a struggle although I guess it's all good for the fitness.
I have to say however that I've recently switched from the DMR kit mentioned above to the Gusset Doublesix spacer and cog. The Gusset is far higher quality, looks better and has a much chunkier footprint to the cogs; having run DMR for a year, I have definite grooves cut into my cassette body from the thin cog. That said, the Doublesix cogs only go up to 15T for some reason, hence the slightly high ratio above. Shouldn't be an issue if you're only running 32 up front though.
Equally, on the chain tensioning side I've switched from DMR STS to the Surly Singleator and again, it's a much better piece of kit. As it's spring-loaded you can fine-tune the tension and, in my case, go from push-down to pull-up which gives you much better chain contact on the rear cog.
I have to say however that I've recently switched from the DMR kit mentioned above to the Gusset Doublesix spacer and cog. The Gusset is far higher quality, looks better and has a much chunkier footprint to the cogs; having run DMR for a year, I have definite grooves cut into my cassette body from the thin cog. That said, the Doublesix cogs only go up to 15T for some reason, hence the slightly high ratio above. Shouldn't be an issue if you're only running 32 up front though.
Equally, on the chain tensioning side I've switched from DMR STS to the Surly Singleator and again, it's a much better piece of kit. As it's spring-loaded you can fine-tune the tension and, in my case, go from push-down to pull-up which gives you much better chain contact on the rear cog.
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