How To Build A Single Speed Bike Cheap - Vintage Road Bike Conversion

Рет қаралды 1,142,113

6 жыл бұрын

I show to convert a vintage road bike to make a single speed bike. This is not a fixie, but a single speed bike with a singlespeed freewheel. I show the process of removing the derailleurs, freewheel, etc. Installing the new freewheel, adjusting the axle spacing to straighten the chainline, and re-dishing the wheel.
Yep, there is an editing mistake. See if you can spot it.
Often, I get asked why I didn't just leave the multi-speed freewheel on, and use one of the cogs. I wanted to build a single speed bike. Not a multi-speed bike crippled to one gearing combination.
Pros:
Simplicity: No shifting gears.
Maintenance: Less parts. Less complicated. Less things to go wrong.
Weight: Less parts, less weight.
Cons:
Versatility: Not as versatile as a geared bike. Best used on flat terrain.
If you want to know WHY a single speed bike, go ask people that ride single speed bikes.
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Пікірлер: 1 400

@RJTheBikeGuy 5 жыл бұрын

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

@ElliotFlowers 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@renshaw765 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@RJTheBikeGuy 4 жыл бұрын

The fear factor is the biggest obstacle.

@rochester212 6 жыл бұрын

Good video, but the title should have been "Why converting a road bike to single speed is much harder than you think".

@janrally8474 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@evan2896 5 жыл бұрын

Blog

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Sture Elvis Its obvious youve never seen a freewheel hub before. Its simpler to respace axle and redish than build a new wheel with a ‘high end’ hub. Much cheaper too. Its a 1 hour job. If youve seen a freewheel hub before.

@krollpeter 5 жыл бұрын

It's not difficult at all except the spokes centering job.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Peter Kroll Thats not hard either. Loosen all the spokes on one side tighten those on the other side the same amount. Do it a quarter turn at a time until the wheel is centered. You can do all this with the wheel in your frame.

@Nomorehats 4 жыл бұрын

That's an awesome conversion. This video made me realize there's no way I'm doing that myself..

@Nomorehats 4 жыл бұрын

It's at least $200 in tools, not to mention experience

@bergbilch 4 жыл бұрын

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^^

@martykasa6704 4 жыл бұрын

Way easier in really life...he added a million steps... And you don't need half the tools shown either...

@fendermon 4 жыл бұрын

@@bergbilch Or do like I just did and buy a Detroit Bikes Sparrow for 400 bucks :)

@digisuboob 3 жыл бұрын

@@fendermon thats a genuinely nice bike

@niclaatz 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@ipodgolfer13 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@B_COOPER Жыл бұрын

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.

@richmcnaughton5293 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@chasebanas1748 4 жыл бұрын

Rich McNaughton That’s fax

@SebBrosig 3 жыл бұрын

mate of mine did that with a pair jubilee clips... looked pretty sketchy but worked fine

@tyliai2520 3 жыл бұрын

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?

@ss_whole 5 жыл бұрын

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"

@alanbaird9846 4 жыл бұрын

You right it don't work. Cost more money and work than u can buy it for

@dexedr1ne 4 жыл бұрын

haha my exact thoughts... nonetheless, he did an amazing job with his vast knowledge of this transformation! kudos for the patience and the video!

@McCorrisken1957 4 жыл бұрын

Succinctly put, Kyle! I really did L O L :-)

@florascent9ts 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@tarik567 3 жыл бұрын

Really wish I saw this comment before I decided to pull my bike apart and realise I'm fucked

@doylerabjohn3435 Жыл бұрын

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

@toddjillfoster975 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@Stoney3K 3 жыл бұрын

Would it have been possible to simply flip the wheel (or the axle) around?

@KarlosEPM 2 жыл бұрын

#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.

@russianbanjoethics Жыл бұрын

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.

@lordblizzord 8 ай бұрын

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

@brianbermingham9888 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@lipchen8916 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@kermatog 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@BruceWaynesLabCoat 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work! I came here because i have an old 12 speed panasonic sports 1000 and i want to convert it into a fixie. I have to say. This is the most helpful and perfectly explained video yet. Great work and thanks.

@akeeperofoddknowledge4956 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@stephenhill6276 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@quoththeraven3985 5 жыл бұрын

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

@krisjb1 6 жыл бұрын

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!

@rickm0508 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@Miginath 5 жыл бұрын

RJ, your videos are so good. I have watched almost everything and learned so much. This one is great and is inspiring me to try and make a single speed.

@imawrench 6 жыл бұрын

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

@josephfine3394 4 жыл бұрын

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!!

@MaximRecoil 3 жыл бұрын

"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."

@josephfine3394 3 жыл бұрын

@@MaximRecoil Haha I have to say this is true!

@singletona082 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@CanItAlready Жыл бұрын

@@singletona082 I'd guess it's mostly for looks. Some people like a really clean look without extra unnecessary bits here and there.

@Erik-vr2uu Жыл бұрын

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.

@RANDY4410 11 ай бұрын

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.

@billywood9717 3 ай бұрын

5 years old, but the knowledge manifests itself into the curiosity of the common cyclist and homestead mechanic. Thanks RJ!

@randallbaker4293 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Handcraftedrock 5 жыл бұрын

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.....

@TeelioBastard 5 жыл бұрын

People actually pay for that? :'D

@Handcraftedrock 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Hand Craftedrock Haha , thats a good one. I wrench too. At least 50% of riders would do just fine with singlespeeds. But people are just too soft. I always espouse SS and fixed. People, even my coworkers just look at me like Im nuts. You vould hear the crickets.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Hand Craftedrock People ask me why and I always say I lost my patience workin on all you all’s bikes! I dont have any more patience or time to work on my own. I’d rather go for a ride!!

@marinesr7 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnSefton 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@matiasvidaldelvalle4306 6 жыл бұрын

It's much more difficult than i was thinking.

@manuelluis5456 6 жыл бұрын

Matías Vidal del Valle A few spacers would do the very same trick.

@manuelluis5456 6 жыл бұрын

Erratum : some say washers , rings ,,,

@daiburt1833 5 жыл бұрын

Manuel Luis I lined them up with string . Simple

@blizzbee 5 жыл бұрын

According to my skill, i will just remove both derailleurs and shifters then call it a one speed bike LOL.

@tinycmo 5 жыл бұрын

its not

@regortex3364 5 жыл бұрын

One of the bets tutorials on KZfaq, your explanations were concise and on point. A++++

@eastonnigh3295 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@heclock 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty sweet tutorial. Really like that you didn't rush through the rear axle layout on paper. 10/10

@capitaldd3693 5 жыл бұрын

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

@sasantarom 4 жыл бұрын

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

@davidcarter1313 5 жыл бұрын

R.J. thanks for your videos. I've wrenched my own bikes for years but always learn something new from you! Keep it up!

@k0nstntcs798 4 жыл бұрын

Your videos are second to none. Very informative, well taught and entertaining to boot! grateful I found your channel!

@josephawatson 6 жыл бұрын

welcome back we missed you!

@Ginji3092 6 жыл бұрын

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

@zhixiaoliu3017 Жыл бұрын

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 👍

@whpoche 6 ай бұрын

I'm getting ready to convert my Surly to single speed. Your video helped to build my confidence. Great job and thanks for posting!

@chronicawareness9986 5 жыл бұрын

Damn you really went into detail on this, cool

@literoadie3502 6 жыл бұрын

That's a really nice frame!

@scottsprojects658 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@nukedathlonman 6 жыл бұрын

Nice work! I've always liked dealing with KMS's missing link chains - easy to size up, and easy to break apart with the right technique.

@dougmoring7321 3 жыл бұрын

I am definitely going to attempt this but first I have to get a degree in engineering from MIT.

@Roginator007 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. Editing mistake though, you reassembled the axle twice lol. Looking forward to more content

@RJTheBikeGuy 6 жыл бұрын

LOL

@Roginator007 6 жыл бұрын

RJ The Bike Guy 19:22 then around 19:50 😉

@RJTheBikeGuy 6 жыл бұрын

Yep. I saw.

@sethm.5666 6 жыл бұрын

oh good. I'm not crazy.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Ever heard of the process of trial and error? Being a good bike mechanic requires patience. Sometimes lots.

@jen3800 3 жыл бұрын

my repair skills are growing in leaps because of you and Park Tool . Thank you for sharing your knowledge !

@heyymonkey226 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I love your attention to all the details. I've watched other conversion videos and they tend to leave a lot of stuff out. If I had tried to convert my bike with just watching some other videos, I would have gotten to certain point and been stuck.

@ovenheating9482 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@RJTheBikeGuy 3 жыл бұрын

LOL!

@reconquistable 6 жыл бұрын

looking great .. tnx for explain .. greetings from germany

@Velobike 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@M3N07H3R3 4 жыл бұрын

As usual, great job RJ! You are covering every single theme posible thanks a lot!

@cebuanostud 4 жыл бұрын

" I can't stand kickstand - they're ugly and stupid " LOL

@Aeshir2 4 жыл бұрын

I always tell my non-mechanic friends to take theirs off, all they do is make them fall over and damage the derailers

@Grovichun 4 жыл бұрын

@@Aeshir2 i think the point of a kickstand is that it doesnt fall over

@devenjameslangston 4 жыл бұрын

@@Grovichun it's tru I have a kickstand and I'll be darned if it doesn't hold that sucker up! Every time!

@bullwhipjohnson8247 6 жыл бұрын

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.☺

@manuelluis5456 6 жыл бұрын

bullwhip johnson it's very difficult.

@deanazarnush884 6 жыл бұрын

reason im using horizontal dropouts instead of track ends is because i use fenders and its much easier to remove wheel with fender

@ElliotFlowers 6 жыл бұрын

Just make sure any mods can be reversed at a later date.

@houseofpills 6 жыл бұрын

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

@borderlands6606 6 жыл бұрын

+Dean Azarnush try rear plastic mudguard QRs the same as Esge put on the front. Then you can have track ends and guards.

@bosanderspublictheology 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@keithscholey651 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@dannyhengel7645 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@sandiegojody 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, is it possible to put the 46t chain ring on the front of the crank arm for a cleaner look?

@RJTheBikeGuy 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@breitsamer 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@TheLurker 6 жыл бұрын

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!

@Arknights_enjoyer821 5 жыл бұрын

Instructions unclear, turned it into a BMX somehow

@rooney1974 4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂👍

@MrDegsy69 4 жыл бұрын

anonymous 712 get a granny basket on it with an ET and the moons your oyster! 😂😂😂

@hamburglar595 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Rj You explain things very nicely and I enjoy learning from you. Thank you for making such videos.

@ANIML57 Жыл бұрын

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!!!

@ssstttyyy 5 жыл бұрын

Your better off using a wheel with a cassette, easier install.

@MrDegsy69 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@sbullar 4 жыл бұрын

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. ).

@skwaab 5 жыл бұрын

Your teaching skills are excellent, such a concise and comprehensive overview. Thank you very much!

@paulpatriot1776 4 жыл бұрын

Just stumbled upon this channel today, I am happy I found you sir. I can see this becoming my favorite place on KZfaq. Thank you for your great videos. I have several old school lugged frame bikes that I want to have some fun changing out, and you have inspired me very much! I realize now how much I need to learn, lol!👍👍🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲

@AdamKent 5 жыл бұрын

Cheap* assuming you've got a whole stack of tools already...

@notthisbutthat 4 жыл бұрын

and a bike!

@hendrixinfinity3992 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@nibba3595 3 жыл бұрын

@@hendrixinfinity3992 crank puller

@tolgai.altunova5858 3 жыл бұрын

not only tools, but also parts as washers, nuts, ...

@guzmangil5476 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@pacocinco 6 жыл бұрын

Great video RJ, very thorough. I just found it a couple months ago, but I already love your channel.

@blipco5 6 жыл бұрын

I'm a barrel picker from way back and I like simple things so this video is double satisfying. Good job.

@mikethomasbike 4 жыл бұрын

1 min 38 seconds into the video and its a good video because kick stands do in fact look stupid

@MarinStipkovic 6 жыл бұрын

When you know all the necessary steps but still watch an RJ video. :)

@tomalcolm 6 жыл бұрын

stipzao Present.

@rogeriocosta1035 6 жыл бұрын

Second time watching the same video here. o/

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

RJ is a great teacher! I teach a bike maintenance class in my shop. RJ is very thorough here. He does it the right way 1st time, also the least expensive and practical.

@tobydemendonca7703 2 жыл бұрын

Best video I've seen so far on how to deal with the problems Ive had on my bike build. Thanks so much!

@matthewickman Жыл бұрын

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.

@Humming3ird 5 жыл бұрын

It's a perfectly good bike!!!! Why would you cripple it by reducing it to one speed??? WHY?

@RJTheBikeGuy 5 жыл бұрын

Are you aware that there are other people in this world who like different things than you?

@Humming3ird 5 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@RJTheBikeGuy 5 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@AdamBee 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@DiabloManiacz 6 жыл бұрын

very beutiful bike, but you have to show when you (or someone) drives it :(

@edLambshanks 6 жыл бұрын

really great demonstration of re-spacing hub and consequential re-dishing of wheel

@gordonstewart586 5 жыл бұрын

That was way more complicated than I expected. You know what your doing, very good!

@dalebottum7173 6 жыл бұрын

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?

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

RJ is showing how to do it right, the 1st time

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Dale Bottum Under high loads or really high RPMs the chain can jump off, creating an unsafe situation. Especially on a fixed gear without brakes!Besides that, having a straight chainline makes for a very quiet, smooth and longer lasting machine.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

bigrednitro I love Miyatas. My fix-cross is a lugged Miyata sport cross , Im guessing early 80s because of the lugs. I set it up as a ‘dingle’ speed. 2 chainrings36/40, surly Dingle double cog 17/21and a White Industries double freewheel 16/19. So four different gear ratios!5 if I cross chain. Since the gears are all close to the same difference and I have horizontal drop outs, the chain length required stays the same. Its a super slick set up, super simple and super strong. Check them out on 63xc.com. It makes riding fixed or simple in the mountains way more practical. The Miyata is my favorite go to bike. I have 2 beater Ralieghs, the aforementioned ‘73 Grand Prix pub bike and my ‘75 Raliegh Sprite fixed rain bike. I have some Rock Lobster and Turner custom MTBs and a Redline ‘cross bike. Im building a touring bike soon and the Redline will become another fix cross but way lighter and stiffer than the Miyata.

@patrik2259 6 жыл бұрын

I do not understand. Why would anyone want to remove gears? Having a fixed gear is so inefficient? Love the Raleigh BTW!

@georgebamber6871 6 жыл бұрын

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

@georgebamber6871 6 жыл бұрын

Although I also love the look of raleigh vintage road bikes

@Desi365 6 жыл бұрын

Hipsters like it that way and they're ready to pay good money.

@lukew2194 6 жыл бұрын

Everything that's old is new again. Personally, I think the best solution is a 1x system.

@misamisatv 6 жыл бұрын

Style points.

@peterdelmonte9832 10 ай бұрын

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!

@Danis_Delivers 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@Naniculus 6 жыл бұрын

you couldn't have just used spacers to line up the drivetrain? i feel like redishing the wheel was a little much..

@RJTheBikeGuy 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@Naniculus 6 жыл бұрын

RJ The Bike Guy i mean put spacers behind the freewheel

@RJTheBikeGuy 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@manuelluis5456 6 жыл бұрын

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 ] .

@manuelluis5456 6 жыл бұрын

The chain can bend both sides more than 6cm.

@brandonschrockor 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@RJTheBikeGuy 5 жыл бұрын

I use math all the time.

@RJTheBikeGuy 5 жыл бұрын

@naomisfine Arithmetic is a branch of mathematics.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Haha! Use a calculator! I use math every day! Half the time I do it in my head without thinking about it. I enjoyed math in school.

@TheSgtwilly 5 жыл бұрын

Great video.I really like your single speed conversions.Very simple and efficient bike,pure fun.

@mrc8266 3 жыл бұрын

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

@noehrodriguez9937 6 жыл бұрын

Too much work for something soo simple 😑

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

People are so lazy. Its a 2 hour project, 3 if youre a newbie. You Just need a few tools that can always be used on other projects.

@MrTaxiRob 5 жыл бұрын

@@rollinrat4850 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.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Taxi Rob I built mine a couple years ago. I got a classic old steel lugged Miyata frame for free. Its turned into my favorite bike and I have a few high end bikes. This one is always ready and requires little maintenance. There is very little to break, wear out or go wrong on the bike. I built a set of wheels for it with track hubs. Fixed gears on one side and freewheel on the flip side. It has 4 different gears. Super strong and super simple. I ride it hard and beat the bike on rocky trails.

@rollinrat4850 5 жыл бұрын

Taxi Rob Why buy junk that doesn’t last? Personally I cant stand the materialist mentality. This is supposed to be a ‘green’ sport. The bike I built will last the rest of my life excepting the tires and drivetrain. If I rode a Walmart bike the way I ride mine it would be broken and worthless in one winter, probably just a few rides.

@brianmerryman6743 6 жыл бұрын

Well done RJ! Good to have you back.

@TheCorfor 6 жыл бұрын

You are one of the few people I know that knows the correct math for ss chainline. Bravo!

@smashogre4766 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@feralgrandad4429 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@seanmccarron2062 3 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent video! Thanks for the step by step on taking the wheel apart and lining up the single cog.

@ianross-bain3515 Жыл бұрын

Mate what a legend. Just doing my first single speed and this has been so helpful. Thank you. Learned so much

@denishuber7758 6 жыл бұрын

perfect exlaination as always... good work RJ !!

@davidw.hadden6019 3 жыл бұрын

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!:)