SS Conversion

[GP-TJ]

I picked up an old Marin Muir Woods steel frame and fork($10 at LBS from his basement) after finding out that my BB threads were screwed up on my old Bridgestone frame to build an el-cheapo ss. I am using an old STX derailleur as a tensioner. I cut the bottom jockey and cage off and am using only the top one as a push down derailleur (opposite of how you usually thread over that jockey on a derailleur). I am getting some big 'ol risers from a riding bud and a saddle. I am using my old Kalloy seatpost from my Bridgestone. I am kind of stuck on this one since the size is 26.2 and there aren't many of those around. I just ordered up a Salsa 32T 104 bcd ring, single chainring bolts, Shimano MX66 18-tooth cog, and some brake cables ($39 total). I have old V's and some old levers that another bud didn't need anymore. My rims are cheapo Zac-19's with STX-RC hubs that have been around for a while. I grabbed a bunch of spacers from some old cassettes that I got from some LBS's. I picked up a chain from one LBS and a UN52 BB from another. I have some Yeti grips that I never used on another project. I would like ODI lock-ons but not right now. The entire project will cost about $100.

Questions:
1. I am not using any bash guard. Is this OK?

2. I got the single chain ring bolts to fasten the middle ring on without using another ring on the outside (or bash guard). Is this OK? My crank is an old Icon crank that came off my trek.

3. Would you put the ring on the middle or outside? I currently have the bike setup with really old drivetrain parts and 2 32t rings up front for bolting on purposes using the middle one for drive line. When I set it up I figure it is less load on the freehub body being closer to the center instead of on the end. Is this OK?

I took the bike out in the neighborhood with the old drivetrain parts, no grips, an old gel saddle, and no brake cables. It felt pretty cool to ride full rigid with no "extras" on it. I can't wait to finish it up. I was moving rather gingerly so as to not kill any kids riding their bikes in the neighborhood. I was thinking of buying a Monocog but this has been a fun project. I would have liked my Bridgestone but this will do.

Thanks
I know I know too many questions.

[AA]

Answers (my opinion)

1. You can run without a bash guard (I did on my various singlespeeds for 3 years) however with your home made tensioner you will have a greater chance of tossing the chain on the front. The bigger issue is chain breakage if you smack the chainring on a rock. I say go without until you can scrounge one up for cheap.

2.Yes. As long as the bolts dont bottom out and leave the ring loose on the cranks.

3. I dont know if it makes a difference load wise to have the chain in different places on the freehub body. I think that the most important factor is getting the chain to run as straight as possible.

Sounds like you having fun (thats the important part) I personally like the fact that my SS was converted from a geared bike as opposed to buying a production SS. I suggest a custom paint job of some sort (spray cans from the hardware store). Post pictures of the beast when you are done.

[GP-TJ]

Finished...sort of finished anyway.

I had some Yeti grips in my box for about 4 years because I have been using ODI lockons on my hardtail and never used the regular grips. Now I can only find one. Figures doesn't it. I also took my Time ATAC's off my hardtail. I really want to ride this thing. The frame had bits and pieces of stickers on it so I took everything off and put on my homemade chainstay protector. Now I have to ride it. Total investment was $100 - new chain, ring, cog, bottom bracket. I still want to replace the quick release on the seat post but that is not important now. It ended up weighing more than I would have liked also. It is 25lbs. The wheelset is an old timer (Zac19) that was in the basement. It is the only one I have that is kind of straight and has a good freehub. The seatpost weighs quite a bit also but I can't find a lighter 26.2 post. All I can find are Kalloy posts which is what I have. The bike "feels" light though while riding it. It weighs about as much as my Trek 7000 but this is very light up front and a little heavier in the rear.

Here it is...