How to turn an old road bike into a singlespeed

Road bikes are those bicycles that are designed for riding on asphalt and other types of paved roads. These are also similar to the racing bikes that professionals use to compete against other riders. On the other hand, single speed bikes are meant for more leisurely rides, which makes them perfect for running errands or going on a quick ride. You can easily turn an old road bike into a single speed bike with a set of old bicycle tools and a few new parts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old road bike
• Bicycle specific took kit
• New chain ring
• New freewheel

1. Decide what the gear ratio of the bike is, meaning the ratio between your chain ring and rear cog. The easiest way to do this is to take your old bike to a bike shop or bicycle repair shop and asking for help from one of the employees. They can look at the bike and tell you exactly what size gear ratio you have.

2. Remove all of the parts on the bike that you won’t use. A road bike was meant for riding long term, which means there are numerous parts including shifters and derailleur pairs, that you won’t need when changing it over to a single speed.

3. Install a new chain ring onto your bike, specifically one made for single speed bikes. Chain rings vary depending on the type of bike and you’ll want one that was meant for your specific bike. If you can’t find one made for single speed bikes, look for one that’s compatible with your bike’s manufacturer.

4. Replace the old freewheel with one designed for a single speed bike. There are some people who say you can skip this step, but I wouldn’t want to take that chance. The freewheel should be specific to a single speed bike to prevent accidents.

5. Ride the bike around the block at least once or take it for a short trip. Pay special attention to the way the bike feels and listen for any sounds that something might be off. If something seems off, try making a few more changes and seeing if things get better.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your chain in relation to your back wheel. In some cases this process might cause the chain to drop and you’ll need to straighten it out before riding on the bike.
• Don’t hesitate to take your bike to a professional or repair shop for help. Though you may not like the idea of paying the money, it can save you some time and heartbreak in the long run.
• While you’re removing parts from the bike, make sure you keep your brakes intact and in working condition. Without brakes you could have a serious accident.