Aluminium frame singlespeed conversion

[BoingeyJon]

My mate has got an old aluminium Merida mountain bike frame (from long before anybody had heard of them!) that he is thinking of converting to a singlespeed. But how easy would it be? I know most singlespeed conversions are steel frames - is converting an aluminium frame possible?

 

[jimihendrix]

The only thing you cant do with an alloy frame for a single speed conversion is change the drop outs, some steel frames have the drop outs changed for rear entry ones, otherwise an alloy frame the same as converting a steel frame.

BTW there are tons of alloy single speed bikes out there, even some full sussers

 

[dyna-ti]

The only difference between setting up a single speed and setting up a standard geared affair,is you buy a single cog and spacers as opposed to a cassette,then take off your outer and inner chainrings ,take off the mechs and shifters
One of those surly tensioners completes the set up.
I've been meaning to build a SS for fun and to see what all this fuss is all about :? ,just never as yet got around to it.
Keep us posted with pics

 

[hamster]

I converted a 1999 Alu Cindercone a late last year - I've ridden it about 800 miles since, fully rigid.

It's worked out as a nice bike, so much so that I resprayed its frame from the ghastly beater appearance it had before

The big advantage is that you will get a stupidly light bike (21-22lb) even when using very ordinary components.
Link:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73875

 

[Pickle]

I know most singlespeed conversions are steel frames - is converting an aluminium frame possible?

Yea, no problems.

I am currently riding a 1992 S-Works M2 rigid singlespeed.

 

[s_zigmond]

Yup No problems coverting my RC200 to a Fixie

 

[zigzag]

See Hardrock in my sig

Tell yer pal to get it done!

 

[Neil G]

+1

Got a modern stumpie singlespeeded with rigid forks and slicks....just flies on the road

 

[BoingeyJon]

Do you have to use a chain tensioner? Not sure if the drop outs can be altered (haven't seen the bike for a couple of years and can't say I spent much time looking at the drop outs anyway!).

How did the Pace fixie conversion work?

 

[zigzag]

If the dropouts are vertical, chances are he'll need a tensioner. Unless your pal get's lucky of course. You can also get a 'half-link' for the chain, which might also help get the chain length right without resorting to a tensioner.