Help convert a 1988/89 Diamondback ascent ex into a ss

[ernihumberto]

I do not know much about bike components their dimension, compatibility, and quality. However, I'm quite comfortable working with bikes. Is there anyone out there that can help me turn my old mtb into a SS (without a tensioner) the bike does have horizontal dropouts or turn it into a 1X7 or 1X9. Best all!

 

[ishaw]

Re:

If you have horizontal drop outs, you shouldn't need much. Not done this myself, but you could just:

Get a single cog kit, converts your rear geared hub to ss with cassette spacers and cog.

Remove all gears and shifters.

Remove outer and granny ring.

Shorten chain and tension.

You might need to change the chain ring bolts to single ring specific ones, and perhaps change the middle ring to suit your gearing ratio choice.

This would be my quick, dirty and cheap approach. I'm sure there are others.

 

[hamster]

Agree with the above. A good starting point is a gear ratio with the sprocket with half the number of teeth of the front (+/- 1-2 teeth). So something like 32-16 or 36-19.

If you have horizontal dropouts you may need chain tugs to hold the rear wheel in place. Closed cam skewers (like Shimano ones) usually are OK, open cam (like most aftermarket) usually cannot exert enough force and the wheel slips.