Single Speed Freewheel for my RRA

[Mr Weirdo]

Hello. More questions from a newbie. I want to put a single speed freewheel on my RRA.
It has a 53/42 chainwheel. I have read that a 18t may be the way to go.
Any advice would be appreciated?
Many thanks.

 

[hamster]

How are you going to tension the chain if you have a double on the front?
42:17 is pretty much standard as a starting point for fixies, so an 18T freewheel sounds about right.

 

[keithglos]

You could start by running the chain on a suitable existing cog and probably the inside chainring, shortening the chain to suit. Choose the most suitable chain line and see if the gear choice is OK.

Keith

 

[Mr Weirdo]

How are you going to tension the chain if you have a double on the front?
42:17 is pretty much standard as a starting point for fixies, so an 18T freewheel sounds about right.

Hello I was thinking I could remove the 53 chain ring or buy a suitable sized one and replace both of them. But I must admit I am having second thoughts about doing this and maybe just stick to 10 speed. Thank you for your reply. Pp

 

[Mr Weirdo]

You could start by running the chain on a suitable existing cog and probably the inside chainring, shortening the chain to suit. Choose the most suitable chain line and see if the gear choice is OK.

Keith

Thanks Keith for your reply. I have had that done at the bike shop on an older bicycle if mine. I realise it probably would be best for me to keep it as a 10 speed. Saying that I am finding it all a bit confusing. Should I use new components or vintage. I like the current Shimano 105 rear der, would this work with my old Suntour down shifter?. I know it's the basics but there is so much info out there and I get a little bit confused.
Many thanks again for the reply. Pp

 

[pigman]

The current 11 speed rear mech will probably need an 11 speed chain to be able to run through the mechs jockey cage. Then the 11 speed chain may not run readily on your chainrings which were designed for a wider chain. Add into that the new mech will be expensive and there is a shortage of new Shimano kit and difficulties start to stack up. Given the fact that your shifters are friction, you wont be getting the shifting performance new 11 speed kit offers

Personally, I'd look for a nice condition used mech designed for 6/7/8 speeds. Consider one with a long cage if you're looking to use sprockets of 28 teeth and above

 

[Mr Weirdo]

The current 11 speed rear mech will probably need an 11 speed chain to be able to run through the mechs jockey cage. Then the 11 speed chain may not run readily on your chainrings which were designed for a wider chain. Add into that the new mech will be expensive and there is a shortage of new Shimano kit and difficulties start to stack up. Given the fact that your shifters are friction, you wont be getting the shifting performance new 11 speed kit offers

Personally, I'd look for a nice condition used mech designed for 6/7/8 speeds. Consider one with a long cage if you're looking to use sprockets of 28 teeth and above

Thank you for your reply. It has helped a great deal. I was surprised though that you suggested a long cage because a couple of articles I have read suggest short. I guess I should count the amount of teeth on my cassette which strangely I have not done yet.

 

[pigman]

Long cage looks crap, but it gives you flexibility should you wish to add lower gears in the future or go on an extended tour.

Even pros don't use short cage mechs these days, the days of small cogs are gone. Even Ganna was using a 28 cog for grand tour time trials

 

[Mr Weirdo]

Hello...again.

I found my rear cassette: 14-17-20-24-28 Regina Corsa

SR Royal Crank Set: 53-42 Chain wheels

and for some reason a 6 speed down shifter: Suntour power something or the other.

Drive-train capacity is (53-42) + (28-14) = 25, so a short cage?

 

[hamster]

Most short cage mechs will cope with 29 or 30T difference