Can I convert a single speed langster to geared ?

[gb155]

I was having a thought today about making my cx into a SS and throwing the ultegra groupo onto my langster - is such a feat even do-able?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

depends on the frame. if it can't take a rear brake, then no, as it would be illegal to ride on the road.

other factors to consider are that there will be nothing on the frame to route the gear cabling, and you'll also have to replace the bottom bracket.

i looked into returning a fixed bike to geared, and the cost of doing so put me off…

edit: having just looked at the langster frame online, i would say no. it's an alu frame so adding the bits and pieces to route the cables is not really an option as it would be with a steel frame (even though that would be pricy, needing a respray too).

the whole process of building up a frame is far more costly than buying new, so unless you've absolutely everything and just need a frame, don't bother unless you are prepared to accept a bike worth less than it cost to build (been there, done that).

 

[Shaun]

Sounds like a fair bit of work and expense - for what gain?

 

[gb155]

depends on the frame. if it can't take a rear brake, then no, as it would be illegal to ride on the road.

other factors to consider are that there will be nothing on the frame to route the gear cabling, and you'll also have to replace the bottom bracket.

i looked into returning a fixed bike to geared, and the cost of doing so put me off…

It has a rear brake so that's ok

But I was hoping for a swap out with a small bodge maybe - looks like not

Never mind - was just a thought

Thanks

 

[ColinJ]

I'm not being funny, but that sounds like work for the sake of it!

Are you really thinking "There's something not quite right about this CX bike and this SS bike ... I know - the CX bike has too many gears, and the SS bike hasn't got enough!"?

I might buy a Langster if I wanted a cheapish SS/fixed bike but I definitely wouldn't buy a Langster frame if I wanted to build another geared bike! If you have decided that you want a better SS bike, why not keep the CX bike, sell the Langster and start from scratch, or sell both if you have decided that you don't want a CX bike?

 

[gb155]

I'm not being funny, but that sounds like work for the sake of it!

Are you really thinking "There's something not quite right about this CX bike and this SS bike ... I know - the CX bike has too many gears, and the SS bike hasn't got enough!"?

I might buy a Langster if I wanted a cheapish SS/fixed bike but I definitely wouldn't buy a Langster frame if I wanted to build another geared bike! If you have decided that you want a better SS bike, why not keep the CX bike, sell the Langster and start from scratch, or sell both if you have decided that you don't want a CX bike?

Think your right - I have a urge to bodge

 

[mcshroom]

You could always put a set of hub gears on the back, although you'd probably have to cable-tie the cable

 

[alecstilleyedye]

hadn't thought of that mcshroom, but i think the op wanted to put some existing kit on.

 

[ColinJ]

Think your right - I have a urge to bodge

Okay, then why not take up the idea that I posted last night in another thread and rescue bikes from skips (or cadge unwanted ones off CycleChat members or buy very cheap), do 'em up as singlespeeds and donate them to charities or other worthy causes?

 

[gb155]

Ahhh of course - the frame from pbrunner

I'm outta here ....bodging to do

 

[boydj]

What stops the conversion is the distance between the rear dropouts. You need 130mm to fit a modern, geared road wheel. Single speed frame width is normally 120mm, I believe.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

What stops the conversion is the distance between the rear dropouts. You need 130mm to fit a modern, geared road wheel. Single speed frame width is normally 120mm, I believe.

and thus, as mcshroom said, are perfect for some hubtastic loveliness