Singlespeed Galaxy Conversion - ?

[simongt]

I've been offered a used, but decent condition Galaxy. Now as I already have a Super Galaxy set up in it's intended touring / cruiser layout, the GLW has observed why do I need another Galaxy - ? She has a point, but my thinking was maybe to convert this other one to a singlespeed freewheel ( maybe a sacrilegious move to some - ! ).
At 71, I'm too set in my pedalling ways to think about a fixie setup, so freewheel it would be. Obviously, a Galaxy isn't the lightest of frames, but whip off any superfluous extras, fit mini mudguards; stops grit etc. getting into the brake joints, and it could be a fun ride - !
Any observations from the wiser among you - ?

 

[biggs682]

Can't see why you can't justify it as a spare backup to your other Galaxy?

But I can see your thinking re a single speed version.

So good luck

 

[All uphill]

I've been offered a used, but decent condition Galaxy. Now as I already have a Super Galaxy set up in it's intended touring / cruiser layout, the GLW has observed why do I need another Galaxy - ? She has a point, but my thinking was maybe to convert this other one to a singlespeed freewheel ( maybe a sacrilegious move to some - ! ).
At 71, I'm too set in my pedalling ways to think about a fixie setup, so freewheel it would be. Obviously, a Galaxy isn't the lightest of frames, but whip off any superfluous extras, fit mini mudguards; stops grit etc. getting into the brake joints, and it could be a fun ride - !
Any observations from the wiser among you - ?

I look forward to seeing it.

 

[iandg]

Frame needs an old fashioned forward facing horizontal drop out or you will need to use a chain tensioner to get the chain tension. You can get them at Velo Solo. They also do a nice spacer and sprocket set so that you can use an existing cassette hub and don't need to buy a new wheel with a freewheel thread.

Always good to have a SS in the collection.

 

[simongt]

Frame needs an old fashioned forward facing horizontal drop out or you will need to use a chain tensioner to get the chain tension. You can get them at Velo Solo. They also do a nice spacer and sprocket set so that you can use an existing cassette hub and don't need to buy a new wheel with a freewheel thread.

Chain tensioner already on the shopping list. Think I'd prefer to have the rim relaced to accept a S/S hub thus giving an even 'dish' to the wheel.

 

[simongt]

As my last experience of single speed was on a pre WW2 ladies Raleigh in 1981 and I'm now 71, with slightly suspect knees, suggestions for the sizes for chainwheel & sprocket please - ?

 

[ColinJ]

How fast do you want to ride? What is your preferred cadence? Will you be doing any significant hills? What chainring(s)/sprockets does the bike already have?

I designed mine for 30 km per hour (19 miles per hour). My cadence is 90 rpm. My chainring is a 40 and my sprocket is a 15 - about 70 'gear inches'. I can get up long stretches of 5-6% on that, a couple of hundred metres at 10%, or about 100 metres at 12%; steeper than that - no thanks!

If you don't mind going slower and avoid hills you could go significantly lower - say 60 - 65 gear inches?

 

[simongt]

Probably about 12 - 15mph. As I'll be riding around Norfolk, rolling hills with the occasional steepy.
Absolutely no idea bout my cadence though, I just roll with whatever suits me for the situation - !

 

[ColinJ]

Probably about 12 - 15mph. As I'll be riding around Norfolk, rolling hills with the occasional steepy.
Absolutely no idea bout my cadence though, I just roll with whatever suits me for the situation - !

Play about with Sheldon Brown's gear calculator to work out what would suit you. With dodgy knees, maybe something like 42/17 or even 42/19?

 

[ColinJ]

Thinking about it... Just try different gears on one of your current bikes until you find one that you would be happy to stick with!

 

[All uphill]

As my last experience of single speed was on a pre WW2 ladies Raleigh in 1981 and I'm now 71, with slightly suspect knees, suggestions for the sizes for chainwheel & sprocket please - ?

I'm coming up to 70 and am finding 66 inches ideal.

I'm spinning comfortably on the flat and can still cycle up the hill to our house, which is most important - I can't have the neighbours seeing me walk the bike up.

That's a 44 chain wheel with a 19 sprocket and old style 630 rims with 28mm tyres.