Converting Genesis track bike to single speed road bike
Discussion
I have a Genesis Madison track bike that frankly is never going to see any real use for its intended purpose. So I thought why not use it for popping over to the shops etc with some flat pedals on. I'm too much of a pussy to keep the fixed wheel and just add a front brake so want to do a proper job of it. However I don't really know where to start for components nor what I'll need so some direction would be really appreciated. The bike frame looks like Genesis have drilled them to mount a brake anyway (probably same frame as another bike) so that's probably a good start.
You'll require the following
Brake calipers x 2
Brake levers x 2
New bar tape
Single speed freewheel
If you keep the freewheel size the same as your fixed cog then you can use the chain you have, but should you decide to fit a larger freewheel then a new chain may be required. If you fit a smaller freewheel then you could shorten your chain.
It is possible to fit a single speed freewheel onto a fixed hub but as the fixed hub has 2 different threads (one for the cog and the outer (left hand thread) for the locking) this limits the length of the threaded area the freewheel has to sit on, so bear this in mind when fitting the freewheel to the fixed hub as it can put excess strain on the threads and strip out.
However if you have a flip flop hub then the above does not apply as you can fit the freewheel to the other side of the hub.
The law states that if you have a fixed gear bike then only a single front brake is required to comply with the laws of the land. (your legs and the fixed gear act as a second brake)
If you have a single speed bike then both front and rear brakes are required to comply with the law of the land.
Brake calipers x 2
Brake levers x 2
New bar tape
Single speed freewheel
If you keep the freewheel size the same as your fixed cog then you can use the chain you have, but should you decide to fit a larger freewheel then a new chain may be required. If you fit a smaller freewheel then you could shorten your chain.
It is possible to fit a single speed freewheel onto a fixed hub but as the fixed hub has 2 different threads (one for the cog and the outer (left hand thread) for the locking) this limits the length of the threaded area the freewheel has to sit on, so bear this in mind when fitting the freewheel to the fixed hub as it can put excess strain on the threads and strip out.
However if you have a flip flop hub then the above does not apply as you can fit the freewheel to the other side of the hub.
The law states that if you have a fixed gear bike then only a single front brake is required to comply with the laws of the land. (your legs and the fixed gear act as a second brake)
If you have a single speed bike then both front and rear brakes are required to comply with the law of the land.
I had a better look at the frame last night. Two things I noticed:
1. No routing for cables to the rear (not a surprise really)
2. The opposite side of the rear hub is threaded
So I'm guessing the rear wheel could be flipped round and a freewheel fitted? However the lack of cable routing suggests I should MTFU and just fit a front brake and leave the rest alone. I won't be going anywhere fast anyway.
1. No routing for cables to the rear (not a surprise really)
2. The opposite side of the rear hub is threaded
So I'm guessing the rear wheel could be flipped round and a freewheel fitted? However the lack of cable routing suggests I should MTFU and just fit a front brake and leave the rest alone. I won't be going anywhere fast anyway.
You can buy rear brakes to fit track bikes without bosses or mounting bolts, they clamp on to the seat stays, I havent used them so dont know how effective they are but its worth a look. www.velodromeshop.co.uk probably have them
Cable routing shouldnt be an issue either, zip ties will do the job.
Spec for the Madison (2014) says its a flip flop hub? apparently its 50:15 too, thats a big gear for the track never mind the road so I'd look at changing the chainring too.
Alternatively you could pick up a cheap wheel from a bike jumble and fit the DMR singlespeed kit instead?
Personally, I'd consider selling it and get somethign like a Charge Plug if you want a single speed, they are around £300 for the base model with bullhorn bars or a little more for drops. I love mine, its bombproof and great fun to ride.
You should get £300 for the Genesis if its in good condition now the sun is out and the hipsters will be trawling ebay for fixies...
Cable routing shouldnt be an issue either, zip ties will do the job.
Spec for the Madison (2014) says its a flip flop hub? apparently its 50:15 too, thats a big gear for the track never mind the road so I'd look at changing the chainring too.
Alternatively you could pick up a cheap wheel from a bike jumble and fit the DMR singlespeed kit instead?
Personally, I'd consider selling it and get somethign like a Charge Plug if you want a single speed, they are around £300 for the base model with bullhorn bars or a little more for drops. I love mine, its bombproof and great fun to ride.
You should get £300 for the Genesis if its in good condition now the sun is out and the hipsters will be trawling ebay for fixies...
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 12th June 09:40
Is the rear brake bridge drilled? If so then just buy some cable clips and run the rear cable along the top of the tube
Sounds like you have a flip flop wheel so stick a freewheel onto it fix a front and rear brake and you're good to go
If you do have a 50T chainring you should be trying to run around a 65-70 gear which would mean fitting a 19 to 21 freewheel
18T would give you 73.1...too high
19T would give you 69.2...my choice
20T would give you 65.8...good for hilly terrain
21 would give you 62.6...climbing mountains
Depending on the terrain you ride and your fitness levels as to what you choose
Sounds like you have a flip flop wheel so stick a freewheel onto it fix a front and rear brake and you're good to go
If you do have a 50T chainring you should be trying to run around a 65-70 gear which would mean fitting a 19 to 21 freewheel
18T would give you 73.1...too high
19T would give you 69.2...my choice
20T would give you 65.8...good for hilly terrain
21 would give you 62.6...climbing mountains
Depending on the terrain you ride and your fitness levels as to what you choose
I'm going to rule out the selling a and using smoothing else. I'm only considering this as I don't want to sell it!
I'd not really thought about the gearing but it is 50/15T (87.6 GI) so probably a bit too much. The ideal of the changing it to a single speed therefore makes more sense as I can keep the chain ring then. Can someone point me at what I'd need to buy for the freewheel and cog?
As for the rear brakes, yes it is drilled for these so it's simply a case of mounting the brake caliper to the frame. Same at the front.
I'd not really thought about the gearing but it is 50/15T (87.6 GI) so probably a bit too much. The ideal of the changing it to a single speed therefore makes more sense as I can keep the chain ring then. Can someone point me at what I'd need to buy for the freewheel and cog?
As for the rear brakes, yes it is drilled for these so it's simply a case of mounting the brake caliper to the frame. Same at the front.
Freewheel and cog is all one unit, you need a single speed freewheel but you need to decide what size you need before ordering, also you need to know what width your chain is. It will be either 3/32 or 1/8 and you should buy a matching freewheel. You will also need a compatible freewheel remover...
Shimano SF-MX30 is what I have, some cyclists give them poor rep but I believe if you look after them and give them a drop of oil every now and then they are great value for the money. I have one here with 3,000 winter miles on it and it's still like new
Shimano SF-MX30 link only available in 16T, 17T or 18T
Dicta freewheels are inexpensive, might be worth buying a couple of different sizes of these to experiment with gearing but don't expect them to last
Dicta link
If money is no object then White Industries Freewheels are the Rolls Royce of freewheels
Shimano SF-MX30 is what I have, some cyclists give them poor rep but I believe if you look after them and give them a drop of oil every now and then they are great value for the money. I have one here with 3,000 winter miles on it and it's still like new
Shimano SF-MX30 link only available in 16T, 17T or 18T
Dicta freewheels are inexpensive, might be worth buying a couple of different sizes of these to experiment with gearing but don't expect them to last
Dicta link
If money is no object then White Industries Freewheels are the Rolls Royce of freewheels
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