Retrofitting 'some gears'...

[205alive]

If I wanted to fit some gears to a currrently single speed jump/downhill bike, what would I need to be aware of before I start to buy parts? It's not something I've done before.

Think I'm going to try to get by with one cog up front and seven at the back. Is it doable and straight forward, or would I need a new rear hub with some feature or other mods?

[thiscocks]

Well you will be needing a new rear wheel if your changing to a cassette on the back. If you run just one front chain ring id suggest keeping the front mech on as the chain will keep coming off otherwise.

Your frame will need the rear mech hanger on the drop out, and a chain stay and down tube cable stops.

Edited by thiscocks on Thursday 7th June 22:58

[205alive]

thiscocks said:

Well you will be needing a new rear wheel if your changing to a cassette on the back. If you run just one front chain ring id suggest keeping the front mech on as the chain will keep coming off otherwise.

Your frame will need the rear mech hanger on the drop out, and a chain stay and down tube cable stops.

Edited by thiscocks on Thursday 7th June 22:58

OK, no front mech on, so was thinking of a chain stay mounted tensioner.

So in addition I'll need:

Rear wheel
Cassette
Mech hanger
Derailleur
Shift lever
Cable
Cable stop on chainstay

- does that sound complete? what I'm thinking of is some sort of downhill/jump/hardtail hybrid, maybe a bit like this:

[Fluffsri]

Before you buy a new rear hub or wheel, how is the rear cog held on? Is it a screw on or is it on slines and spacers?

[Rocksteadyeddie]

You need to check that the spacing on the rear dropouts is wide enough to take a new wheel with cassette. I would think a much easier, quicker and cheaper way would be to buy a new (used) bike and flog the existing one (if absolutely necessary).

[205alive]

I'm going to write this off and just go for something like an older Kona Shred or similar. Thought I might be able to convert something on a budget but not sure if the end result will be worth it; thanks for the input though.