Newbie SS Question......

[gooseneck]

I am new to this SS thing, and I love it. The other day I was at the local landfill and I rescued an old Centurian six speed that I would like to use as my SS commuter. My question is, will I be able to use the rear der. as a chain tensioner if I undo the cable?

[2dumb4gears]

Yeah; people do that all of the time. But wouldn't an old centurian frame have semi-horizontal drops? In other words, with a bolt-on rear hub you shouldn't need a tensioner of any kind.

[fudgedit]

I was going to say that you could even use the quick release level and forgo the bolt-on axle. I have an old Univega with semi-horizontal dropouts and have never had an issue with slippage. I even ride in on trails with cross tires. You do need to have it on there real tight though. If you can do it without the chain tensioner, then go for it.

Read what Sheldon Brown says (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html).

[davkatreb]

Sheldon is God. I'm no theologion, but I m a thinker, and this I know.

That bike was not cut out to be a singlespeed. It cries in the night to be a fixed gear. I have heard it. Fix it, and be right.

Done and done.

[tryandgetme]

yes, that's one good exception to my sig. if it aint broke, fix it till its...fixed.