Single speed conversion

[SF1901]

Has anyone converted their 8-10 speed e-bike to a single speed?

The reason why I decided to convert it to a single speed because of easy operation. I have a Crstalyte 5304 rear hub motor and the problem I was having were the constant flats, blowouts, pothole snake bite. And for those of us who has a rear hub motor, you know how tough it is to fix a flat or replace the tire. I reinforced my tires with Mr. Tuffy liners and replaced them with kevlar tires, but for some reasons or another, I found myself taking my rear hub out for other unexpected problems.

Since I hardly use the functionality of the 8 speed and other chainrings on my ebike because of the speed that I avg. (22-40 mph), I took the time to experiment the single speed convertion. And here's my findings:
Pros:
- I have an easier time taking my rear tire out.
- less cables, wires
- No more tuning rear and front derailer coz they're gone!
- More mount space on my handlebars. (Yes, I can finally install my commuter cup holder.)
- More space and clearance around the rear hub motor.

Cons:
- If my motor, controller, or throttle goes kaput, it'll be a long and strenous ride home.


If anyone interested, they have these conversion kits at Performance bike shop, Nashbar, or your LBS. And if you have a Crystalyte motor, you would only need the tension pulley that replaces the rear derailer. The freewheel on the C-lyte is a larger diameter size, but you can use the original cogs and spacers to compliment the desired chainring you'll be using.

I'll try to post a pic as soon as I can find my camera.

 

[albie]

I'm in the same boat as you... with my regular operation of the x5304 hub... i don't really change gears (it sits on the highest gear i have). I do agree with you that if there is some electric failure that it will be a difficult ride home (i have experienced this twice) but the benefits of having a single speed far outweighs the risk.

I was thinking of having a 53T front crankset and a small single speed rear but thats going to cost a crap load. Was wondering how you would go about it though.

 

[SF1901]

I was thinking of having a 53T front crankset and a small single speed rear but thats going to cost a crap load. Was wondering how you would go about it though.

I bought my single speed conversion kit for $17 U.S. dollars. And as for the front Chain rings, I just removed the other two and lined it up with rear cog. You might check this option.

 

[kbarrett]

Another option is to just keep the front derailer, so you have a low gear option when unpowered.

 

[iberkt]

I bought my single speed conversion kit for $17 U.S. dollars. And as for the front Chain rings, I just removed the other two and lined it up with rear cog. You might check this option.

Where did you get it? Do you have a link?

 

[SF1901]

I bought my single speed conversion kit for $17 U.S. dollars. And as for the front Chain rings, I just removed the other two and lined it up with rear cog. You might check this option.

Where did you get it? Do you have a link?

Here's the site:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23062&estore_ID=1034

 

[SF1901]

Here's my set up...

 

[fechter]

That looks great.

Can you still manually shift the chain to the smaller front ring? If your batteries went dead and you had to actually pedal that thing, you'd want that lower gear.

 

[Lenk42602]

depends on the tooth difference between the big and little chain. I had a 48/32 set up on my blue bike with a single speed chain tensioner like that originally and the tensioner arm would run out of travel before the chain moved up to the big ring.

I ended up using my rear derailleur as the rear ss tensioner. with the second pulley on the derailleur, I am able to use my dual front chainring, 50t/34t setup on the stealth bike.

If anyone is interested on how to do this to run two or three rings up front and one speed in the back, let me know....

len

 

[deecanio]

Hi Thats similair to the tensioner i had for my single speed setup too - i found that because the tensioner moved the chain away from the rear sprocket i suffered from chain slippage, fixed this by manipulating my original deraileur and locking it into that position.this gave the chain more "wrap" around my single 17t rear sprocket.
I had hoped that i might be able to use the smallest front ring for a second gear but it didn't work out, hope someone comes up with a solution for this though as in my case a simple two speed would be great, as things stand i have removed my outer ring for a bashguard and im using the middle ring permanantly - the gearing is good for when my batts run out i can pedal home reasonably as long as there are no hills!!!however if i could use the smallest front ring i could assist at a greater speed improving my runtimes as the current setup cant be pedaled much beyond 8mph - i would go for more rear sprockets but as im on 20" wheels i don't have the clearence for a rear deraileur to hang down too far


Cheers


D

 

[Lenk42602]

Hey D,

Sweet bike, btw. Check out my stealth bike:

http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2389&start=60

I adjusted the cage on the rear derailleur so that is is aligned directly underneath the rear bmx ss freewheel. The chain line was configured (after experimenting with several different bb spindle lengths) so that it is perfectly straight in between my two front chainrings. the second pulley on a regular derailleur cage "floats" a little, so each gear configuration (high or low) yeilds minimal chain binding. PLUS you get the maximum rear tooth - to - chain contact.


Len

 

[Ypedal]

Same thing here.. i removed the smallest chainring ( to clear my nimh battery box.. and i ground down the lugs :lol: )

Kept a single 11t rear freewheel with the derailer for tension, and removed the front derailer, i can kick the chain from the tall to mid front ring.. and can kick it back up without having to stop.. but i only need 1 gear ..

 

[SF1901]

Heck, If the electrical goes on my ebike, I would just call home to have someone pick me up. If you're bike is in good running condition, how often do you think it'll break down on you? If it's less than three, then converting it might be a good thing. But then again, it's all preferance. I just like the simplicity of the single speed.