How to Convert Mountain Bikes to Single Speed Bikes

If you don’t need to use your bike to for riding up and down mountains anymore there is no need to let it go waste. A mountain bike can easily be converted into a single speed bicycle. Save money by following just a few simple steps and you’ll be riding in no time.

1. Remove all the extra mountain bike baggage. The derailleurs, derailleur cables, shifters and chain tensioner all need to be taken off of the bike to make it ride more smoothly. None of these parts is necessary if the bike will remain in one speed. Use a hex wrench to loosen the cable clamp bolt to remove the derailleurs. Removing unnecessary parts will lighten the load for your bike and it will look more like a single speed already.

2. Convert the cranks on the bike by removing two chain rings. Then you will need to use single bolts to bolt the middle chain ring back on. Next change out the free hub by removing the cassette and replacing it with spacers and a cog.

3. Shorten the chain to the appropriate length. Be sure that there is some slack in the chain. Just enough slack in the chain will make for an easy gliding ride. To much slack can cause your feet to get caught and can cause other hazards.

4. Prevent your chain from falling off by making sure that your front chain ring lines up with cog in back. You want to make sure your newly converted bicycle is safe and sturdy for extended enjoyment.