conversion

NIGEL said:

Also I would like to get rid of the front gears and run one chainring, and then have 9 speed on
the back. So my main question is first, is this possible, and what size front should I get to go
with my Shimano HG50 cassette at the back if it is possible?

It should certainly be *possible*, as the R&M Birdy Black uses a 1x9 XT derailleur. As to what size,
how high/low do you want your gearing? Use the existing setups on both bikes to decide what you
want/need and work from there.

Pete.

--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

It really depends on the numbers of teeth on your cassette and on what gears you are happy pedalling. If I was to convert my road bikes into single clangers I would use a 39 up front as they have 13-24 (in 7) and 12-28(in 9) on the rear. I am very comfortable on both bikes in the 39 except when climbing long hills and 'going for it'. It sounds as though you need this bike for neither of these activities.

NIGEL said:

What I would like to do is change the front fork to a rigid one, any recommendations - the kona
ones do appeal.

I've got a Kona project two, and its a fine fork.

Quoted message said:

Also I would like to get rid of the front gears and run one chainring, and then have 9 speed on
the back.

I suggest you keep the derailleur, and use it's adjusting screws to put it in the position needed.
If you don't, the chain will come off more often. See David Millar (Cofidis) for details.

Quoted message said:

So my main question is first, is this possible, and what size front should I get to go with my
Shimano HG50 cassette at the back if it is possible?

Its possible, but unless the existing components are worn out, I can't quite see why you would want
to do this. Is this because you never change front rings on your existing gears? If so, the one
you're in is the size you want. If not, you're going to lose something you use, unless you can make
up for it with a wider ranging gear at the back. The biggest you'll get in a HG50 at the back is an
11-34, which gives a usefull range. Its your choice on whether to lose low or high gears (although
if its a mountain bike, the further you go above or below about 38 or so, the more extreme things
will get at one end). You'll need to change the shifter, of course, if you want to use all 9 gears
(the existing one won't work at all well with 9 speed). You may get away without changing the
derailleur.

--
Jim Price

jimprice.dsl.pipex.comjimprice.dsl.pipex.comOpen ↗

Conscientious objection is hard work in an economic war.