Originally Posted by jrschultz .
Can someone recommend me a decent single speed crank in addition to a decent rigid fork. I don't want to brake the bank on an older bike, but I do want it to last me a while longer.
You may do well to scrounge around on eBay for what you need ...
You should be able to buy a suitable
RIGID fork for between
$10[COLOR= #808080]-[/COLOR][COLOR= #808080]and-$100[/COLOR] + shipping. Figure on $20-to-$30 + shipping for a used fork ...
- you just need to be aware of the steerer size ([COLOR= #808080]99.9% probability that you will need a fork with a 1 1/8" steerer[/COLOR]) & the brake mount type-and-location
If the chainrings on your current crankset are separate ([COLOR= #808080]vs. a welded conglomeration[/COLOR]), then you can drill out the rivets & replace them with some
BMX chainring bolts to remount the single chainring of your choice.
If your current crank's spider has an otherwise standard dimension then you can mount a chainring whose tooth count best suits the terrain you are riding on after you remove the rivets.
BTW. You can buy an excellent crankset & BB for under $150 ...
A crank does not have to begin life as a SS crankset ...
Again, all you need are the shorter BMX chainring bolts to mount a single chainring any crankset.
- In some cases, you can thread the chainring's nut on 'backwards' so that it will snug up the bolt OR you can insert spacers ([COLOR= #808080]the spacers tend to be expensive, but if you are handy then you fabricate your own[/COLOR]) to replace the absent chainring.
I recommend that you if you opt for a new crankset that you choose a crankset which you think you may want to use on a future bike (Road or MTB) ...
- if you know the approximate tooth count you prefer-or-want to use, then let that be the determinant in choosing a crankset based on the chainrings which may come on the particular crankset
- I have mixed feelings about external BBs ([COLOR= #808080]Shimano Hollowtech II, FSA MegaExo, Campagnolo Ultra Torque[/COLOR]) ... at the moment they are being superseded by the BB30 & BB386 on the higher end frames/bikes ... the bottom line is that some older styles of Shimano & FSA cranksets are available at what seems like a sizeable discount -- i.e., overstock.
Because some people need to have the latest-and-greatest, or because they feel a need to embrace a particular brand of component which is different than what is on their bike(s), some nice
stuff which may have seen limited use is often available on eBay.
