Adding double road crank to single speed
Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 7:09 pm
Hi All,
I recently started modifying my Specialized Langster, and I am interested in adding a double road crank (something like 39/53) to the bike along with a chain tensioner (Paul Melvin?). I assume I will need a new bottom bracket as well...this is my current setup, which is the stock components on the Langster:
68mm x103mm square taper bottom bracket
Sugino Zen Messenger 42T crankset
KMC Z-510HX 1 Speed chain (1/8")
I have new wheels incoming, and the rear wheel has a White Industries ENO 16T freewheel. As far as I can tell, this freewheel/cog from White Industries accepts a 3/32" chain, which I assume I will need to switch to if I'm going to be shifting with a front derailleur in the future.
I guess I am just looking for suggestions in terms of what my options are, and if doing something like this is even possible.
If this is doable, my questions are:
1) What size bottom bracket should I get, and are they universally compatible with most frames? Does the frame size define the width of the bottom bracket that you can install?
2) Are there clearance considerations that should be make when choosing the chainring sizes, or are the clearances defined by the size on the bottom bracket that is chosen?
3) I assume I need to get a new chain, but how is the number of links that should be in the chain determined?
4) Because my frame has horizontal dropouts, do i need to install some type or rear derailleur hanger in order to install the chain tensioner?
5) Once I have the double crank installed, I don't mind manually switching between the two gears for the short term. I use the bike as a commuter and its slightly uphill the entire way there and slightly downhill the entire way back. When I do go to install a front derailleur, will I need to have cable mounts welded onto my frame, or is there another way?
At first glance, I was thinking that something like this might be good:
crankset:
http://store.somafab.com/irdderodocr.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
bottom bracket:
http://store.somafab.com/irdqbjissqta.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thoughts? Thanks so much for any advice!
Dave
I recently started modifying my Specialized Langster, and I am interested in adding a double road crank (something like 39/53) to the bike along with a chain tensioner (Paul Melvin?). I assume I will need a new bottom bracket as well...this is my current setup, which is the stock components on the Langster:
68mm x103mm square taper bottom bracket
Sugino Zen Messenger 42T crankset
KMC Z-510HX 1 Speed chain (1/8")
I have new wheels incoming, and the rear wheel has a White Industries ENO 16T freewheel. As far as I can tell, this freewheel/cog from White Industries accepts a 3/32" chain, which I assume I will need to switch to if I'm going to be shifting with a front derailleur in the future.
I guess I am just looking for suggestions in terms of what my options are, and if doing something like this is even possible.
If this is doable, my questions are:
1) What size bottom bracket should I get, and are they universally compatible with most frames? Does the frame size define the width of the bottom bracket that you can install?
2) Are there clearance considerations that should be make when choosing the chainring sizes, or are the clearances defined by the size on the bottom bracket that is chosen?
3) I assume I need to get a new chain, but how is the number of links that should be in the chain determined?
4) Because my frame has horizontal dropouts, do i need to install some type or rear derailleur hanger in order to install the chain tensioner?
5) Once I have the double crank installed, I don't mind manually switching between the two gears for the short term. I use the bike as a commuter and its slightly uphill the entire way there and slightly downhill the entire way back. When I do go to install a front derailleur, will I need to have cable mounts welded onto my frame, or is there another way?
At first glance, I was thinking that something like this might be good:
crankset:
http://store.somafab.com/irdderodocr.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
bottom bracket:
http://store.somafab.com/irdqbjissqta.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thoughts? Thanks so much for any advice!
Dave