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Workshop: Embrace the single life

Pedals and a cool bell will give your singlespeed some retro street cred.

  • Pedals and a cool bell will give your singlespeed some retro street cred.
  • Measure the frame's headtube and add 42mm for a normal headset.
  • Check the fork will fit in the frame's headtube.
  • Measure from the centre of the brake bolt hole to the middle of the rim braking surface.
  • The Cinelli bar and stem pictured are a late 80s/early 90s track stem with big drop and a round criterium bar.
  • With a freewheeling singlespeed, two brakes are essential.
  • A three-to-one ratio between chainring and cog seems to be the current popular favourite.
  • There are several spacing kits available, thanks to the popularity of singlespeed mountain biking.
  • Grease the threads and install the tensioner in place of the old derailleur.
  • Check that the chain line is reasonably straight.

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Pedals and a cool bell will give your singlespeed some retro street cred.

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