It’s a bit tough to convert a bike which is originally designed for multi-speed into single-speed.
The key is how to give a nice tension to a chain when taking away the rear derailleur.
There’re 3 different major ways to solve this matter.
1. Bottom Brackets such as Philcentric and Velo Orange.
2. Hubs such as White Industries eccentric hub
3. Chain tensioners (The on in this picture is from Surly, but it seems to be discontinued.)
Basically, you can achieve it by installing any of these for single-speed.
When you’ve done it with the first or second one, you can get super simple and smooth looking of single-speed, but at the same time, there’re restrictions of parts as well.
For the first one, they’re a chain tension, a crank and a chainring.
For the second one, they’re a clearance of tires and a brake position.
So you always need to sacrifice something to convert a multi-speed bike into single-speed.
It’s literally “No Pain No Gain”.
I understand that someone believe it’s full of romance since we have to do a little trick.
But, it’s also natural for us to think don’t wanna take the trouble.
With Paul melvin, you don’t have to take any risks and can turn your bike into single speed so easily.
There’s nothing to loose functionally.
If I have to say, I can’t get rid of its “there’s a part!” feeling, but I can forgive it because it’s super cool.
There’re some enthusiastic people who convert a bike into single-speed because they wanna use this part.
And melvin has huge advantage which other 2 options doesn’t have.
Like this Susie. Did you notice it?
This bike has got a 2x crank and it works as 2×1.
And this Susie doesn’t have front derailleur, so you’ll have to replace a chain on the other chainring by your hands.
It’s also fun to change its taste installing this part into a bike which you barely ride.
You might be able to get the love back.
