Possible to build a 1x5/6 speed bike on a track frame with 120mm rear spacing?
07-23-14, 01:37 PM
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Possible to build a 1x5/6 speed bike on a track frame with 120mm rear spacing?
Hi all,
I am new to the bike forums and am looking for some starting points/guides to building a 1x5 or 1x6 speed bike based on a track frameset with a 120mm rear hub spacing.
I found several guides regarding retrofitting single speeds with internal gear hubs like the Nexus or Alfine, but I fear the weight penalty on the rear wheel is probably too much for what I’m doing, plus it’s just too expensive, as I’d like to keep the cost of my bike relatively reasonable.
My previous bike was a 2010 Marin San Anselmo Hybrid, a 3x8 speed, where I rode it mostly mid-gears 2x4, but I have found myself downshifting +/- 2 on the rear cog depending on elevation. This led me to think if it is feasible if I can build a 1x5 or 1x6 speed bike that would simulate my riding pattern, 1 shifter, and 1 front brake.
So, as of right now, I have a standalone frame, and nothing else, what are some wheelsets, hubs, derailleur would I be looking at? This will be my first build I’m attempting, I’m a quick learner, but if need be, I can take it to a LBS to put together – I’m more interested in knowing what parts would be compatible with this build. Thanks!
I am new to the bike forums and am looking for some starting points/guides to building a 1x5 or 1x6 speed bike based on a track frameset with a 120mm rear hub spacing.
I found several guides regarding retrofitting single speeds with internal gear hubs like the Nexus or Alfine, but I fear the weight penalty on the rear wheel is probably too much for what I’m doing, plus it’s just too expensive, as I’d like to keep the cost of my bike relatively reasonable.
My previous bike was a 2010 Marin San Anselmo Hybrid, a 3x8 speed, where I rode it mostly mid-gears 2x4, but I have found myself downshifting +/- 2 on the rear cog depending on elevation. This led me to think if it is feasible if I can build a 1x5 or 1x6 speed bike that would simulate my riding pattern, 1 shifter, and 1 front brake.
So, as of right now, I have a standalone frame, and nothing else, what are some wheelsets, hubs, derailleur would I be looking at? This will be my first build I’m attempting, I’m a quick learner, but if need be, I can take it to a LBS to put together – I’m more interested in knowing what parts would be compatible with this build. Thanks!
07-23-14, 01:53 PM
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I'm usually cranky
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IB13: Fyxation un-fixes your fixed with 6 speeds with SixFyx, Plus new Leather Goods
It's not available yet, but that's pretty much what you're looking for, right? I'd get in touch with Fyxation and see if they know when it'll hit the market.
Otherwise, American Cyclery may have something similar available now, based on their flickr stream:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125393...2/14491107164/
It's not available yet, but that's pretty much what you're looking for, right? I'd get in touch with Fyxation and see if they know when it'll hit the market.
Otherwise, American Cyclery may have something similar available now, based on their flickr stream:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125393...2/14491107164/
07-23-14, 02:09 PM
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Hi Jhess, thanks for the response - those look promising and quite simple plug and play but not available. So I guess there are no other 5/6 speed freewheel or cassettes that would work with the 120mm spacing today?
07-23-14, 03:14 PM
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Fresh Garbage
You will need:
derailleur claw - wheel removal might suck
housing stop
What kind of bar will you use? There many options for friction shifters.
Get two brakes, man.
07-23-14, 03:25 PM
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The standard back in the day for 5 spd and ultra 6 freewheels was a 120 mm spacing so there is a ton of vintage equipment available. I recommend Campy Record hubs.
07-23-14, 03:31 PM
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Awesome, that's a great start, thanks for the suggestions. I'll scour for some parts at the local bike dump.
As for the two brakes suggestion, alright alright
As for the two brakes suggestion, alright alright
07-23-14, 05:27 PM
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I found several guides regarding retrofitting single speeds with internal gear hubs like the Nexus or Alfine, but I fear the weight penalty on the rear wheel is probably too much for what I’m doing, plus it’s just too expensive, as I’d like to keep the cost of my bike relatively reasonable.
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...illy-area.html
Soma Iggy 5-Spd 700c Rear Wheel
Alex X2100 700c Rear Wheel w Sturmey Archer XRD 5 Internal Drum Hub on Sale | eBay
I'm not sure what you do with your bike, but the 1-2 pound difference shouldn't be a big deal at all. The difference is even smaller if you get one with a roller brake. Price also isn't that much a difference. I'd go to a lbs and give one a try before you rule it out.
07-23-14, 05:46 PM
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IB13: Fyxation un-fixes your fixed with 6 speeds with SixFyx, Plus new Leather Goods
It's not available yet, but that's pretty much what you're looking for, right? I'd get in touch with Fyxation and see if they know when it'll hit the market.
Otherwise, American Cyclery may have something similar available now, based on their flickr stream:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125393...2/14491107164/
It's not available yet, but that's pretty much what you're looking for, right? I'd get in touch with Fyxation and see if they know when it'll hit the market.
Otherwise, American Cyclery may have something similar available now, based on their flickr stream:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125393...2/14491107164/
07-23-14, 11:45 PM
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07-24-14, 02:44 AM
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07-24-14, 10:08 AM
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Thanks guys for all your input. It seems that what I'm trying to build with the track frame just doesn't seem very feasible, and based on my riding habits, I'm looking for more of a one stop shop for urban commuting and gravel - so it looks like I'm going to pop on over to the cx forum. That said, that Kilo TT is freaking tight! Wish there was more clearance for bigger tires and fenders.
07-24-14, 01:23 PM
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07-24-14, 01:30 PM
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07-26-14, 08:03 AM
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I have seen 5 speed freewheels threaded onto the SS side of flip-flop hubs and the spacing was fine.
You will need:
derailleur claw - wheel removal might suck
housing stop
What kind of bar will you use? There many options for friction shifters.
Get two brakes, man.
You will need:
derailleur claw - wheel removal might suck
housing stop
What kind of bar will you use? There many options for friction shifters.
Get two brakes, man.
08-30-18, 04:46 AM
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What size bottom bracket are you using, 68x103?
08-30-18, 05:46 AM
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Or for an equally irrelevant question, what kind of cereal do you like to eat?
08-30-18, 12:49 PM
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Don't forget the choppin and floppin with your handlebars. Might help get rid of Zombies
08-30-18, 05:01 PM
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The OP said he didn't want an IGH, because of their weight and cost. Of course, they don't weigh much more than a 5-speed freewheel cluster and derailer, but this is a moot point now, since the thread is FOUR YEARS old.
