Cassette single speed conversion hack DIY

There are 2 types of rear hubs, either a freewheel hub or a cassette.

In this section we will concentrate on the cassette type.

To create a single speed bicycle from a cassette hub you will need to have a single speed conversion kit or you can hack it.

The conversion kits cost around £15-£20 and comprise of a few spacers for either 7,8,9 speed and a sprocket. 

What the kit does not supply is the cassette removal tool, these costs around £10. (Please see other posts on cassette and freewheels tools) And can usually be bought from most bicycle shops or if you ask the bike shop nicely they might do it for around £2. Do not pay any more then that as it only take 2 mins.

Hacking your cassette. Costs £2

First you need to remove the cassette, once this is done you can take appart the cassette to free the sprockets and the spacers. 

This is usually done by removing the 3 retaining pins, a punch will remove these, but some are bolts and just need a 3mm socket.

Once you have the spacers and the sprockets, first place a spacer on the cassette.

Then line up 40mm waste pipe which can be bought very cheaply from most DIY stores. (Make sure you have the correct chain line and you place the sprocket in the right place) to a position which will be inline with the crank chainring.

Cut this very carefully and make sure it is straight, usually use a mitre saw. And place this on top of the spacer.

Place the sprocket 16/18t on top of this, then cut the last piece of pipe so that you have enought room to put another spacer on top.

Enure that you leave a little so that it does not move when the cassette nut is tightened. After this is done then take apart and spray black.

I have used these for years and has worked really well. 

Any comments or other hacks please comment.