Pinnacle MTB Conversion

Have decided to convert my old MTB into a SS for winter commuting/short rides etc. Just something that doesn't have gears really. Thought I'd make a thread to document some of the processes and so I can ask questions; as so far there's been a lot of problems.
Here's the bike at the start, will get onto some of the problems soon:

First things first, gears. I bought a cassette tool off Planet-X but when it arrived i found out it didnt fit. Bit of bummer considering I'd just invested quite a bit in this project. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Cassette looks like this:


and cassette tool is this one:
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJWLT/jobsworth-cassette-lockring-tool
I assumed as both cassette and tool were Shimano there would be no problems, but the tool is slightly too wide for the cassette body. Has anyone had this problem or have I made a rookie error?

That is a freewheel - it's an integrated cassette/freehub which screws on to the hub.

The tool you have is for a cassette.

So a normal freewheel will work with this hub? And what tool do i need to get this 'cassette' off? Cheers.

Not sure. Could be a bonus given you are going SS.

Info on freewheels here: http://sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html

When you have removed your freewheel - you will be able to screw a bmx style freewheel straight onto the hub - however it will likely throw your chain line way out!

see here: http://www.lfgss.com/thread80748.html

^ contrary to what they think in that thread - you CAN buy a threaded freewheel adapter that screws directly on to your hub and has another threaded part offset by an inch or so that you screw the freewheel back into. I found one a while back but it was a custom part of a random website and I can't find it now.

Right - Bless Google! I found my 5 year old thread!

http://www.lfgss.com/thread30631.html

Drew's adapter

Right - Bless Google! I found my 5 year old thread!

http://www.lfgss.com/thread30631.html

Drew's adapter

Thats very helpful but I cant seem to find anywhere I might be able to buy one unfortunately. Will have to put the chainline issue on the backburner for a while whilst i sort out my cranks (will get onto that soon). Also does anyone know what tool I need to get the cassette off/a cheap place to buy one? Cheers for all the help.

you need a spanner with two pins in it. they will go in the two small holes in the freewheel front between the HK Shimano China text.

Think evans would let me borrow one? Seems pointless to buy one for a one time use.

Ok so the chainset:



Its the triple crankset that was on the original bike and as you can see theres no hex bolts holding the chainrings to the cranks, just what looks like rivets. The only way i can see to remove them is with a tool that fits the centre of the inside of the crank, other than that I am stuck. Is there a way to remove them or do i need to just buy a whole new cranket?

New crank time. I have a pair of deore arms going free if you want them. Square taper.

you need a spanner with two pins in it. they will go in the two small holes in the freewheel front between the HK Shimano China text.

I'm not sure this is true. I think what you need looks like a cassette lock-ring tool, but is slightly different. Check out Sheldons page that I linked to, above.

Just in case you do need an adaptor for a better chain line....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fixed-Wheel-Hub-Adaptor-Converter-Kit-Correct-Chainline-Singlespeed-FIXIE-/151201504857?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item23344fde59

you need a spanner with two pins in it. they will go in the two small holes in the freewheel front between the HK Shimano China text.

Only do this if you like picking up 30 small greasy dirty ball bearings from the floor.

Whilst your freewheel and hub still remain at one with each other.

New crank time. I have a pair of deore arms going free if you want them. Square taper.

That'd be awesome, will PM later.

Just in case you do need an adaptor for a better chain line....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fixed-Wheel-Hub-Adaptor-Converter-Kit-Correct-Chainline-Singlespeed-FIXIE-/151201504857?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item23344fde59

That looks perfect, will order one as soon as possible, cheers.

Be aware: That adapter is intended for a fixed cog - not a bmx freewheel.

all this means is there is less thread to screw the freewheel onto than is 'wise' - it will still work though - just.

The chain set is junk - the rings are not removable

Be aware: That adapter is intended for a fixed cog - not a bmx freewheel.

all this means is there is less thread to screw the freewheel onto than is 'wise' - it will still work though - just.

The chain set is junk - the rings are not removable

Yes i had thought of that. Are there any freewheels that arent as wide or are they all the same width?

And yes will duly bin them, hopefully will be able to use Howard's cranks.

Be aware: That adapter is intended for a fixed cog - not a bmx freewheel.

all this means is there is less thread to screw the freewheel onto than is 'wise' - it will still work though - just.

The chain set is junk - the rings are not removable

Not according to their ebay advert which says it is for both fixed and ss, there looks enough thread to me for ss.

Yeah it'll be fine.

http://www.lfgss.com/thread11526.html

you don't need an adaptor, just to respace/dish your wheel.
shouldn't cost more than an ebay adaptor to do it.

you don't need an adaptor, just to respace/dish your wheel.
shouldn't cost more than an ebay adaptor to do it.

Would rather not as i have long term plans to make this a fixed (with bolt on cog where the disc brake is and new frame etc) when i have funds for it. And a 20quid adaptor is hardly breaking the bank so im not that bothered.

you don't need an adaptor, just to respace/dish your wheel.
shouldn't cost more than an ebay adaptor to do it.

Interesting, would the spokes be long enough to swing the dish over that much? And are the spacers easily removed to allow shifting the hub over?