Rat Bikes! Pub Bikes Beaters! Frankenbikes!

Every one loves a good rack, pun intended...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2923942249_1956b7fd44.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5ivwb.jpg

Beat me to it ^ i was going to post that at some point

wow supernice

I'm putting this in here because I don't have privileges to start a thread. I converted and old road bike I inherited this week. I am a complete novice, so much so I'd struggle to repair a puncture, in fact up until this week I'd never heard of a chain breaker. But I'm learning as I go and was determined to convert it DIY and on the cheap, a little challenge for myself.

So my problem is this. I've installed the chain but there's not enough tension (no where near enough) thing is if I remove two links it's far too tight and the back wheel won't pull back into the drop outs. Is there anyway I can solve this with the current chain (perhaps buy a single speed crank etc idk). If not is it worth giving in and taking it to a bike shop to get one fitted properly?

Apologies if it offends your eyes, and for my terrible cluelessness.

pic.twitter.com/Xqcp74Fl

Sorry for lack of embed, on an iPad.

You should be able to remove just one link

What type of drop outs have you got? If the frame has vertical drops you'll need a chain tensioner. If it has old style horizontal or diagonal drops I can't see what your problem is - you should have enough variation to get the chain tight enough.

This page of the great Sheldon Brown's website tells you almost all you need to know.

http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

There are loads of threads on here which could help you out and loads in which you could post questions like this. Have a bit of a look around and use the search function to get the info you need. Wouldn't keep posting about it in this thread though, this place is for scummy goodness.

by two links you mean =-=- or =- ?

You should be able to remove just one link

by two links you mean =-=- or =- ?

Isn't it like male/female? Like an outer link to an inner link, thus if only one removed it would be outer to outer?

Horizontal dropouts

So my problem is this. I've installed the chain but there's not enough tension (no where near enough) thing is if I remove two links it's far too tight and the back wheel won't pull back into the drop outs. Is there anyway I can solve this with the current chain (perhaps buy a single speed crank etc idk). If not is it worth giving in and taking it to a bike shop to get one fitted properly?.

You could change your gear ratio, go up or down by 1 tooth on the rear cog, that might do it, ratio looks a lil' tough so maybe go up 1 tooth.

or go to your local bike shop and ask if they have any spare links from a half link chain, 1 or 2 of those should do the trick.

:)

Sorry, just realised that you obviously can't remove just one link, unless it's a half link chain - which may be your answer. I wouldn't advise mixing chains as they have a tendency to snap just when your bollocks are hovering above the stem

I did it with mine no problem, rode it like that for ages, there both the same size chains so no reason it wont work as long as they are all new and not worn, i still wouldn't trust it brakeless though...

Not sure if its a re-post, but oh well...

...Also i think its a Brother steel track?

It's not a Brother. I forget what it is, but there was more info on it somewhere on LFGSS.

^ It's a Saligia: handmade in Poland, sold by Track Bike Shop in Denmark.
http://trackbikeshop.myshopify.com/products/saligia-track-frame-blue
http://velospace.org/node/19116
A lot of the messengers here in Copenhagen ride them, including myself. They're tough and good for everyday abuse..

Oh cool, just noticed the sticker on the down tube isn't in English :P

looks similar to a Brother though.

^^The downtube sticker reads: "Life's too short for shit" :)

^^ nice.

^^nice.

Bloated riders unite.

For once SadR, I whole heartedly agree with you, that green thing is DA SEX!

yep, looks like a dirty frame to me.

^ tell me more about that bike, it looks like one of those you can buy from a big super-market. very nice looking though.

looks like a raleigh to me