Need advice on birthing a singlespeed from the ashes of my trusty steed

Hi all,

Ive ridden one bike for about ten years. Ive replaced most parts over time. It was once a Ridgeback Comet (vertical dropouts, crazy heavy).
It's served me so well. It's so knackered now though.

I've never had a single speed but I know I want one because I ended up cycling in a high gear all the time, just really cranking it off the lights. I think the ratio was 48:16 is that insane? I got good at it.

I will be very happy if anyone can give me advice. I want to try and get a new frame and anything else necessary to make a singlespeed out of this old thing. Budget is around £300. I have a workshop to use.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I will need to get a frameset, crankset, sprockets, chain, handlebars, tape, brake-levers?
I don't know if the wheels I have can be modified to be singlespeed.
I know nothing of standards in bikes and compatibility.
Maybe its easier to just get a new bike, but making something appeals to me greatly. Plus I think with my tight budget all I will get in the way of complete bike will be total shite.

Pics of old bike attached.

12 Attachments

If you have vertical dropouts, the simplest way to convert is a White Industries eccentric ENO hub - a bit over £100 but you will also have to factor building it into a wheel.

Other options: using a chain tensioner, much cheaper but less elegant; an eccentric BB; finding a 'magic gear'.

Or buy another frame as you suggest.