Uploaded February 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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I show to convert a vintage road bike to make a single speed bike. This is not a fixie, but a single speed bike with a singlespeed freewheel. I show the process of removing the derailleurs, freewheel, etc. Installing the new freewheel, adjusting the axle spacing to straighten the chainline, and re-dishing the wheel.

Yep, there is an editing mistake. See if you can spot it.

Often, I get asked why I didn't just leave the multi-speed freewheel on, and use one of the cogs. I wanted to build a single speed bike. Not a multi-speed bike crippled to one gearing combination.

Pros:
Simplicity: No shifting gears.
Maintenance: Less parts. Less complicated. Less things to go wrong.
Weight: Less parts, less weight.

Cons:
Versatility: Not as versatile as a geared bike. Best used on flat terrain.

If you want to know WHY a single speed bike, go ask people that ride single speed bikes.

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