In an attempt to save some dosh, I’ve put the horizontal dropout mod on hold and I’m just going to update the driveline with new parts. I’ll keep the Shimano Acera-X Death-Trap(tm) cranks for now.
On Saturday I bought a 32T Stronglight chainring (the more expensive 7075 aluminium version) and a nice, new chain (Sachs).
With any luck, my order for some Shimano DX freewheel cogs (15T and 14T, hopefully) will come in soon.
I might leave the derailer in place as a tensioner but it does look fugly so a replacement is still desirable.
There’s a new 1″ XT headset that might replace the loose, original GT one – if it fits..
the deraileur as a chain tension is great
and cheap
here is something from Keith Bontrager
http://www.bontrager.com/ke…
but
there is also the SINGLEATOR
http://www.surlybikes.com/p…
I’ve been using the GT’s original derailleur as a tensioner almost since I built this thing. It’s worked a treat, but it isn’t the nicest looking solution. If I don’t end up with a dropout mods I will continue to use a derailleur.
Tensioners are only a little bit neater than using a derailleur but a whole lot more expensive!
My LBSG helped me build the GT and his rule for singlespeeds was "you are not allowed to spend ANY money on them!".
I followed that advice and the result was awesome. Now, though, it gets treated to some new parts. 🙂