Single Speed Project Part 2

I finished my single speed project.  Here are some pictures and some lessons learned.

After:

I estimate that the entire project took me about 5 hours to complete.  I got bogged down a little bit on the rear hub and getting the rear cog on correctly.  The rest of the project went fairly smooth.  No real complications.

Here is a picture of the chain tensioner and the rear cog.

I debated for several days about what to do with the bars.  They were 22" long with bar ends on the original bike.  I made the rash decision to chop two inches off each end and make the bars 18 inches.  Before I cut them I check to see what the minimum length could be.  With the way the bars are bent, the brake mounts and the 5" hand grips, the shortest I could have gone was about 17 inches.   At first I thought they were a bit short and my kids commented the same.  However, when I rode it they felt just right.  They are about the width of a road bike handlebar.   Here is a picture:

I took the bike out for a ride and after a few minor adjustments I got in a short ride around the subdivision before dark.   The bike is quiet, smooth, and fun to ride.  The gear ratio seems about right, but I need to ride a bit longer before I make the final decision.   It's the kind of bike you can jump on and run a quick errand or ride down the bike path with the family.    It was kind of fun to learn how to put together the single speed and I really enjoyed "resurrecting" an old bike from the back of the garage.

My kids were kind of skeptical, but after a couple of them road it and I saw the expression on their faces,  I doubt I will have this bike for long.  I anticipate that it will disappear this fall when one of them goes off to college.   Actually, that is good news, because I'm already thinking about my next single speed bike project.