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SpeedyG
Guest
DougC said:-No, they're not.Bikeguy Joe said:My drop outs are all the angled type, like the ten speed you describe.
Single-speed bikes use rear droputs that allow the rear wheel to be shifted fore-and-aft somewhat, to provide a means of setting chain tension. Ten-speed type bikes have dropouts that don't allow the rear wheel to shift fore-and-aft at all.
Actually, if you look at your Sheldon "Have you seen my helmet?" Brown's reference... Please note that, except for the Raleigh 3 speed and the Track End, those are all "10 speed" dropouts. Even the one without a hanger. Also, except for the vertical and near-vert drops, they are all suitable for a single speed conversion.
As for the 5 speed to single conversion... I would recommend against it. You would have to spend at least $150 because you're basically gonna have to replace some drive train components and probably a new rear wheel. Anyway, there are too many single speed cruisers already out there at yard sales just waiting to go home with you for $10.