Adding gears to a single speed

[cmahlig]

Ok, I have been wanting to add some gearing to my bike so Ive been doing a little research. In order to do this i have come up with a couple of things...

1. buy a derailleur
2. buy a cassette with freewheel
3. buy some rear v brakes
4. buy handlebar adjustments

now if i get these, do i have everything to make my bike a 6,7,8 speed bicycle.
do i need to modify the front sprocket at all?
will i need a bigger rear axle?

reason i am doing this is so i can get a sick bikes jackshaft

[HoughMade]

Easier- just get an internally geared hub. Just that, cable and the brakes.

Front brakes would help, but no need to touch the front hub.

[5-7HEAVEN]

Your rear frame dropout might be too narrow to make this project successful. I had the same problem, so I just bought a 7-speed Raleigh bike with cruiser-type frame.

[bluegoatwoods]

I'm thinking along the same lines as 5-7 heaven; converting your bike might be just as expensive (and much more hassle) than just getting another bike.

[cmahlig]

my problem is i cant find the bikes i really like with 6,7,8 speeds, or they are too expensive

[cmahlig]

frame dropout? what is that? is that the distance between the spots that the wheel clips to

[HoughMade]

And then we come back to the internally geared hub:

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=1928

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2380

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...Speed+Hub.aspx

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ter+7+Hub.aspx

About the same width as a single speed coaster hub. Interesting, Sturmey Archer has coaster brake internally geard hubs so back brakes would not have to be added.

[5-7HEAVEN]

If you use the internal hub, can you still use the sick jackshaft? I'm asking, because I don't know.

[HoughMade]

Yes- seen it done on several bikes.