so my dad has a purple univega 26" frame. combine plenty of parts at home, and an employee discount, it’s very financially do able. the frame is a couple of 1or 2 sizes too small so it makes for a perfect beater/polo bike.
drivetrain:
44t sprocket on 175 cranks
16/20 out back with an old derailer to tension it. 16 for riding, 20 for polo
vertical drops so no fixed.
f/r v brakes
probably flat bar/riser
26" wheels from home with freehub and spacers to run 2 gears
fenders
fat whitewalls for summer
mtb tires for winter
just use a chain tensioner so it doesnt look like garbage. I have one that you can have. I also have a 16t single speed freehub sprocket you can have if you need it.
For the tensioner above, there is a pinch-bolt where the pully assembly arm (silver) attaches to the main body (black). It allows you to slide the axle to either side to adjust the chainline.
Derailers work better than any tensioner I’ve ever seen. They’re just better at adjusting themselves to the right tension. They can also help make up for less than perfect chainline, which you will necessarily have if you are using two cogs with one chainring. It might look like ass, but it’s a polo/beater bike anyway. And it’s not like tensioners look significantly better.
checked my lbs. 7 speed shifter for $15. i’ll probably be able to get a 7 speed cassete for cheap and i know for sure i can get a 7 speed free hub rear wheel for $20. so that’s the plan. just need to get a pay check or sell some of my old shit first