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Converting to Singlespeed
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi everyone
Im looking into getting a singlespeed for mountain biking fitness
I am able to convert bikes to singlespeed as ive had experience with this, but i just want your say on whether i should purchase a cheap mountain bike and convert it, or whether to just purchase a singlespeed
Also im thinking of purchasing a mountain bike which i can use out on the trails
any suggestions?
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If you're wanting to try and see if you like it, use and existing frame or a cheap one to save money until you're sure.
If you have already done it and want to go for the long run, buy the best frame you can. SS is about weight and simplicity. Cheap frames are likely to be heavy and that can dull the experience a bit. Also, steel is better for SS in my opinion too.
Why is steel better?
Steel? But that goes against your previous comment about looking for a light frame.
The benefits of a Single speed frame are the tensioning device, whether you go EBB, track ends or sliders. and the lack of cable guides ruining the smooth lines of the frame.
I bet you have most of the gear so purchasing a nice frame with the right geo and size for you would be the go, and of course Steel or Ti cause its cool, and lasts longer.
And by the way, just cause a frame is Steel does not make it heavy. Good Steel frames can be as around the 1.5kg range.
Which is much the same as any other material in the same quality bracket.
Does anyone make a carbon fibre single speed bike? (Not including track bikes.)
Up until recently the elite SS guys were largely staying with steel but in the last year there's been a mass exodus to carbon now that there are some good alternatives out there
Niner make a nice one using their EBB design
http://www.ninerbikes.com/air9carbon
Or a lot of people are using any carbon frame with a BB30 bottom bracket (particularly the chinese unbranded ones) and fitting one of these which is an elegant solution
http://beercomponents.com/?page_id=24
The guys from Pivot are release their LES 29'er HT later in the year. Uses replaceable dropouts for either geared or SS setups, and looks like it'll be quite nice. The proof will be how it rides though, so looking forward to the demo fleet becoming available!
http://pivotcycles.com/bikes/detail/12
Cute and simple, pretty much how a motorbike adjusts chain tension and avoids a lot of the issues with a EBB. If only I could be arsed riding a SS
take your pick 26 or 29er all with swap out rear drop out's either vertical or horizontal for ss http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOCWH/on_one_carbo... http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOC456P/on_one_car... or the big wheel version http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOLUR29/on_one_lur...