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Dabbling with Singlespeed
Hey guys, I know I'll probably be shot down for this, but I was just thinking of dabbling in some singlespeed. I was thinking of getting into it as a DIY project and just slowly build one up over time. Nothing urgent or immediate
What makes it slightly different is I was thinking of having a multi-purpose SS bike. SS to commute for added training (rather than add km's) and a SS for fun on the trails. Could this be as simple as 1 bike, 2 sets of wheels? Then there is the question of rigid fork or suspension, 29 or 26 and many others.
I feel that if I'm going to bother with SS, I may as well try 29 like Damien, Paul, Supergav and Carlgroover? It seems it will be more expensive going down the 29 route though and then there is the question of running which wheels for commuting? 700 road wheels? Would they look small/stupid in a 29er?
Cheapest option I feel would be getting a 26" SS frame with rigid forks. This would be great for commuting, however wouldn't be so great for the trails... i could even run just 1 set of wheel with easy rolling tyres like crossmarks?
The more expensive option would be to copy the crew and get a 29-er with 80-100 mm forks (with lockout). Apart from the Kona 2-9er Unit and the Karate Monkey Surly, what are my other frame options? I like the dropout on the Kona Unit as the disc mount follows the rear wheel. How much would I be expecting to pay for a frame like this and also the forks? This seems like more of a primary bike like Damien and Paul though.. not really a secondary "fun/cheap" bike I *think* I am looking for?
Supergav, I noticed you use your 29er to commute too. Do you change out the wheels (which size if so) or just change the tyres and put on some 29" slicks (is there such a thing?)
Of course maybe you suggest I'm insane and should just stick to the gears. After all I have a pretty bad set of knees... How bad is singlespeeding for the knees?
I just thought it could be a cheap fun project.. although I'm certain the costs will quickly add up like any project/boys toy.
Any input/abuse is welcome 
Cheers guys,
Loz
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Lozza...
Go the whole hog!
Get a fixie - with belt drive and wooden handle bars to match!
http://thegoat.backcountry.com/blog/2008/09/11/f...
more beauties:
http://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/2008/index.html
Rgds, Hans
__________________
There are two paths you can go by but in the long run........
Once I get a race bike my 29er will a singlespeed.
I use my 29 to commute, I got a set of slicks I swap over for the commuting duties (I even took them off road at Terry Hills, fun fun fun) they are 700x40c and they fit right on. they dont look that silly either.
I would say if you go down the road of 29er there is no great need to have squish up front for the odd offroad venture. the big wheels do a lot smoothing of the trail.
A 29er is going to cost you a lot more to either buy or build up. The other problem is what gearing to use, on the road a 34-18 (off road gearing) spins out very quickly (23-25kph) but it does teach you how to make yur legs spin. a nice on road gearing wouldnt even let you ride at Terry Hills. changing the rear sproket is a pain in the A*!^
I Have a singlespeed 26er back in NZ that I am thinking of getting sent over and have it as the NoBMoB bike!!!! just need to look into shipping costs.
Would anyone be interested in taking it for a spin if it is there for anyone to use?
Final comment is go the sinlgespeed. it is such a blast. you might even find the 575 start to collect dust.
Salsa (can be both SS & gears)
KHS
Cannondale
Avanti, Specialized, Niner, Soma, On-One,...
Hmmmm.... look at it... how nice it that. It's hard to find a 29er that doesn't look odd, but that Crack'n'fail has managed (almost)
This sounds like a top plan Loz. It might come in waaaay cheap too. I know Gazza found an old frame by the side of the road on council cleanup for example - with a bit of work and a few spare parts think it's now a nice little SS ride.
Don't discount what people throw away... this site is running on hardware found in the trash!
Bold steps well done you will enjoy a singlespeed everyone should try it at some point.
Re your knees I have had no problems with mine infact I think its just a beat up and a load of baloney the only problems I have with single speeding is with my back from all the climbing I have do out of the saddle nothing a bit of stretching and exercise doesn’t fix.
You can build one up over time but it will cost quite a bit more than a whole bike looking at your requirements I would recommend you hunt down a KHS Solo One the best value 29er around it is a very capable bike and would cover the commuting and offroad duties with ease.
http://www.cyclenet.com.au/info/node/91
GT and Redline also make a similar bike in the same price range.
However if a build project is the way to go there are a whole bunch of frames that would suit you should look at Kona, Voodoo, O-One and Soma as they are all good cheaper but quality choices and can be picked up for around the $300.00 to $500.00 mark sometimes less. Rigid forks are about $100.00 to $200.00 my Manitou Minute 29er forks were about $600.00 building bit by bit can be a very expensive exercise but lots of fun ebay is the place to look for bargains.
Wheels the only difference between 700C and a true 29er rims is the width the Velocity Blunt rims I run are 28mm wide and there are Salsa rims coming out that are 30mm and 35mm wide the wheels that came on my Kona are more a 700C size and could be used with either offroad tyres 29 x 2.1 or a 700C x 28 road tyre.
Using the same bike to commute and ride offroad is a good idea the problem will be with the different gear ratios for the two types of riding with a single speed it will not only mean different rear cogs maybe even a bigger front ring for on road use but also probably changing the chain length between the two set ups.
I saw a nice Voodoo Dambla in my LBS the other day I will see what he wants for it the frame is very nice and the rest could be upgraded over time.
of the ss. Just use it as a bike to go to the shop and beach. Re sprayed and with a few parts like an old brooks saddle, rubber pedals for barefoot riding in summer. Re build of the back wheel with single speed hub. All for about 150 dollars with a lot of elbow grease( re spray and cleaning up the tarnished old parts) a very rewarding process though.
I've been toying with the idea of a singlespeed for a while also.
I know this is sort of contrary to the purity of SS but I was thinking perhaps you could run a set of those new SRAM HammerSchmidt things (not sure if you still call it a deraillier) with a ss rear.
Match the 1:1.6 ratio with a appropriate rear for offroad and the 1:1 would give you another ratio more suited for commuting and handy in some fast sections.
I expect the Hammerschmidt would be quite pricey tho.
Is this sacreligious? Or pure genius?
here is the link to my retro build SS i think i spent a grand total of $400. It is so much fun ride.
I dont think that there are any HT frames that will currently take a Hammerschmidt.
I'd bet SS converts will call it sacrilegious. And I think they would be right.
Plus, if you want gears, albeit a limited number, surely there are better ways to get them than with just 3 options in the crank.
I built up a bitsa SS for commuting and loving it.
Got a closeout Jamis mtb frame some time ago, added Zion rigid forks ($80) and a surly singlator.
Running some old crossmark 600 wheels with 38 width rear and 32 width front slick tyres.
Flat bars and bar ends round in the cockpit
A set of Hayes 9's (with 180 front rotor) pulls me up fast when Dum@ss motorists do dum@ss things ;}
Started out with an old raceface crank, 36x16 gearing, but was too low for the flats. Certainly got some spinning practice in!
Just changed to an old Campy super record crank (square taper!) with just the 42 (so running 42x16) and although thats a bit of a grind up Roseville hills, Parrawi, and other substantial 'hills' it's so much better on the flats and declines. Being a road crank, it was too narrow to clear the chainstays, so used an old triple crank bottom bracket to space it out further.
Re knees, make sure you have your height and setback absolutely spot on, as any variance from 'correct' positioning will be accentuated and can cause you problems (I was too far back to begin with).
So what I'm finding is it forces me to go harder up the hills and that's the best thing for me to build strength at the moment. The spinning on the flats and downhills is good for improving my pedal stroke too.
And, best of all as a high mileage rider ... LOW maintenance!
W.
Of course maybe you suggest I'm insane and should just stick to the gears. After all I have a pretty bad set of knees... How bad is singlespeeding for the knees?
May be try out a single speed before embarking on any project. Remove the chain on your bike. Select your favourite cogs and refit a shortened chain bypassing the rear derailleur.
I have run fixed wheels on road bikes and the novelty makes riding great fun for a while but eventually got fed up with the hassel and yearn for gears. The concept of riding a single gear off road is a brave one in my view and will possibly involve a lot of walking the bike.
Good luck with your project.
There is no more walking than normal with a single speed and sometimes less walking than the granny gear brigade.
funny this thread came up as last night I was also looking at SS 29ers
I'm curious to know what advantages 29ers have over 26 specifically on SS? I read somewhere that it's a bit slower to start with bigger wheels?
Tom
You wont notice there slower to start its so momentary that it really is irrelevant.
The main advantage of the 29inch wheel in terms of SS is the extra grip when climbing and putting the power down out of the saddle the larger footprint will not let go as readily as the smaller footprint of a 26inch wheel.
With an SS its all about momentum and the bigger wheels keep you moving and don’t slow down when they are rolling this is most noticeable in technical stuff where 26inch wheels can get caught out and can not roll over obstacles as easily as a big wheel.
The bigger wheel allows for a bit more ground clearance and therefore if desired a longer crank can be run without any clearance issues more leverage from the longer crank is an advantage for me on the SS as that little bit more leverage often helps getting up and over some of the nasty little pinch climbs on the trails.
Top speed is higher with the big wheels 29ers are fast downhill they pick up speed bloody quick there is no pedalling once you are travelling over 30kmh on a singlespeed and smaller wheels don’t inspire the same sort of confidence to let the bike go bouncing around at high speed on 26inch wheels is not fun on a rough trail but on the 29er 67kmh at the angry doctor was a blast with no worries what so ever.
Singlespeeding is really about fun and 29ers just add bucketloads to the fun equation.
Hey thanks for all the input guys..
I will never go fixxie unfortunately Hans
Also I feel a fixxie on the trail would be pretty useless...
Cool, I didn't realise 29's were the same as 700 rims.... Maybe a tyre swap is an option as it would be 90% commuting with only the odd trail run where there aren't too many hills.
Its a shame the 29 option will cost that much more... Interested to see pics of Gazza's steed put together for $150!!!
Whil'st I'd love to get a 29er with suspension forks and change out for road wheels for commuting, that would basically be the same as what Damien runs as his "A" bike.. and I dont think I could justify putting that together as my "B/fun" bike...
This is getting expensive quickly! haha, I should've known...
It'd be around $1000-$1500 for a decent 29er plus forks plus 2nd set of wheels for commuting. That'd be well over $2000... Probably too much for a secondary bike I think.
Compare this to $25 if I go 26" and just convert my scott hardtail commuter to SS... Someone remind me again though, if I do chose to convert, why dont I just run the bike as it is now and opt not to change gears?
Hmm.. I think I have to do a bit more pondering... re-assess my budget...
Lozza I dont really think you need a fork on a 29er so you could be looking at getting a brand new play bike for under a 1k mark buying a set of slicks a smaller rear sproket and chain for the road duties and then swap back the bigger sproket and chain for the offroad stuff. a 29er/700C wheel is a lot faster on the road than a 26er as well.
My Girlfriend Vanina rode a rigid 29er SS a while ago and she loved it. now that is all she talks about getting as her next bike. as a side note she prefers to ride the retro SS rather than her bling Trance. something about the fun factor that Damien was talking about.
I would be looking at the KHS Solo One $700.00rrp top value.
for a rigid fork yeah?
Then add price for a fork, $600ish (if I chose to later)
the solo does look good, but i'd prefer to run disc brakes?
So maybe just a step up...
but even $700-800 is hard to justify when I can just convert my current hardtail into a 26" SS for a few dollars with a conversion kit...
don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to go 29....
hmm I could get a rigid fork which would be perfect for commuting
then at a later date.. as gav suggested get some 29" tyres... different rear ratio and use for trails? probably invest in a fork too... How easy is it to change the rear sprocket?
32:14 for commuting, 32:16 for trails?
hmmm.. options options....
29 is proving far more tempting... its whats stopping me from converting my commuter on the spot now...
$800... hmmm
so tell me guys, what are these things like on the trail?
Cummon, sell it! 
hehe
the easy way to sell it is to ride it., But be prepared to empty your wallet there and then they are that good. I put money on it. Damien is riding tonight....
I can't make it to tonight's ride...
But will definitely give it a spin one day if he's cool with that
Problem is its $1000 plus $700 for forks... :\
Still thinking though
another FAD will come along and you'll want that too then you won't be able to get the rigid ss fixie. Just do it now son!!
Lozza, I would love to see you tackle the Harbour Bridge Steps on a SS
I found a cheap 29er for u .......
http://www.fahrrad.de/fahrraeder/mountainbikes/b...
thats about AUD $ 850
Bernd
Don't forget that a lot of regular hardtail frames will take 700c wheels. Just run about with your tape measure to find out. I've known plenty of folk who ride 26" wheels with knobbies on the weekend then swap for 700c with slicks for the commute. Must use disc brakes for this to work and by no means will all frames co-operate. It wouldn't foul up the geometry as the wheel size change is consistent front and rear. The bigger wheels do roll along quicker. This probably won't work if you wish to use the larger wheel off road with the off road tyre. This is because there is ample room for a bigger wheel and a low profile slick tyre for road use but not enough room for a taller profile off road tyre. This is why the world has brought us the dedicated 29" mountain bike. Otherwise all those blokes would be on cyclocross bikes....
As for SS, do a conversion using a hub spacer kit and remember to use an eight speed chain. A dedicated SS frame is a big spend if you change your mind.
No rush, thats the beauty of fads, when the next one comes along then I can get drawn in by that and give that a whirl too
Isn't that the beauty of fads? Another project to have fun with
Any excuse to get my hands dirty if I can.
Boys and their toys
Dylan, I haven't gotten up the stairs yet with a geared bike, let alone SS!!!
Bernd, looks great, shame nothing here in Aus is that cheap.
Cheers,
Loz
FWIW, the cheapest 29'er frame CRC have is a BeOne at $151 (but only in 53cm), cheapest Jenson have is around $450US.
We should meet up at the weekend and see if a pair of 700c wheels will fit in your HT frame, we can try the ones of my crosser. Plan?
If your Scott has disc brakes and takes 700c wheels you could get a set of Mavic speed city wheels which are 700c and disc. set them up as your commuters and your sorted.
Maybe it can take 700's I'm not sure. It is Disc... are the hub widths of road and MTB wheels the same?
What do you guys think?
Frame
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/lozza6/MyNewScott...
Fork
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/lozza6/MyNewScott...
Looks like it might clear a 700?
So get some Mavic city's rig up a SS conversion for the rear wheel and just run middle ring, take off granny and big. Cool, how much for the set of wheels? That'll turn out much cheaper than a 29er... I guess I can convert the current MTB wheels too and at least have a shot of offroad SS in a 26er... If I love it.. then maybe I'll get a 29er further down the track?
run 28 or 23mm tyres? Not looking forward to the punctures! haha
Will be in Wellington this weekend so won't be able to try then... maybe after.
Cheers guys,
Loz
Not that I'm an expert in this field, but I got some Continental Contact Reflex to try. They were cheap and are... erm... robust (read - heavy). They survived the glass strewn Epping Road bike lane quiet well (zero punctures), which now dooms me to a flat on the next ride!
32c fatties they are.
Front are the same (100mm), MTB rear are 135mm where as road these days are 130mm. The Mavic Speed City rear hubs are mtb spacing
Man $500 for wheels :\
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
This bike only cost me $300 hahaha
So can this wheel then take 29" MTB tyres too? Just in case I get a 29er framer later on...
Bugger that... just get some custom wheels - road rims (cheapest they have in stock are Silver CXP 22 for $36.01) and MTB hubs (XT 6-bolt disc are 44.56 + 52.14 for the set). Spokes are $37.90 a wheel for revolutions and the build will (OK - may) be free = $244
You could shave some more off the $$$ by spec'ing comp spokes and Deore hubs. Have NFI about this rim mind - but you get the idea.
If the build isn't free do it yourself... you'll have lots of fun!
Or go and see Mr TWE in Taren Point.
Lozza - don't go SS because I'll never be able to catch you.
My 2 cents worth. Convert your hardtail to a 26 SS (get rid of all the gears, chain rings, etc). You may need a tensioner but make it light, cheap and uncomplicated.
Keep you eyes open for a 29er they come up all the time, but go for steel and I would go front suspension.
Knee's - I've had my right knee reconstructed (ACL) and it still swells up after a ride but the SS is no worse on the actual knee, but in general the SS will fatique your legs more and after a few hills you will feel it. Walking is the only alternative with a SS.
You can borrow my 29er next time we ride.
$250 is much more reasonable...
looks like I could go this route....
SIC had a tensioner and a 16T cog with spacers for $120?!?!?!
Thats more than a SS conversion kit should cost yeah??
Cheers Paul, I might give it a spin next time if you can bring the seat height down at least 3 feet
Yeti --> SS --> 29 SS... geez, I must be your stalker or something!!
hehe
Here's my bright idea.
1.Remove big ring and granny. Leave the middle in place and re-install crankset. Remove all transmission cables, shifters and front mech.
2.Choose the rear sprocket you wish to use. I recommend approx 17 tooth. Leave other sprockets in place. Wrap chain around this sprocket, through the rear mech as normal and then around chainring. Shorten chain so the mech is almost at its limit.
3.If you change your mind about your chosen sprocket, choose another sprocket and repeat procedure.
4.If you change your mind about the whole conversion, reverse procedure. You'll need a new chain.
This way your cash parted with will be almost nil and easy to reverse if you find that it's not for you. If you love it, go by a Surly 1 X 1 and use a single speed specific rear hub , sprocket, chain and chainring, which are heavier duty than regular items.
I'm also contemplating on converting my commuter bike to a SS by doing the following:
1. Remove Shifters, Front derailleur and granny ring.
2. If you get carried away remove big ring and insert shorter (track) chainring bolts).
3. Get a bunch of cassette spacers and hopefully you're cassette comes apart individually, put a single cog on.
4. Shorten Chain
5. Use the Deraileur stops to put it in the right place directly below the single cog. Deraileur works fine as a tensioner.
Or instead of steps 3 and 5 you can get the following:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?...
Check out Sheldon Brown SS conversions.... http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html
I rode a few days to work this week using 32-16 to see if I'll enjoy the SS and loved it!!!
Cool mate, so you just stuck it in 32-16 and didn't change at all?
I'll definitely try that when I start commuting next week and see how I do...
If I like it I'll most probably start with converting my current hardtail into a SS and then maybe look into getting 700c wheels to commute with that.
From there I might put nobblies on the 26" wheels and possibly give it a go on the trails...
assuming all goes well, I might keep an eye out on a 29er SS
Then I'll also already have a road wheelset ready to go with it...
So will start slow and take things bit by bit at a time...
Thanks for all the input and advice guys!
I think I got all the info I needed now... just need the time and steps towards my SS goal now.
Cheers,
Loz
I tried 32-18 one day but it spins too quickly. So, the next day I tried 32-16 and I was happy with that.
The next step will be to tried it off road and make a decision which ratio to use.
BTW: My commuter bike is a 26" hardtail and I'm using 1.25 slicks.
What I run.
On the road I run 42 x 17 with 700c wheels its not too spiny and is easy enough for climbing while 32 x 16 will be nice and easy you wont be going any where very quickly.
Off road on the trails around Sydney I ran 32 x 18 or 17 on 26inch wheels and now run 32 x 19 on the 29er and it is a good all round gear ratio I am thinking about going to an 18 though as a bit more speed would be nice.
If you want to get into it and look at all the different ratios and what they add up to have a look here. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/
It's actually 32-16 that was too spiny and 32-14 was good.
After checking with Sheldon Brown's Gear Calculator, I could also run 42-18 with 26"x1.25 wheels on the road.
I'll give it a go this arvo
haha
Submitted by lozza6 on Thu, 26/06/2008 - 13:47:
Ahhh, seems the superiority of the 29er is even too much for the critics to resist. Go on lozza, you know you want to!
Besides if you don't buy a new bike your only going to spend the money on something else, and where would the fun be in that.
is much better for my commuting.
Hey lozza, are you going to go all the way and get a flip-flop hub? you can be the first nobmobber to ride a fixie off road
I saw a fixie on the streets of Wellington today.. no front or rear brakes!!!!!
THATS BRAVE!!!!!
Perused a few bike stores over here, but found that it all costs more here than over in AUS!
Then there is the problem of getting it back to.
Choice,
Loz
Do I need to buy a special single speed chain?
I'm thinking of getting this conversion kit...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
Can I run that with an HG 93 with this or other Shimano 9sp chain? Or do I need to get a special single speed Chain and also different chain rings too?
Cheers,
Loz
Yes you will need a ss specific chain just to handle all that extra power you will shortly be putting through it and a new front ss chain ring would be a good idea as well Surly make nice singlespeed stainless steel chainrings. I get mine from here http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_...
SS chain will not fit onto a standard crankset middle chainring?
booo....
You can fit the 9 speed chain and regular middle ring but I wouldnt recomend it.
There are a few pictures on Farkin.net in the SS thread of destroyed middle rings. With a single speed you will be putting a much higher load on the chain, ring and cog. The last thing you want to happen is something brake or slip when you are putting the power down up a hill or high speed flat.
In my impatience to finish my Salsa Casseroll eralier in the year I took a shortcut and fitted a rear cog salvaged from an Ultegra rear cluster. My first ride out I attacked a nice steep hill with plenty of gusto about a third off the way up the chain slipped on the rear teeth and I went over the bars I was lucky not to brake my colar bone as that is what I landed on.
So if you really want you can use a flimsy 9 speed chain and the regular front chainring but it may let go and give you a nasty suprise at some point.
But what if I don't get a SS chain ring?
ie, I was gonna get a SS conversion kit, then a SS chain and a tensioner...
Can i then fit this around my standard crank middle chain ring?
this is what I'm getting:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
Will this combination work on my hardtail with the original crankset?
Thanks,
Loz