Single Speed Opinions...

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 08:02 AM

Well I'm now thinking about a Surly 1x1. I really like riding SS, much more than I ever thought I would. Anyone have any feed back, opinions, or any suggestions contrary...about this bike? I think I can get a pretty good deal on a nice white one? What'daya all think?

Werd.

**mntlion** · 10-28-2005, 08:07 AM

buy a white industry hub ENO and make a SS from you favorite old frame?

the surly is a great idea, good deals on some bianchis too on ebay

what about 29" wheels? Gary Fisher rig? surly K M?

**Frozone** · 10-28-2005, 08:13 AM

I don't think you can go wrong with a Surly or Bianchi, steel is real and the price is right if you're happy with a 26 inch wheel bike. I ride a Bianchi SISS and I've liked it fine, have buddies on the 1x1 they like them fine too. These are not huckers obviously for that you'd want something more burely like a Chameleon or Spicer.

Have other friends that swear by 29ers, I've only experimented with them but like them, just haven't been ready to dump my 26 inch bikes because the 29er riders I know never go back. They seem to make great unsuspended SS trail bikes, roll real well, and provide a bit more natural suspension than a 26 inch wheel.

I'd say your choice is between 26" and 29". At any rate, I think you'd be happy with a Surly.

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 08:21 AM

This acquisition wouldn't be an ebay deal. I was thinking of building one up, like mentioned but I'm thinking that can score this for possibly 6 bills plus tax, 650 + tax at the worst case. My friend says that's screamin, and I think i agree. I'd lilke to not drop a huge ton of loot. Would y'all jump on it for that?
it also has dh raceface cranks and avid incidentals, v's, sun rims and whatnot.
Can remember what else. It is new.

I love the single speed i ride now...it's super budget and was really inexpensive to get into... but i'd like something sexier and possibly a bit more comfy.

**Hugh Jass** · 10-28-2005, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Blatant

.... and possibly a bit more comfy.

If you're over 6', you can't go wrong with the 29er. The KM is budget, will last forever, and incredibly comfortable. I'm one of those who went 29er, and won't be going back.

**El Chupacabra** · 10-28-2005, 10:30 AM

This company might be worth your time checking out, too:

http://www.irocycle.com/id68.html

Small business in New York, getting good reviews on MTBR from people who've taken a chance on their bikes. I've been thinking about the SS cyclocross bike they have for awhile now (the "Rob Roy").

**Tyrone Shoelaces** · 10-28-2005, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

This company might be worth your time checking out, too:

http://www.irocycle.com/id68.html

Small business in New York, getting good reviews on MTBR from people who've taken a chance on their bikes. I've been thinking about the SS cyclocross bike they have for awhile now (the "Rob Roy").

ooohh.nice stuff...

Why do I have an itch for a cro-mo fixie with no brakes? Me likey...

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

This company might be worth your time checking out, too:

http://www.irocycle.com/id68.html

Small business in New York, getting good reviews on MTBR from people who've taken a chance on their bikes. I've been thinking about the SS cyclocross bike they have for awhile now (the "Rob Roy").

interesting shit...any experience personal or otherwise...aside from the reviews? their junk looks decent. Where's the frame built etc...can't find alot of info on em.

**El Chupacabra** · 10-28-2005, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Blatant

interesting shit...any experience personal or otherwise...aside from the reviews? their junk looks decent. Where's the frame built etc...can't find alot of info on em.

I've never seen their bikes. The MTBR forum (esp. SS forum) has nothing but good reviews for the frames, the generic parts, and the customer service.

From the looks of it, they probably just have a Taiwanese company build their bike with their stickers. Ditto for the parts. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing, almost all the big name bike manufacturers go this route.

There's just something cool about a SS cross bike, V-brakes, tire/mud clearance, without having to cobble it together from an old hybrid. That's what got my interest flowing.

**the_eleven** · 10-28-2005, 11:59 AM

Another good thing about the KM or a Rig, is that you can run some larger tires.

Cross tires need to be run at higher pressures or they pinch flat; the 29er tires can be run at lower pressures for max traction and cushion...

29ers are like fat skis. They seem strange at first, and then you try them, and never go back.

**bigt** · 10-28-2005, 12:29 PM

I have been trying to find a ss rear wheel for my cross check. It sounds like it would be a wicked fun winter get around campus bike. anyone have a good lead on 29" or 700c single speed rear wheel or wheelsets. I have poked around a little on the web and only found the IRO site. I am looking for cheap here, being a grad student and all.

**Greydon Clark** · 10-28-2005, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces

ooohh.nice stuff...

Why do I have an itch for a cro-mo fixie with no brakes? Me likey...

You’ll need that bike if one of your relocation plans goes into effect. NICE!

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by the_eleven

Another good thing about the KM or a Rig, is that you can run some larger tires.

Cross tires need to be run at higher pressures or they pinch flat; the 29er tires can be run at lower pressures for max traction and cushion...

29ers are like fat skis. They seem strange at first, and then you try them, and never go back.

a rig...? I'll assume you're talking about a Gfisher...that's double the price of the iro. However Fisher's tend to be ridiculously comfy. That must make a killer ss, and i'm a bigger fan of the mtb ss rather that the cyclocross. A 29er atb ss....sweet.

**m1e448** · 10-28-2005, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Blatant

interesting shit...any experience personal or otherwise...aside from the reviews? their junk looks decent. Where's the frame built etc...can't find alot of info on em.

I know i kid who has been racing an IRo 26" SS for two years now and he seems to like it fine. I throttle him on my B.U.S.S. though. If Bianchi made a 29" SS I'd be all over that shit

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 02:59 PM

Thinking now...instead of wasting a ton of cash i may seriously consider converting my fisher big sur into a ss. It's nearly new and i almost never ride it. i bought it b/c i wanted a new simple mt bike but then i ended up riding the SS everywhere i possibly could. My concern is that the Big Sur is really a primary good functioning complete bike. Do you think it'd be wise to tear it apart and convert it...then i'd pretty much be with out a geared mt bike?

YET i never really ride it. it just sits?? OR keep it...continue to not ride it, (paid 9bills) and peel out another 9bills for a rig. hmmmmmmmmm short of the 29s and the Ebottom bracket maybe i should just convert?

what do you all think. How many of you only ride ss? is going to ss like going to 29s and whatsuch....you never go back???!

**LIP** · 10-28-2005, 04:12 PM

Just got my surly ss wheelset, singleator and ring in the mail yesterday!! The old Yeti ARC hardtail will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Thought I was going to retire her 4 years ago, but now I'm glad I hung onto the frame. Only cost me about $300 to get built up in a schweet SS, even with some new parts and all. BRING THE PAIN!!!

**m1e448** · 10-28-2005, 04:22 PM

I'd go with a RIG and sell the Big Sur. If you never ride your geared bike, then sell it and buy another one down the road if you want one. If the big sur just sits around it will just get old and dusty and lonely...

I know people who have worn out Eno hubs in a season and singlators aren't always the most reliable, those are just my 2 cents.

**the_eleven** · 10-28-2005, 05:53 PM

SS + 29er = good times.

Check out these two sites for more info.

SingleSpeed:

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46

29er:

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

**Blatant** · 10-28-2005, 09:06 PM

shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!

so many choices...i'm just going to quit and take up something else.

**gravitylover** · 10-30-2005, 07:42 AM

I work on plenty of IRO's every week. They are very well made and ride really nicely. I've yet to talk to someone who rides one that doesn't like it.

bigt - I have some inexpensive ss wheels at the shop. I'm off today but I'll check the price for you tomorrow.

**Blatant** · 10-31-2005, 06:59 PM

well...did it...

Bought the Rig!!! Booooong!

Sickness!!! Now once my swelled-ass ankle tunes itself up...i'll be set!

**m1e448** · 11-01-2005, 03:42 AM

sick!!!! nice ride. get out on that shit

**chaka** · 11-01-2005, 09:13 AM

thanks for the informative thread. I am also considering a SS, and you hit most of my questions...

**Blatant** · 11-01-2005, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by Chaka

thanks for the informative thread. I am also considering a SS, and you hit most of my questions...

Werd...sleestack.

Do you ride one now?

**freshies** · 11-01-2005, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by LIP

Just got my surly ss wheelset, singleator and ring in the mail yesterday!! The old Yeti ARC hardtail will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Thought I was going to retire her 4 years ago, but now I'm glad I hung onto the frame. Only cost me about $300 to get built up in a schweet SS, even with some new parts and all. BRING THE PAIN!!!

REPRESENT! I retired my beloved steel Yeti ARC frame 3 yrs ago when I got my Blur, but last yr put that White Industries Hub on her and turned her into a beautiful SS. Steel is real, and the SS is fun. The Yeti rides again!

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