Thinking about getting a single speed mountain bike

[Greydon Clark]

How much time on pavement vs. dirt? Peeps like 2:1 or less for dirt, but this is way too low if you’re commuting. I converted on MTB to a fixed gear commuter and 42:15 is perfect for Seattle (mild hills).

Sheldon Brown has tons of info on calculating gear inches and whatnot.

[Shredgar]

Thanks for the info. Mostly pavement w/some easy trails. Got a mtn bike for the tougher dirt rides.

[skiing-in-jackson]

Can you get the steel 26" Monocog? That would be my choice (after the 29er, that is) if you are going rigid.

Steel...??? over the Alum...???

[Squatch]

Steel...??? over the Alum...???

word. steel is real. or some shit like that.

(the alu will be a harsh ride if you go rigid)

[El Chupacabra]

Thanks OHC.

Anyone know if a SS freewheel like the White ENO will thread onto an old mtn bike freewheel? Same thread pitch? Chainline might be a problem with this method though.

I still have my first good mtn bike ('93 Stumpjumper M2), which has a Ringle freewheel rear hub (thread-on Sachs freewheel). I built that bike up from the parts, including the wheels, so I'm kinda attached to it even though I don't ride it much any more. I might convert it to a SS, and ditch the fully rigid Cannondale....

I'll answer my own question...

I emailed White Industries; they responded promptly. The Ringle freewheel hub that I have will fit a White ENO freewheel. The only issue is chainline. If I mount the chainring on the inside of the crankarm, I think I'll be able to get acceptable chainline... I'll take a look at this before modifying the bike.

Here's the rear hub I have, for anyone who cares to track down an old threaded hub for SS conversion (my Ringle hubs are black w/ yellow labeling though):

http://www.bikepro.com/arch_products...bs-ringle.html

[bigsugar]

Do it.

I just converted my aluminum hardtail to SS (with a sus. fork) and I'm having a blast. Went to a trail today I've been riding for years, and destroyed it. I don't know if I was a lot faster than I have done it with a geared bike but it felt faster. Next time I'm going to time it.

Anyways, I'm running a 2:1, but this bike will be for all dirt riding; I can definitely see why a harder gear ratio would be necessary for commuting.

[3W MO7B]

2 rides in and I'm hooked. I'm so stoked on it and asking myself why I didn't get one sooner.

I have to agree with Mr. Shoelaces... I also just built up a rigid, Bridgestone MB-1 SS. 4 rides so far and I'm enjoying it immensely. I feel light. I feel fast. I feel "cool." The trails around Folsom Lake are perfect for this bike (rolling XC, relatively smooth). But I know, given some time, I'll haul it up to Auburn, Tahoe and Downieville and rattle my brain ....just because.

Given all the positive responses on this thread, I know you'll pull the trigger and you'll be having a new kind of fun on 2-wheels as well! You'll like whatever you get, so get it!

[m1e448]

What are you using for a 19T cog? (where'd you find one?) I'm using a 34/18, where the 18T cog came out of a cassette I took apart.

King makes all size ss cogs for regular type hubs with freewheels, The white ind eno freewheels are pimp, but an acs claws can be had for much less in a 19t too.

[intheways]

This thread is pushing be further toward selling my .243 and buying a Karate Monkey

[skiing-in-jackson]

Bought it. The Flight Monocog that is.

Really enjoy it. I took it out on some local trails and pronptly bent the chain ring all to #$%^&*. I replaced it with a std 32t chain ring.

Thankfully it bent AFTER my ride- I was on the way to the post office and jumped out on a car- when I hit the "GO" button (stomping on the pedals), the stock chain ring twisted like tin foil. I guess I'll be upgrading to the Salsa SS chainring.

Anyway, at 22 lbs out of the box, I'm madly in love. I took a pretty long climb- but not excessively steep- last light and really had a great time.

I hooked- thanks for the great info and replies to my question!!!

[rideit]

SIJ, can I give it a try, if it fits?
You are more than welcome to try my Titus or NRS in return.
I want to check out some mellow trails on one, and Dave's is way too big. Did Walker get one, too?

[skiing-in-jackson]

Yes- you may take it for a spin- no sweat!

No WW didn't get one. Billy and DH each got one. Hunger put a Sid on the front and me thinks Billy's is going to be stock.

Oh, I just completed reading your post- if DH's is too big- mine will be too big, I got the 21 inch. Sorry pal.

I had lots of questions for (and got great answers from) the valley's single speed guru- Kris Q. He's da man! He was running a titanium SS five years ago. Have you met him?

KQ is also guide Guide Emeritus for TMBT. Super Guy.

How's the proposal going?

[Blatant]

now I have by a new phone as well

Nickle's worth for y'all. Buy your phones from costco or sams club. The two times i went in the lake i simply let them dry and return them to costco. They don't ask questions or care to. 10minutes later i'm off with a new phone and not out a dime.

oh and check ebay. that's where i got my first single speed.

[rideit]

How's the proposal going?

FS shut us the fuck down for now, I'm peeved. Oh well. No traction at the national level, I believe they are afraid of the potential precedent for public/private building partnerships on Federal land.

I know Kris, good dude...but you should go for a ride with AJ!!!