I want a single-speed...

[Inspiribomb]

The rower in me loves to feel my legs burning, I grew up doing BMX and freestyle and I love the simplicity of SS bikes, so I think its time I get back to my roots :cool: I know of some options out there, like the Monocog and the Raleigh 29'er. The 29'er was pretty cool, but I didn't care for the 29" wheels, it was geared way too low and more than I want to spend. I have a few questions, and requirements...

-Would I be better off building a SS from the ground up, or buying one and making the changes I want? I really like the Specialized Hard Rock SS, but the one I looked at had a tensioner (see below).

-What are some good options for bikes/frames?

-I do not want a tensioner (you know, the kind that look like a derailleur). I want a frame that uses horizontal dropouts.

-I'm on the heavier side of things, weighing in at around 205 before trimming down. I'd like to keep the bike reasonably light, but still beefy enough to take some hits.

-Disc brakes would be nice, but may not be doable to keep this thing under budget.

-Budget: I'd like to keep the price under $500.

-This will be my kickin-around bike. I'll hit trails, DT St. Paul, etc on it, so it needs to do everything.

-I'd like to have front suspension...

So, fire away with options and whatnot that you think would be good. Thanks in advance :)

[manual63]

-Disc brakes would be nice, but may not be doable to keep this thing under budget.

-Budget: I'd like to keep the price under $500.

-I'd like to have front suspension...


These three things won't go together well. If you want disc's and a springy fork, you will need to spend more money.

The Redline Monocog is your best bet for a good singlespeed under or around $500.00. It's also steel (as in full chromoly) and will ride better than aluminum does. You could look into On One Inbred's, but they cost more and still don't come with a springy fork or disc brakes. Really good bikes though. I ride one because I like the long top tube. I like the feel of having a really short stem (50 mm) on my bike, so the longer top tube helps me set it up that way. The Monocog has a fairly long top tube too. If you come from a BMX backround, you will like the short stem feel.

You might also want to look into a freeride hardtail like the Specialized P bikes. They do cost a bit more, but are better for what you are describing and can handle jumping, drops, and a lot of street stuff you may dish out. I own a P.2 and use it for street and skateparks when I am not riding my BMX bike.

[crux]

The $500 budget is going to limit things a bit. You could get a decent frame if you were to build it your self for around that, or get a ready to ride bike like the monocog (think they have a 26er version if 29ers are not your thing).

Would recommend an EBB over horizontal drops as this will limit your brake choices down the road. It is possible to run disc on horizontal drops, just a pain when you flat.

Would check the forms or ebay if you want to stick with v-brake only frames. They should be cheaper than disc versions. If you could find an old Ventana El Toro that would be an excellent option.

Front suspension I would view as optional right now, it can always be added later.

[Inspiribomb]

Like I said, disc brakes aren't mandatory. I can skip on them to keep the cost down, but would like to be able to add them later. Regarding keeping chain tension, I have read that horizontal dropouts do make disc brakes difficult, whereas the with EBB the back tire doesn't move to hold tension. Any reason why one is better than the other, aside from brakes?

I checked out the Specialized P bikes. They are nice, but heavy and I'm not sure it would work so well on trails.

Off topic, my old BMX/Freestyle bike was a Schwinn Hydraglide. Heavy-ass Cro-mo bike, all the BMX racers laughed at me, but I cleared all the jumps they were hitting on their aluminum BMX bikes ;)

[manual63]

Off topic, my old BMX/Freestyle bike was a Schwinn Hydraglide. Heavy-ass Cro-mo bike, all the BMX racers laughed at me, but I cleared all the jumps they were hitting on their aluminum BMX bikes ;)

Most freestyle bikes used to be heavy. But it didn't stop riders from clearing jumps.....it made us go bigger because we knew the bike would hold up...:)

I ride my P bike on the trails and it works great. It's a matter of the bike holding up. If you plan to jump at all, you want a stronger bike.

[Inspiribomb]

Good point, Shad. Only thing that ever broke on that bike was the handlebars when my 360 went afoul somewhere in the air... I found this P1 on MPLS craigslist, would this be pretty decent?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/315700009.html

[manual63]

Good point, Shad. Only thing that ever broke on that bike was the handlebars when my 360 went afoul somewhere in the air... I found this P1 on MPLS craigslist, would this be pretty decent?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/315700009.html

I think the price it too high. Also, scrap the BMX cruiser bars......way to high.

Since a brand new 2007 P.1 is retail at $770...maybe cheaper in a store. I think $450 is too high of a price for a used one with only a rear brake. The new P bikes (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22158) are awesome!

[Inspiribomb]

Yeah, I was just looking at the Specialized website, the P1 specifically (although the P. All-mountain looks sweet too, $$$ though). I agree, his asking price is too high. I'm not in a huge rush to buy something, but I do want to pursue this.

[soupboy]

Scour the classifieds on http://www.mtbr.com (http://www.mtbr.com/). You should be able to find a deal on a used Surly 1x1. This should achieve most of your goals vs. your budget.

[Gingerdawg]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/329987868.html

[Inspiribomb]

Thanks for the link, I already emailed the guy just before I went out for my ride. Looks like a pretty sweet ride for a decent price. My only concern is the Singulator...

[manual63]

Thanks for the link, I already emailed the guy just before I went out for my ride. Looks like a pretty sweet ride for a decent price. My only concern is the Singulator...

I run a singulator and don't have any issues with it. Just be sure to use the cheapo steel cogs (they have deeper cuts) and you will be fine.

[manual63]

You might want to look into this deal. Eastern Dirt Jumper (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?p=213837#post213837)

[Inspiribomb]

Would I just need to put some disc-ready wheels on her and go? What would a *halfway* decent set of wheels cost?

[crux]

Would I just need to put some disc-ready wheels on her and go? What would a *halfway* decent set of wheels cost?

That is a loaded question depending upon who you ask. Since your looking at a single speed first question should be if you going to run a freewheel, or cog. Each have their trade offs. Would expect a decent set to run at least $300 and up. Top of the line would be a set of I9 or King. If you could find a decent price on some hope pro II then I would go with them.

[soupboy]

Based on your descriptions a set of Surly Disc hubs laced to the rim of your choosing should be more than enough. Still...that is in the $300 range depending on builder.

www.mtbr.com is your friend.



Would I just need to put some disc-ready wheels on her and go? What would a *halfway* decent set of wheels cost?

[Trevize1138]

I think the price it too high. Also, scrap the BMX cruiser bars......way to high.

Since a brand new 2007 P.1 is retail at $770...maybe cheaper in a store. I think $450 is too high of a price for a used one with only a rear brake. The new P bikes (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22158) are awesome!

You could also luck out if you shop around any shops that have closeout P bikes from the previous year. That's usually how I like to buy "brand new" complete bikes but it might be a bit late in the spring for that.

[ninjanick]

Just a thought.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/TR-SS-Details.html

[Inspiribomb]

That Ibex actually looks like a really nice bike, outfitted nicely...