singlespeeders

[scarface]

how many out there ride singlespeeds mtb?

I built up a 71 peugoet roadie into a mean singlespeed for commuting, and now i am curious about a singlespeed for the mud. But first i have some questions.

suspension: I take it for the 'soul' of the ride suspension is a no go. what is the general opinion?

frame: good ol' chromoly? What is the preference? Most mt bikes have the vertical dropouts making chain tension an issue right?

I have my first mt bike<96 specialized hard rock>, and i can't think of a better way than to decorate it as a singlespeed war hero

thanks,

-brett

[lou1s]

Hey scarface...

Last summer I converted my old, geared, rigid Breezer (steel) into an SS. For the most part, I enjoy the rigid fork, but my wrists were really sore after riding down some stairs below Fort Snelling last night. I do love how the rigid fork carves, though. Overall, it is a hoot and a half to ride, and I am glad I didn't have to fork out thousands of dollars to test the SS waters. I'm hooked now, though, and am looking around for a new frame. I'll probably keep it rigid.

You're correct about the chain tension issue, I have to run a Singleator in order to tension the chain properly. I'd think the Specialized would make a nice one-speed...

eric

[KleinCrazy]

Surly is blowing out thier non-disc 1X1 frame and forks right now.

can be had for around 200 at Kenwood. a little more for the bigger sizes.

Check them out for a pure SS frame option.

James

[Daddy X]

I just converted my hard tail Gary Fisher into a singlespeed. I found myself riding my full suspension so much I felt bad for the bike just sitting there in the corner of the garage unridden. I stripped it down myself and took it in to John at Kenwood and he put on the Surly Singleator and the spacers/cog on my rear. It was cheap and I LOVE it. It is very fun to ride and a great training tool. I also heard single speeders get more chicks because of the coolness factor.

I like to take it to Lebabon because there is not a lot of big climbs and I can do the whole trail with the 16 rear cog. I want to invest in a few more cogs, 18,20,21 so I can ride some of the other trails with bigger climbs. So all I can say is for the cost it is definitley worth doing.

I also have to thank Steve O and Andy Kruse for all the good advise they gave me on what to buy and where to go. The folks at Kenwood were great!!!

[martini]

I've been doing the SS thing for about 6 years now. I do have a geared bike, but the one that gets ridden the most is the SS. It's just more fun! I started on a Converted Specailized as well. I think it was a Stumpjumper. I made my own tensioner out of an old deralliuer and went at it.

As far as the 'soul' thing goes, its only as soulful and hardcore as YOU think it is. If soul is a Freerider with 6" travel, so be it. If soul is a clapped out '87 Peugot ATB that still gets ridden into the ground on a daily basis, all the more power to you. The soul of MTbing is only what YOU the RIDER makes out of it, it ain't no image to uphold. In my eyes the epitome of soul to me, is the guy that is new to the sport and is full of enthusiasm to simply be on the trail and riding in the woods. THAT'S soul. Not what or how you ride.