Have taken this out a couple of times now and I’m well pleased with it. It’s become my go-to ride for larking about with my kids in the local park! Definitely wouldn’t be without a single speed mtb now, it’s light, drivetrain is silent, and there’s very little to go wrong. Looking forward to trying it on some more challenging trails although there is a limit to what I can climb on it! Gearing seems about right though, it goes up most hills ok and I don’t mind the lack of top speed.
The 531 frame feels nimble and comfy. Definitely a quality item IMO despite the lack of cred. Would buy another at the right price.
I’m still in two minds about the tyres, would like a smaller one on the back as I’m nervous about the tight clearance, especially in combination with a QR axle and skewer holding the back wheel in the dropouts. Will see how I go once the drivetrain beds in - if I could slide the wheel back a bit I’d be happier!
As someone else suggested, the large front tyre works well to soak up bumps, although i’m not entirely convinced by the tread pattern.
I did try new springs in the brakes but still couldn’t get them perfectly centred. Still, they stop it nicely and don’t rub. I should know better really, in my experience you have to be able to accept some compromise with cantis. Which is why I like V-brakes!
Glad I built it!
