Single Speed Noob

[steveonstumpy]

Hi all title says it all

I'm gonna be building a single speeder using a 2002@ Rockhopper (in the orange!)

Two questions and I am sure the first is an oldie so sorry.

1) What gear teeth count front & rear.

2) Who does nice cranks/ chainwheels?

I will not be riding mega steep terrain but I do like to climb although not too good at it, so thinking lower end of recommended gear inches....Just hope I like it :?

 

[orange71]

welcome to the site.

have a look around the site using the search facility - lots of singlespeed advice.

Generally you'd aim for a 2:1 front to rear - so 32:16 (teeth) for example.

cranks? not sure - others will chip in I'm sure.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Singlespeed

Hi mate
Is this for the new Stumpy? As I have only ever run it singlespeed so can let you know what worked for me.
I ran it either 32 front 16 rear or for SSEC2010 I ran it at 32/17 as I was not well the week before so thought I would make things slightly easier for myself. Its stayed 32/17 ever since as this was the magic ratio as well so no need for the surly tensioner.
I used a middleburn front ring on S Works cranks and a Surly rear cog and a standard race wheel with surly spacer kit on the freewheel.
Running a Titec copy Jones H bar.
Singlespeed is the best way! Build it and come to Belgium next April for SSEC2011.
If it is the Stumpy your SS'ing, I can tell you it is the lightest and one of the best handling bikes I have ridden. Was a bit unsure of selling it as I loved it and sold it to raise funds, next SS will be traditional steel as nothing except maybe a one niner could handle as well as this.
Best of Luck and just ask if you want to know anything else.
Cheers
Jamie

 

[steveonstumpy]

Great stuff I did try to search the site but lots of sale stuff comes up not so much advice hence the post.


Hey Jamie I was planning to do a lightweight XC with your Stumpy frame. The s/s is gonna be based on a Rockhopper...But you got me thinking now

Up for the Belgium trip if I can get on with single business SSEC???


I have no idea what "Running a Titec copy Jones H bar" means

 

[Jamiedyer]

SS

Hi mate
Stumpy , Rockhopper, either will make a fine singlespeed. My previous SS was my 94 Stumpy.
SSEC = Single Speed European Championship
Titec copy Jones bar = is the handlebar I use, its a copy of the Jones H bar mad by Titec in Aluminium rather than the originals Titanium. Best bars I have used.
The Stumpy will build up and ride great whether SS or XC.
Choice is good

Jamie

 

[hamster]

You've very much got to see what works for you, but 2:1 is a good starting point.

I started off by using bits in the toolbox - take the rings off and use single thickness chainring bolts and the middle ring in its usual place. Fit a dedicated singlespeed cog on the back and a tensioner. Magic gears are a nice trick if you can pull it off, but usually chain wear means that it gets marginal and flappy.

Only once you have played a while can you judge what you want. Singlespeeding is great, I tend to ride it in preference nowadays. If you run a rigid fork then climbing out of the saddle is easier.

 

[IDB1]

Great stuff I did try to search the site but lots of sale stuff comes up not so much advice hence the post.

Before you hit the button to search, on the left is a drop-down box labelled Forum: . . change that from All Available to either Retro MTB Chat or General & Off Topic.. it might makes things a little easier to find

Can't remember what the last ss ratio was but the current one is 32:16 (Wifes got 36:18 on hers)..

 

[Pickle]

If this is your first time doing SS, just get a normal chainset and take off the outer and granny rings. If you want to make it look tidy, mount the middle ring on the outside.

 

[TW85]

i'm not convinced by magic gears - i like it tight, but then I ride fixed on the road. It's never going to last, and I can't stand slack chains

Some people file the axle and the dropout etc, I'd rather use a tensioner tbh. Next frame I get will have track ends

if you buy a SS kit with different size spacers, you can run the middle ring on the outside and get perfect chainline

 

[MJN]

As has been said 2:1 is the best starting point, I run 32/17 which is perfect for me but..... As for tensioners and stuff, try your rockhopper then once you're hooked it'll be time for a sliding dropout/ebb frame!
Best looking/performing chainset I've used on a ss yet is my custom XTR M960, fully polished with the spider machined down