divernick

I built this steel single speed from parts lying around just before my Christmas holidays. On Saturday I was invited to go for a road ride in the Cradle by some mates. I don't have a road bike, so I took this out for a spin as it's maiden voyage. A 90km maiden voyage. How sweet it is to pass roadies with their 80mm deep section carbon wheels and 7kg bikes on the hills with this 11kg, 20-year old bike with no gears. 42x18 was interesting up some of the hills but it's super-smooth and surprisingly fast! What a fun outing!

It'll be fine without any treatment. That said, keep it looking fresh by giving it a good old wax with some car polish before building her up to prevent the typical surface dulling due to corrosion.

Yeah, let's do that again sometime. Did you want to do it faster?

Good idea. I'd be in for sure.

I was being a sissy and riding quite slowly near the back of the group. When I arrived on the scene, Mike was sitting on the floor holding his arm to his chest. Thanks to BBN for bringing the recovery vehicle!

Get better soon Mike! PS - I stopped your ride on your GPS so you will always remember where you bailed.

I would say 34x20, or even 32x20, depending on your climbing ability. I would run 32x20 personally.

Results are on cyclesport.co.za My results are messed up though. It says I did it in 8 hours. haha. Must be a number mess up. 3.46 was my GPS tracked time.

Where are the results?

I'll bring a handful of caps with me.

I'm in for the spruit ride tonight. 29er? Check Fast enough on my SS? I hope so. Lycra? We'll see..... HTFU? Obviously.

I'd also like to know

I'm not sure I would have entered the 50km race if I knew the route profile. Lol It was as tough as the VG or Hakahana marathons for me.

The first climb was 12km to the very top - Cat 2. On my SS. It hurt! My strava ride: http://app.strava.com/activities/33641395

The race was near Sedgefield. I did the 55km. A toughie it was! A huge climb at the beginning and very hot conditions made it physically demanding. The views were awesome and the route was generally in good shape and well marked. There was a bit of confusion where the route looped and overlapped a bit. I think I was the only single speeder in the 55km.

Not enough spokes?

And if you know that you've messed up as above, please crop your ride.

The only one I have at the moment! It's been working well for me on the last few races, so I'll stick to it. I might train with a 18T to prep for the race though....... I'm off to Wilderness this Dec and will be attacking some proper mountains to build some strongs....

I have no rigidity nor budget for any, and will run 32/19.

I'll SS it if you will.....

Inbred 29er.

Vintage steel frame, Shimano 600 cranks, Tiagra brake calipers 42x18T Not yet ridden....

If your 29er is a dual sus, check the rear suspension isn't too soft, causing the BB to drop too much....

I need brakes please guys. Disc brakes, v-brakes and road brakes and levers. Anything you can donate will help me get bikes to those who need em. Thanks!

You got the vision, you got the job...