Greg78

i know - need to sort these out!

Hi Everyone. In Dec '16 I built up my first single speed with the parts I had and since then have been doing some changes as parts broke / wore out / or I just felt the "need". So updates include - wider tyres (now 2.4"), wider bars and grips, tensioner changed from DMR to Rapide. My spd's broke and replaced with "downhill platform egg beaters" (I know they may brake per some hub advice I read. But 'dam it' they look so cool I was willing to risk it) At some point I would want to go to a steel ss specific frame. (any steel frames in medium laying around looking for a good home?) Side bar : so I was riding the Longmore Classic the past Sunday. I get to the water point - as usual ask where the beer is. Request some Klipdrift with my coke and where the shooters are. Most enjoyed my jokes (well I was serious actually) including one chap who really got onto the where is the beer bandwagon. Turns out he was also on a single speed!!! In a year of riding in the eastern cape on my bike - I finally meet another single speeder. (his buddy came walking up the hill a minute later. The same hill I walked up also on a single speed). So the only three single speed riders at the race meet by chance talking about beer. I didn't get your details after the race - if you reading this - please PM me. Any more single speed riders in PE - please PM me. I love beer, jokes.... and just riding my bike. Happy riding everyone. Greg

Thanks for all the input!

just for a moment when I checked my chain my newly found single speed bliss (of doing virtually no maintenance) was almost destroyed. My joy is restored - I will take my chances with a snapping chain (I have two kids already anyway).

No problem fusion01 Thanks! that's what I thaught. Just second guessed myself for a moment this morning.

Hello Everyone When do you change a "stretched chain" on a single speed (mountain bike)? I used to be pretty meticulous about keeping my chain clean and changing when at or just before 0.75 on my geared bikes. Does the same principle apply to a single speed chain. Have been riding my single speed since Dec 2016 and now noticed the chain is on 0.75? Any advise would be appreciated.

ah ok! that makes sense - will tinker around a bit more. Thanks!

Hi - didn't even occur to me to run over the top to be honest. So far chain hasn't jumped as is.... is it better to run over the top do you think? Or no right / wrong way to run the chain through the tensioner? Enjoying the bike I must say!!

I hope you can see pictures now....

Apologies - trying to post some pictures of my new ss. Trek Satche 8 - with rigid carbon fork. Donor parts came from Trek superfly. Got nice xx1 cranks and as I had a 30T upfront made that work. (so have 16T at back). Ratio is perfect for the Baakens Valley Riding I have been doing. Tyres are 2.25 - with time could go 2.4 here. Bike is a bullet! Rails corners. But slower down technical stuff. Pictures will follow... when I can figure this out

doing ten things here at the same time - hence the one liner posts Suppose what was trying to say is, personally think you won't go wrong with the Trek (I am enjoying mine tremendously with no complaints), but just shop around a little. That price points will give you a number of very good options to choose from. Good luck with the bike hunting then. Regards Greg

other options : Bicycling Mag has been running some issues that include 29er shootouts. You should be able to get these online still.

Hi there Have just moved from a 26HT to a 29er Full Sus myself. Still ride the HT now and then I must say. My knowledge is a little limited re prices (I would suggest a post along the lines of : what to buy for 50K - that will get things going nicely I am sure. There are some very experienced riders and shop owners etc on the hub) Some options I would perhaps look at is (complete bikes) : Giant (excellent suspension - prob better than the Trek) and Meridas (this suspension rides more like a slightly softened hard tail). These are the bigger commercial brands. Local - Momsens seem well priced, though this is debated on the hub. Frames and builds : Tall Boy, Niners and PYGAs could be within your range too. I have always build up my bikes, starting with a good frame. I then get what I want on the bike from the get go... It does take some time. I am enjoying the Trek I must say. The bike is really stiff. It goes where I point it no questions asked. Have ridden varied terrain from Thabo to Benoni Plots (flat). Took some time to get the rear shock the way I want it, but essentially have it open all the time. Enjoy the traction going up short sharp ups. For the downs, just need it to take the edge off a little. On the longer steady climbs have to watch my pedal stroke, if that makes sense, need to make sure I am spinning and not pushing. Hope this helps